A 4,500 km journey across history, culture, hardship, and hope.
The Jerusalem–Amsterdam ultrarun was not a symbolic gesture or a short expedition – it was a monumental journey through some of the world’s most diverse landscapes and challenging environments. Stretching from the Middle East into the heart of Europe, the route carried Martin Mes across deserts, mountain ranges, ancient roads, and bustling cities, ultimately leading him home to the Netherlands.
This page provides an in-depth look at the route, the places Martin crossed, and the extraordinary moments that defined this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
An Unprecedented Path
Most ultraruns take place on closed loops, controlled courses, or within a single country. Martin’s run was different – raw, real, and unpredictable. Covering thousands of kilometers meant navigating:
- Geopolitical borders
- Languages and cultures
- Extreme weather shifts
- Remote and undeveloped roads
- Frequent changes in elevation
- Strict diabetes management on the move
The route was planned with both practical and symbolic meaning: from the spiritual heart of Jerusalem to the familiar homeland of the Netherlands, connecting continents through endurance.
START: Jerusalem, Israel
The journey began at one of the world’s most historically significant cities. Jerusalem’s ancient stone paths, steep inclines, and desert climate immediately tested Martin’s preparation. From the very first day, he battled heat, dry air, and hilly terrain while adjusting to the immense psychological weight of what lay ahead.
Running through Israel required:
- Navigating busy urban areas
- Managing high temperatures
- Coordinating with local authorities
- Preparing for the shift from urban to desert regions
Each day in Israel built the foundation for the kilometers to come.
Jordan & Syria (Original Planned Segments)
In the early stages of the journey, the team faced logistical challenges related to border permissions. Although the original plan involved crossing Jordan and Syria on foot, entering these regions required constant adaptation. The team had to work with officials, reconsider certain segments, and in some cases adjust plans to maintain safety and continuity.
These early cross-border challenges established a theme for the journey: nothing was guaranteed, every kilometer was earned.
Turkey – A Turning Point
Turkey became one of the most defining countries of the ultrarun.
Martin crossed:
- Long stretches of open rural roads
- Intense mountain regions
- Hot coastal areas
- Urban centers full of traffic and noise
Turkey also delivered several crucial moments:
1. The World Championship Recognition
Martin was honored as a world champion ultra-runner in Turkey after surpassing previous monthly distance records – over 1,500 km in a single month.
2. Major Publicity & Media Coverage
Multiple news organizations, including major Turkish publications, covered the run, elevating its visibility.
3. Emotional Team Challenges
Team members underwent significant fatigue, illness, and personal struggles, leading to multiple crew changes.
Turkey was both a battleground and a celebration – a place where Martin’s mission received international recognition.
Italy – Mountains, Cold, and Endurance
Italy proved one of the most physically demanding sections.
Challenges included:
- Harsh winter weather
- Narrow mountain roads
- Long distances between safe rest stops
- Finding non-highway paths suitable for running
- Managing diabetes during cold and fatigue
Despite the difficulties, Italy also provided stability:
- Family visits
- Hotel stays during recovery
- Emotional support from loved ones
- Additional team members joining
Italy became the bridge between hardship and homecoming.
Greece – Welcome with Open Arms
Arriving in Greece marked a shift in environment. Here, Martin received extraordinary hospitality, local support, and strong media attention.
Key moments included:
- Police-escorted runs through busy streets
- A 10 km celebratory run through Athens
- An official welcome in the Olympic Stadium
- Meeting the mayor of Athens
- Participation in a triathlon event
Greece blended cultural warmth with athletic history, energizing the team for the next stage.
France – A Test of Body and Mind
France was marked by one of the most difficult moments of the entire run: Martin’s hospitalization.
After days of exhaustion, emotional strain, and insufficient recovery caused by the lack of massage support, Martin’s body reached its limits.
He was admitted to a French hospital, where doctors diagnosed severe physical and mental fatigue.
This pause was crucial.
It forced a reevaluation of pace, recovery, and strategy.
After rest, support from family, and renewed determination, Martin resumed the journey.
Belgium – The Final Push
Belgium represented the final foreign stage before reaching Dutch soil. As he crossed into Belgium, Martin could feel the nearness of home, though challenges remained.
Cold weather, long days, ongoing fatigue, and constantly shifting glucose levels made the final stretch emotionally and physically intense.
THE NETHERLANDS – Homecoming
Crossing the Dutch border was one of the most emotional experiences of the entire journey.
Martin was welcomed by:
- Police escorts with sirens
- Journalists and broadcasters
- Fellow runners
- Family members running toward him with homemade medals
- Supporters lining the roads
The final route took him through Limburg, Woerden, Hoorn, and ultimately to Stede Broec, where he was received at the town hall on 3 February.
A Route That Made History
From holy cities to snowy mountains, from hospital rooms to cheering crowds, Martin’s route was a portrait of human resilience. It represented:
- Overcoming chronic illness
- Enduring extreme physical hardship
- Receiving global support
- Building a movement for diabetes awareness
- Turning a dream into a milestone
The route was not just a path — it was a story.
A story written one kilometer at a time.