Running a marathon is already a huge challenge for many. But for Lowie van Eck (33) from Gouda, the KPMG Lentemarathon became an extra special milestone. Lowie is visually impaired and can only see six percent. Nevertheless, he was at the start line on Sunday, determined to make his dream come true: to run a marathon completely independently.
“This felt like my last chance.”
Lowie works as a teacher’s aide at a school for the blind and visually impaired and knows better than anyone how important it is to keep pushing your limits. “My vision is slowly deteriorating and I know that in a few years I won’t be able to walk independently anymore. This felt like my last chance to do this myself.”
His running journey once began in high school. “I got a failing grade on the cooper test. My mother suggested I join a running group and later still passed the test. That’s when I was sold.” Since then, sports have been an important part of his life, from skiing on black slopes as a child to mountain biking to now running marathons.
Hours of preparation via Google Streetview
Prior to the KPMG Lentemarathon, Lowie prepared meticulously. “Together with Davy, who is involved in the Lentemarathon, I went through the entire route. We sat at the computer for hours discussing every curb and pole via Google Streetview.”
Lowie also trained running independently during other running events, while his buddy kept a watchful eye from a distance. “I knew the route was well marked with drang fences and large arrows, also the white sails stood out just enough.”
A battle against the polder as well as uncertainty
The marathon itself was not without its challenges. “I found the polder especially tough. Everything there is gray and empty for me. And then, when you also see a runner get out while you have to go straight… then the doubt hits you.” Still, Lowie managed to keep his focus and keep going. “I loved the Amsterdamse Bos! Even with low visibility, this was a beautiful stretch to run through.”
An exciting moment were the care stations. “I think I dropped a few cups of water and some fruit. My apologies to the girl whose tray of oranges I accidentally knocked over,” he laughs.
Freedom and autonomy
After more than 42 kilometers, Lowie reached the finish line. “I did it! This had been on my bucket list for years. As a teenager, I dreamed of running a marathon someday. Back then I had no idea that I would ever run with buddies, or that I might never be able to do it alone again. But this marathon I ran solo. That feeling of freedom and autonomy, nobody takes that away from me anymore.”
“Just start. Find the help you need.”
Lowie hopes his story inspires others. “Do you doubt if sports is for you because of a disability? Just start. For example, inquire at Running Blind or Uniek Sporten. A lot is often possible with a buddy or the right guidance.”
His next goals? “Rotterdam, the KAT100 in Austria and a half triathlon in Almere. As long as I can, I’ll keep pushing my limits.”
Lowie’s verhaal laat zien waar de KPMG Lentemarathon voor staat: persoonlijke grenzen verleggen, vrijheid voelen en genieten van de sport. Wij zijn enorm trots dat Lowie erbij was en hopen dat zijn verhaal anderen inspireert om ook in beweging te komen. 💪