033 Running Crew: More Than Miles in Amersfoort
Crew at a Glance The 033 Running Crew is a vibrant running community based in Amersfoort, Netherlands, founded on the simple belief that running together is better than running alone. Established in 2017, the crew creates a fun, inclusive, and engaging atmosphere for runners of all abilities and ages. With free weekly group runs and a strong social spirit, they welcome anyone looking to share miles and motivation.
Introduction
In the historic city of Amersfoort, a passion for running sparked an idea between two brothers. In 2017, identical twins Niels and Olaf Kerkhof founded the 033 Running Crew. Their motivation came from their own journey as amateur runners who discovered that the camaraderie of a group transformed their solitary hobby into a shared, exhilarating experience. They aimed to create a space for runners in Amersfoort to connect, support one another, and collectively pursue their goals. What began with a handful of runners has since blossomed into a well-known community, adding its unique energy to the city's active culture.
Philosophy & Founders
The crew's philosophy directly reflects its founders' journey. Niels and Olaf began their running adventure in 2012, participating in a local 10km race in Amersfoort. Despite being newcomers clad in old football shirts, they both finished with an impressive time of around 43 minutes. This initial success ignited a deeper ambition: to conquer the 42.195 km marathon distance in under three hours.As they immersed themselves in the sport, their approach became more professional, and their knowledge of training, nutrition, and technique expanded. The desire to share this hard-earned wisdom and their infectious enthusiasm for endurance sports drove them to establish the 033 Running Crew. The name itself, "033," nods to their local pride, representing the telephone area code for Amersfoort. It signifies that this is a crew deeply rooted in its home city.
Community & Collaboration
From its modest beginnings, the 033 Running Crew has developed a significant local presence. Its growth is a testament to its welcoming and energetic environment. The crew actively fosters a sense of community that extends beyond their regular runs, often visible through their social media presence, where they share group photos and celebrate member achievements. Although specific major collaborations with other crews are not widely documented, their open nature suggests a willingness to connect with the broader running world. Their largest impact remains local, creating a consistent and accessible hub for runners throughout Amersfoort.
Culture & Activities
The culture of the 033 Running Crew is characterized by being casual, informative, and above all, fun. The belief that running should be an enjoyable pursuit lies at the core of their activities. The crew typically meets multiple times a week for evening group runs, with distances varying from 5 km to 21 km to accommodate different goals and fitness levels. These runs are social events designed to be encouraging rather than intimidating. Post-run gatherings, including social events like BBQs, are common, further strengthening the bonds between members.
Invitation
The 033 Running Crew is an open and free community. There are no membership fees or strict requirements to join. Newcomers and visiting runners are encouraged to come along. Information about their weekly "CREW RUNS," including times and meeting locations, is regularly updated on their official Instagram page, making it easy for anyone to participate.
About the City
Amersfoort, a city in the province of Utrecht, offers a stunning backdrop for any run. It is a place where rich medieval history, exemplified by its preserved city center and iconic Koppelpoort (a land and water gate), meets beautiful green spaces. This blend of historic architecture and natural landscapes creates a unique and motivating environment for runners. The city's love for sports is palpable, with running being one of its most popular activities.
Routes & Landmarks
The 033 Running Crew takes full advantage of their city's diverse scenery. Their routes often wind through the charming, historic streets of the inner city and the tranquil paths within its numerous parks. While the crew does not publish a fixed list of signature routes, their runs explore the green suburbs and often trace parts of the local race courses, taking in landmarks and the scenic banks of the River Eem.
Local Races
Amersfoort’s premier running event is the Marathon Amersfoort, an annual highlight that has energized the city since 2009. This celebrated race attracts thousands of runners from both the local community and abroad, transforming the city into a festive hub with live music and DJs along the course. The event offers something for everyone, featuring a half marathon (21.1 km), 10 km and 5 km races, as well as mini-marathons for children. For those seeking a bigger challenge, a full marathon (42.195 km) is organized as a special training run on the Saturday before the main event.
