As we start to see some parts of the world return to ‘normal’, we are feeling very optimistic that 2021 will be a good year for running. Particularly for Dutch marathoner Bjorn Koreman, who signed for NN Running team at the beginning of 2021. Going from winning a competition to have his shoes signed by Eliud Kipchoge, to being his NN Running team mate - this was a dream come true. 

Koreman’s journey to becoming an elite runner does not follow the standard parameters of your usual elite runner. At the age of 21, Koreman started running and despite coming from what he says an “unhealthy lifestyle”, he had a clear natural talent for the sport. This was made clear after his first spontaneous 5K race, finishing in a time of 20.33. Koreman entered the same race the following year, and knocked more than 1 minute off his time (19.31). 

As a lot of talented runners do, the next step was to join a running team - at this point, still smoking but entering more competitions. Being around similar and faster runners has a lot of benefits for those wanting to ‘up their game’. This clearly was the case for Koreman, in spring of 2013 he got a 5K PB of 17.54. This 5K personal best was the catalyst for Korman to quit the smoking completely and has not touched a single cigarette since then. From then on, there was no looking back from Koreman, with lightning progress in his running. 3 years after his first 5K at the Singelloop Breda, Koreman went on to finish 2nd at the same race (15.50).

It was not all a smooth and easy progress however. As most runners, Koreman ran into a stage of injuries which sidelined him for a large amount of time. But with determination an perseverance, Koreman came out of the injuries a stronger runner. With a change of running coach, and his focus moving to the longer distances, Koreman continued to progress. In 2017 Koreman ran 1.09.48 on the half marathon, in 2018 1.06.27 and half a year later in 2019 finishing in a time of 1.05.57. 2019 was also Koreman’s marathon debut year in Eindhoven, finishing in a time of 2.17.26. 

Under the guidance of coach Bram Wassenaar, 2020 was a year of PB’s for Koreman. Taking his half marathon time to 1.02.44 and marathon time down to 2.11.07. Koreman’s next mission is on April 11 for the Hamburg marathon - looking to secure his spot for the summer Olympics.

Images: Bjorn Koreman

References: bjornkoreman.nl | NN Running Team