Running News Daily

The streets of Rotterdam are once again set to stage a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and legacy as Bashir Abdi returns to the Rotterdam Marathon on April 12 with history firmly in his sights.

A two-time Olympic marathon medallist, Abdi is no stranger to the grandeur of this race. It was here, in 2021, that he etched his name into European athletics history by clocking a stunning 2:03:36 — a performance that still stands as the European record. Now, at 37, the Belgian star is not merely defending his legacy; he is chasing its evolution.

“I feel many athletes are getting close to that record,” Abdi admitted, acknowledging the rising tide of elite marathon running. “If I want to hold on to it for a few more years, I have to go faster. Whether it's for this edition or another time, I don't know. But my ambition is to break that European record.”

That statement alone sets the tone for what could be one of the most intriguing races of the season. In an era where marathon standards are relentlessly improving, records are no longer safe—they are targets.

Abdi’s journey back to Rotterdam, however, has not been without turbulence. The 2025 season proved to be a frustrating chapter, derailed by injury and marked by unfulfilled potential. For an athlete of his calibre, it was a rare setback—but perhaps also a necessary pause.

Now, the signs of resurgence are unmistakable.

Earlier this month, Abdi reignited belief with a commanding performance on home soil in Gent, where he clocked a national record of 59:28 over the half marathon distance. The run was more than just a statistic—it was a statement. A signal that the engine is once again firing, and that Rotterdam may yet witness another chapter of brilliance.

As the marathon approaches, anticipation continues to build. Will Abdi defy time and raise his own bar once more? Or will the chasing pack close in on the mark he so brilliantly set?

In Rotterdam, the clock will tell—but one thing is certain: Bashir Abdi is not finished writing his story.