Murat, a passionate athlete who has been swimming, cycling, and running for thirty years, particularly enjoys triathlons. After competing in events in Damme, Kanne, and Maastricht, and running several marathons, he eased back after the pandemic. However, a sporting goal is essential for him. "If I sign up for a competition, I have to train. Otherwise, you tend to postpone it," he says. Having a race on the horizon keeps him motivated.
As a resident of Genk, he couldn't miss the Genk Marathon this year. On Sunday, he will put on his running shoes for the 42 kilometers through his own city. Preparations are going smoothly; Murat has already logged many kilometers and has scouted a large part of the course. "I live near Kattevennen. From there, I often run towards Genk-Centrum and C-mine, around the slag heap and along the Kolenspoor."
He particularly enjoys running the section along the Kolenspoor. His father used to work as a miner in Zwartberg, making that area especially meaningful. "When I pass there, it brings back many memories. It's wonderful to run past all those familiar places in my own city on Sunday."
Friends and family are naturally proud of Murat, although they are not surprised that he is still running a marathon at 66. He also receives many positive reactions at school. "The students and teachers find it very inspiring. That's heartwarming, of course," he says. Murat himself remains down-to-earth about the attention, but running 42 kilometers at 66, through his own city, remains an impressive feat. All of Genk is welcome to give him an extra push on Sunday.
