Noah Schutte home favourite for 10 kilometres: ‘No pressure, I just want to enjoy it’
It all started for Noah Schutte at the 10 kilometres of the Leiden Marathon. As a young lad he was already running near the front of the field, and every year he got a little faster. On Sunday he returns to the event he already became an ambassador for last year. The 29-year-old Leiden native is aiming for a strong result, but faces a tough challenge in a top-class field.
No kids’ run or the 5K — Noah started directly on the 10 kilometres at age twelve. That he had talent was clear. He immediately dipped under 40 minutes. Running was just something he did ‘on the side’. Table tennis was his sport.
When he knocked on the door at Leiden Atletiek and told them he was already running 10 kilometres, his coaches looked at him in surprise. First he had to learn to run shorter distances on the track. ‘I was allowed an exception for the Leiden Marathon, but later that really wasn’t possible anymore. I ran the 10 kilometres five times and then the 5 kilometres in 2013 and 2014, finishing first and third.’
Professional career
Noah’s career took off quickly. He became a successful track athlete and moved to Portland to combine studies and elite sport. During that period he became national champion twice in the 3000 metre steeplechase (2018 and 2019), among other achievements.
Unfortunately, injuries often got in the way of the Leiden top runner. It therefore took a while before his honours list got a fitting follow-up. In 2023 he claimed the national title on his home track at Leiden Atletiek over 10 kilometres. In October of that year he also became Dutch champion in the half marathon.
Last year Noah made his debut at the Amsterdam Marathon. At 2:16:46 it wasn’t what he had expected. Yet he calls it a useful experience. ‘It was a first step in that direction, just to see if it was something for me. I enjoyed the preparations and learned a lot. This autumn I want to follow it up.’
10 kilometres as main goal
This spring the 10 kilometres is his main goal. Last month he finished sixteenth in 28:35 at the European Championships on the road in Leuven. In June he wants to make another bid for the national title on the track at the Gouden Spike in Leiden.
The Leiden Marathon falls right between these races. ‘It’s a moment to see where I stand. That’s why I’m not putting pressure on myself. I mainly want to enjoy the crowd and the city. I run past my parents’ house on the Zoeterwoudse Singel and also come close to where I live now — I think that’s special. And of course the finish is amazing too, with all those people.’
Competition
On Sunday he faces tough competition for the win. He’ll meet Filmon Tesfu (27:45), the national record holder at this distance. Noah’s personal best of 27:58 is only a fraction slower. Mustefa Kedir (28:08), Lahsene Bouchikhi (28:24), Roy Hoornweg (28:58) and Tom Hendrikse (29:16) have also dipped under the 30-minute barrier.
It won’t be easy to win, Noah knows too. ‘I don’t want to make it a fast race, but hope to run tactically. That obviously also depends on what the others want. With lots of support along the way it’s sure to be a wonderful race.’
Text: Mathieu Hilgersom
Photo above: Seth Profet
Elite runners per distance
5 kilometres:
Tim Klink (16:44)
Myrte van Hinsberg (18:21)
Iris Janssen (19:12)
10 van Zorg en Zekerheid:
Filmon Tesfu (27:45)
Noah Schutte (27:58)
Mustefa Kedir (28:08)
Lahsene Bouchikhi (28:24)
Roy Hoornweg (28:58)
Tom Hendrikse (29:16)
Jonas Reneze (30:51)
Andy Coendet (30:42)
Tesfalem Zeresenay (30:46)
Sven Grundeken (31:23)
Edwin Voogd (32:01)
Michiel Otten (32:58)
Pascal Noort (33:12)
Randolph Nicia (33:58)
Sarah Lahti (31:28)
Anne Luijten (32:47)
Jacelyn Gruppen (32:58)
21 van Bunnig & Partners:
David Bolscher (1:06:23)
Ralph Kijk in de Vegte (1:07:45)
Patrick Maher (1:08:30)
Joris Tolenaar (1:09:12)
Peer Pulles (1:09:21)
Hans van Rossum (1:09:29)
Pieter Roelofs (1:10:20)
Rogier Roelen (1:10:56)
Timo Maarleveld (1:13:13)
Sebastiaan Bleekemolen (1:13:34)
Malin Heldenius (1:18:22)
Kristy Timmers (1:21:57)
Mijke Fens-de Rooy (1:24:32)
42 van SWIS:
Khalid Choukoud (2:07:37)
Wilfred Kemboi (2:13:23)
Aspel Kiprop (2:14:11)
Isaac Yego (2:16:03)
Manazot Siyum (debut)
Jean Baptiste Lesaulnier (2:30:00)
Gladys Otero (2:32:47)
Harriet Chebore (2:38:47)
Nikita van Lierop (2:51:18)
Yakoub Labquira (pacer)
Maikel Stolwijk (pacer)
(PB in brackets)
