Harrogate couple Richard and Kirstie Hamilton decided to visit Amsterdam for a few days of rest and relaxation, a chance to see the city. However, the notoriously tight Yorkshire couple decided that running round the city would be far cheaper than paying expensive European taxi fares.
In order to do “Holland on the cheap”, the couple were spotted on their first night in the European capital of sleaze seated at a Thai restaurant. Witnesses said the couple ate more rice than the Japanese army and washed it down with the smallest beer measure in Europe, 250ml of Heineken (200ml less froth).
Burning the candle at both ends meant that the couple were tucked up in bed by 10pm.
The following night the Hamilton’s met fellow MS Society runners at the Ibis hotel. The meeting was billed as a small social event. After an hour of long faces and nervous conversation the Hamilton’s grew tired of nursing mineral water. It was time to “fuel up” at a small Italian restaurant.
Race day was all smiles but only for the photographs. The air was very cool which explains why teeth were chattering whilst boarding the tram.
The day looked perfect for fast running in the 30th Amsterdam Marathon. The skies were blue and, allied to the flat course and the Hamilton’s peak fitness after an injury-free build-up, the recipe was almost complete. But the strongest winds the event has suffered for five years blew the candles off the cake. Race day was no different from any other for Mr Hamilton, an average day spoilt by strong wind.
Mrs Hamilton was seen bounding into the stadium like a wild gazelle. The reason behind her terrific turn of speed was simply that “The crowd love a sprint finish”.
Mr Hamilton described the race as “The hardest thing I have ever done” and then went on to lambaste the organisers for not including some of the historic buildings, sites and sounds of the Dutch capital. It was only later that Mr Hamilton was informed that he had run through the Amsterdam Olympic Stadium on three occasions, through Vondel Park twice and passed The Rijksmuseum, The River Amstel and a Historic Windmill. All accompanied by 5 Samba bands. It appears that being “In the zone” is not conducive to site seeing.
On Monday morning, despite sore legs, they reverted to a more conventional form of tourism. Whilst adopting a movement reminiscent of a crab, Mr Hamilton was overheard as saying “Why couldn’t Anne Frank have hidden in a basement?”
The after effects of their exertions were felt for many days but this did not prevent them finally savouring the less seedy delights of Amsterdam. Sites were seen, beer was drunk and limbs still hindered mobility.
Due to the generosity of their family, friends and colleagues, the Yorkshire couple have managed to raise a staggering £1000. Which flies in the face of northern stereotypes. Team Hamilton would like to thank everyone for their financial and moral support during the build up to race day.
5 Km | 24:49 | 24:49 |
10 Km | 48:31 | 23:42 |
15 Km | 1:11:30 | 22:59 |
20 Km | 1:33:42 | 22:12 |
Half marathon | 1:38:35 |
|
25 Km | 1:56:06 | 22:24 |
30 Km | 2:18:39 | 22:33 |
35 Km | 2:41:24 | 22:45 |
40 Km | 3:04:41 | 23:17 |
Marathon | 3:14:22 |
|
On Monday morning, despite sore legs, they reverted to a more conventional form of tourism. Whilst adopting a movement reminiscent of a crab, Mr Hamilton was overheard as saying “Why couldn’t Anne Frank have hidden in a basement?”
The after effects of their exertions were felt for many days but this did not prevent them finally savouring the less seedy delights of 
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