Running man on track to clock up 100 half marathons
Dick Breukink is on the cusp of achieving his goal of running 100 half marathons in 10 years.
On August 4, the Cambridge man will return to where it all began back in 2008 – for the half marathon distance in the Hoka One One Taupo¯ Marathon.
‘‘I started the challenge at the age of 52 and ten years later I am still running on a regular basis.’’
In fact he has run so much that his races and training combined has seen him run the equivalent length of New Zealand, just over eight times.
‘‘As a matter of fact, I have had a look at my total running kilometres and have clocked up more than 13,000 kilometres.’’
Breukink ran number 99 on Queen’s Birthday weekend in Tauranga in torrential rain and wind.
On his return to Taupo¯ to complete his 100th race on August 4, organisers of the event have allocated Breukink with start number 100.
Breukink started running after leaving the Netherlands and coming to live in New Zealand.
He is still not quite sure why though.
‘‘The beauty of the running tracks here [in New Zealand] made me enjoy it even more.
‘‘After I completed around 50 runs or so, I realised that I could possibly break the 100 runs.’’
In September 2011, Breukink lost his wife after a short battle with lung cancer.
‘‘She was only 49 years old and really important in my life and I still miss her a lot.
‘‘She encouraged me to run as well and after her passing, I guess that I run for her now,’’ he said.
Breukink said he thinks of running as a ‘‘sort of fast walking’’ and as long as you take it step by step, you will get there.
He said for those that want to challenge themselves, they should just set some targets and stick to them.
‘‘Age is just a number and if you want to accomplish something and you really want to do it, you got to tell your brain and get going.
‘‘Surely you have heard all the excuses why you can not achieve your targets, but I believe that you have to come up with the answers that you can do it.
Breukink said if people set their mind to something, then they can do it. After a busy day at work, it is great to run it all off.
To help Breukink with fundraising [for the Red Cross] go to www.everydayhero.com and search Dick Breukink.