WHERE IS MARTIN NOW?
Live updates, final milestones, and the ongoing legacy of the Jerusalem–Amsterdam ultrarun.
Throughout the Jerusalem–Amsterdam ultrarun, supporters from around the world followed Martin’s progress with immense anticipation. Every day brought new developments—milestones reached, challenges faced, and emotional moments shared. The “Where Is Martin Now?” page served as the digital heartbeat of the journey, updating thousands of followers eager to know where the road had taken him.
This page now functions as both a final record of Martin’s positions during the run and a living tribute to his continuing mission. It captures the journey’s final weeks, the emotional homecoming, and how Martin’s mission continues today.
If you feel inspired by Martin’s journey and want to support the mission that fuels it, you can Become a Sponsor and help expand awareness across more communities.
How the Updates Worked
During the ultrarun, real-time tracking wasn’t as advanced as it is today. Instead:
- Updates were shared by phone from the support team
- Messages were typed into the website every 8–10 days
- Followers visited frequently to see where Martin had reached
- Reports included both route progress and personal stories
- Emotional moments and challenges were described as they happened
These updates became a lifeline for family, friends, sponsors, and supporters across Europe.
The Final Weeks – Country by Country
The final weeks of the ultrarun (January–February) were among the most intense, dramatic, and emotionally charged of the entire project. Below is a detailed look at the final stages, as originally reported.
Belgium → Netherlands Border (26 January)
A defining moment arrived as Martin approached the Dutch border after months of effort. Exhaustion, cold, injuries, and recurring hypo/hyper episodes made every kilometer a battle.
Yet the moment he reached the Netherlands was unforgettable.
Highlights:
- A group of runners from Weert accompanied him for the last kilometers before the border.
- Police cars with flashing lights escorted the group.
- Two of Martin’s children, Stephan and Maikel, ran toward their father with homemade medals.
- Martin embraced his wife with overwhelming emotion after months apart.
- Chris the loyal support driver was finally able to reunite with his partner after three months on the road.
This was not just a milestone, it was a homecoming of the heart.
Wuustwezel → Oosterhout → Schelluinen → Woerden (28 January – 1 February)
Daily updates tracked Martin’s precise movements:
28 January
- Departed from Wuustwezel at 12:00
- Arrived in Oosterhout
29 January
- Continued toward Schelluinen
30 January
- Headed toward Woerden
31 January – 1 February
- Destination for 1 February was not confirmed, highlighting how unpredictable the final week became
- Continued beyond Woerden toward the final segments of the route
Hotel Bel Air, Limburg (27–28 January)
After crossing into the Netherlands, Martin spent time recovering at Hotel Bel Air, where he had previously trained.
Here, he received:
- Intensive massage sessions
- Essential rest after months of strain
- Media attention from radio, television, and newspapers
The support staff reported that he needed to rebuild strength for the final 250 km.
Health Crisis in France – A Turning Point
One of the most challenging chapters occurred earlier, on 9 January, when Martin collapsed under physical and mental exhaustion in France.
He was hospitalized due to:
- Extreme fatigue
- Untreated muscle tension (after losing massage staff)
- Rapid glucose fluctuations
- Emotional strain
- Overtraining caused by a desire to reach home sooner
Doctors recommended immediate rest, with some advising he end the run entirely.
Yet after a week of recovery, family support, and renewed focus, Martin made the courageous decision to continue.
This moment became one of the defining demonstrations of his willpower.
The Final Destination – Stede Broec (3 February)
The journey officially concluded on:
Saturday, 3 February
Between 12:00 and 13:00
Stede Broec Town Hall
Martin’s arrival was a true celebration.
Key moments:
- A symbolic final route from Hoorn via the Zesstedenweg
- Local residents lining the streets
- Family waiting with open arms
- Journalists capturing the emotional finish
- Supporters cheering as Martin completed the final steps
Weeks of fear, joy, exhaustion, and perseverance crystallized in one victorious moment.
A Living Legacy – Where Martin Is Now?
Today, “Where Is Martin Now?” no longer tracks daily kilometers—but it continues as a space to honor Martin’s journey and highlight where his mission has led him since:
1. Advocacy & Awareness
Martin continues to inspire those living with diabetes, sharing his story through events, education, and community outreach.
2. Health Education & Sports Programs
His mission has contributed to growing awareness of how physical activity benefits diabetes management.
3. Media Presence & Inspiration
The ultrarun remains a powerful story referenced in articles, interviews, and diabetic communities worldwide.
4. A Symbol of Possibility
Martin remains a reminder that discipline and belief can overcome physical and psychological barriers.
The Journey Continues
Although the ultrarun concluded in 2001, the message is timeless:
Movement empowers. Education transforms. Endurance inspires.
Visitors come to this page not only to see where the run ended but to understand how its impact still moves forward today.