Project 42

Running 42 marathons for charity

Maarten Hendriks

In 2020, the year I turned 42, I ran 42 marathons for charity. It all sounded very simple: On my road I did get many extra challenges, but I have always remained positive and was able to run my last marathon on December 23rd.

Thanks to many friends, acquaintances, family and also new friends, I have collected a total of CHF 6000,- for Licht für die Welt. With this amount they can perform 200 cataract surgeries, so that 200 people are given the light in the eyes again.

Below you can see and read my report and video about this special year. Be inspired, not only by our beautiful mountain world, but also to do that little bit extra, something special for your fellow man or nature.

Of course you can still contribute to Licht für die Welt, as they remain committed and pursue their vision of fully integrating people with disabilities into society.

Video

The Charity project

Light for the world

Licht für die Welt

Light for the world is a foundation that strives for a world where people with disabilities are helped and given a fair chance of education and work.

Among other things, They do this by making operations for cataracts possible. This operation costs only 42 euros and can help someone seeing again in 15 minutes. Imagine that you can offer someone the light in their eyes again for 42 euros?
In addition, the organisation provides rehabilitation, offers support to enable children with disabilities to grow up well with this disability in their own environment. and strives for equal rights for people with disabilities.

Report

Maarten Hendriks

The marathons

Below you can find an overview of all the marathons I ran last year

# Marathon Picture Description Amount Details View
118-01-2020
Heidiland - Tamina Schlucht
Bad Ragaz
The first marathon. Running easy, mostly flat to the beautiful Tamina Gorges. Running went easy, looking forward to do this almost every week 42.0045 km
800 hm
3:15
Strava
225-01-2020
Walensee heen en weer
Weesen
The second run. Decided to go along the Walensee and back again. So a bit of a flat run, unfortunately sometimes a bit icy on the road. In fact this is the boring side of the lake, but I wanted to avoid the snow at the other side. Did run a bit slower as last week, but steady42.2043 km
700 hm
3:19
Strava
331-01-2020
Reichenburg - Walensee
Reichenburg
Running home from the indoor playground. This time on the most beautiful side of the lake. It is always a joy to run this stunning part with the Betlis falls and 2 climbs on the way. The last climb did not go that smooth, but finished happy again42.0042 km
1200 hm
3:33
Strava
409-02-2020
Spitzmeilenhütte - wintertrails
Flumserberg
The wintertrails in Flumserberg were in good conditions to make a full marathon distance on them. Only the part up to spitzmeilenhütte was a bit soft, so took some effort to get through. Running on snow is hard when it is too soft, so I was very happy that most of the trails were prepared really well. I did finish in the dark, but with a small torchlight the snow helps to see really well. This was really amazing42.0042 km
1800 hm
4:19
Strava
517-02-2020
Liechtenstein - Luzisteig
Flums
Liechtenstein is just a small distance away from our house. The run I made today is actually a round that we cycle more often. Not to much of elevation, so could make some speed and even ran under 3 hours : ) Fun to run another country from your doorstep42.0042 km
500 hm
2:56
Strava
603-03-2020
Weisstannen - Vermol
Flums
Weistannen is a hidden valley between Flumserberg and Pizol skiarea. The valley is quiet and therefore really wonderfull. In Winter the road up till Weistannen is open, so still possible to run upwards, enjoying the mountains in snow around it. Felt fit today, so could make a fast marathon again42.0042 km
930 hm
3:21
Strava
708-03-2020
Helmond - Rosmalen
Rosmalen
I could not stay home with the idea of my mother getting 70 years old and not be there. So decided to go to the Netherlands last minute together with Imke. I went to Helmond where my grandmother used to live and my mother was born, to run back to Rosmalen where she lives now. Being in the flatlands, this was a good possibility to run a fast marathon again152.0045 km
30 hm
3:02
Strava
818-03-2020
Jubileumsweg - Regitzer Spits
Flums
The Jubileumsweg is a route from Flums to Sargans that was used over 1200 years ago to connect the fortresses. It is a great path that can be run all year round. The regitzer Spitz is a well known (small) peak that gives a great view over the rhine valley. And finally Pfäffers is one of the villages in the Tamina valley. I combined the tours to run a full marathon again, today it took me some more effort42.0042 km
1600 hm
4:00
Strava
925-03-2020
Walensee Marathon
Walenstadt
Running around the Walensee is almost a marathon distance. So I only had to extend it for a few kilometer to make it a great marathon again. The lake is always beautiful, so it was a joy to run around it again15.0043 km
1600 hm
3:30
Strava
1004-04-2020
Social distance run for Lyme
Flums
Today I did run for Lyme instead of Light for the world. I did run at the same time with Edwin Verdurmen, who was running in the Netherlands, with the goal to run as far as possible in 5 hours, or at least 50km. We both did run over 50km, while I even put 2000 meters of elevation in my route: part of the Rheintaler höhenweg from Sargans to Wildhaus. A very nice route to explore the mountains along the Rhine valley. Unfortunately I lost track in snow near wildhaus, so had to improvise a bit, but was very happy to finish the 50km in Wildhaus140.0050 km
2100 hm
4:47
Strava
1111-04-2020
Gigerwald
Flums
I have been cycling the Tamina Valley often, especially to the Gigerwald Stausee. Also together with Sanne and Johan92.0044 km
1700 hm
3:54
Strava
1219-04-2020
Weesen - Talalpsee
Weesen
Last week I did make a fall on my tailbone and therefore did not finish the marathon. This week I did start again, even though I did still had some pain. Therefore I did start a bit slower, but on the way did find it though to really push on. Also going down was hard, since it still hurted. The biggest mistake was that I did run a bit different and therewith did force my Achilles too much. I did finish the marathon, but had to take a time out from running afterwards. The talalpsee is beautifull by the way104.1942 km
1000 hm
3:51
Strava
1306-05-2020
Gonzen - Alvier
Flums
Since I did have some injuries in the last weeks, I decided to walk a full marathon distance, testing my body again. This went very well, allthough I found it taking so long to walk that far. I did make a lot of elevation in the start, just for the fun of it and to enjoy our mountains. Alvier was a bit rough, while it still had a lot of snow, making it hard to get through some sections. So the first 16km took me 5 hours! The rest of the walk I did use eassier paths to continu and get back home before darkness : ) The downhill was very slippery in some parts, so running was not an option there anyway. I managed to run a bit in the last 10km and felt very happy that I did not feel much of the Achilles anymore42.0042 km
3000 hm
8:00
Strava
1417-05-2020
7 Gipfel tour. Guscha - Leist
Flums
7 Gipfel Tour extreme Edition: Guscha Gratweg, Prodkamm, Masschenkamm, Ziger, Leist, Chili Guslen, gross guslen. Mostly walking upwards, running downwards except for some snow fields and 1 unexpected Alke paadje.63.0045 km
3500 hm
5:42
Strava
1523-05-2020
Klöntalersee - Talalpsee
Flums
A beautiful lake to start, first downhill, then a 1500m climb to Fronalppass. The plan was to run along Schwarzstöckli and down via Murgseen, but the weather got really bad, so decided to go down a bit earlier before the storm took off. Got soaking wet anyway, but at least avoided getting into trouble on high alpine in thunderstorm. So had to finish in the flat part along the lake462.0043 km
1900 hm
4:05
Strava
1631-05-2020
11 Peaks Solo
Solothurn
Running the 11PeaksSolo or in Dutch: Ronnies Rondje. An extreme Solo Ultra over 11 peaks around Solothurn. The place is all about the number eleven, therefore, this roundtrip counts 11 peaks and starts and finishes on the 3x 11 stairs of the church in the city centre. Finishing the round under 11:11:11 is rewarded with a local beer, unfortunately I did not make it in time : (. Nevertheless it was an extraordinary round, self navigated with over 5.500 meter of elevation. I am proud that I did finish it in just over 12 hours, being one of the thoughest races I did84.0082 km
5600 hm
12:23
Strava
1706-06-2020
7 Gipfel tour
Flums
Did run the 7 Gipfel Tour with Roos and Wijnand in a low pace. For me it was some sort of recovery from lats weeks ultra. Was great to be running with friends again and fun guiding them through one of our beautiful tours142.0042 km
2600 hm
5:16
Strava
1813-06-2020
Flums - Chur
Chur
Since a long time, I decided to run a flat marathon again. Just to see if I can still run the distance in a fast pace. But also because the mountains were hidden in clouds today. I could run in an almost constant 4:00 pace, what makes me very happy, still feeling strong and confident that I will be able to continue this project.77.0042 km
200 hm
2:51
Strava
1921-06-2020
Prodalp - Murgseen
Flums
From Prodalp over Abedweid to the Murgseen. A great tour to run. Today I did not feel very fit, so started slowly, but got into some better pace after a while. Had to struggle through some snow fields, but that made it a great tour to the lakes. From there it was mainly down, so easy to make the km needed30.0042 km
1300 hm
4:03
Strava
2005-07-2020
6/7 Hills
Flums
Running all 7 Churfirsten has been on my list for a very long time. Finnaly I took the opportunity to run this 50km route with 5000hm together with Peter. Unfortunately I did get so overtired that I decided to skip one mountain and continue to Chässerugg, while Peter completed the route. Even though I was very happy to run this route finally and will come back again for a new attempt21.0047 km
4600 hm
11:20
Strava
2111-07-2020
Rheinquelle Trail
Sedrun
Finally a race! So happy to meet other trailrunners again and to race. Did expect to be under 6 hours and maybe top 10, but competition was strong and I felt not in the best condition, but am very happy with the result. Completing the trail in 5:43 and a bonus 300m lap to complete the marathon50.0042 km
3100 hm
5:43
Strava
2201-08-2020
Churfirsten
Walenstadtberg
Today I did walk a lot, to save my achilles, but also to get revanche on the 7 Churfirsten. This time I did succeed on all 7 hills, making me very happy. It was a perfect day, maybe a bit hot. But I was prepared and got through really well.42.0043 km
4800 hm
7:50
Strava
2309-08-2020
Alpstein
Wildhaus
The Alpstein is a very beautifull area between Toggenburg and Appenzellerland. The säntis is a well known peak where the walking tracks change to climbing parts. It was a bit disappointing to be among the tourists on the peak of Säntis, but the track and the mountains surrounding were fantastic. Including the Seealpsee and Rotsteinpass.46.0042 km
3100 hm
5:47
Strava
2416-08-2020
Spitzmeilen
Flums
Running to Spitzmeilen from home, makes a great loop around Hochfinsler through Cholschlagtal, going up on Guli and than further around untill Spitzmeilen and Wissmeilen. From there an easy way back through Schilstal back home. Had good company today with Wouter Berghuis 42.0044 km
2700 hm
5:17
Strava
2523-08-2020
Haldensteiner Calanda
Pfäffers
Had to start slow again due to my Achilles and was not very motivated, also because the mountain peaks were in the clouds. However, from the moment I started climbing, the fun was back again and went on to the top even without having the views. So could complete the marathon in a good time at the end20.0042 km
3000 hm
5:23
Strava
2630-08-2020
Madrisatrail
Klosters
Had a bad start, could not really get into a steady pace upwards. Also did hurt one off my shints on the first downhill, which slowed me on all the other downhills as well (I'm not a quick downhiller anyways). But the 2nd part, was very runnable and I did have the energy to speed up and get a much better position back. Finishing on 12th place (3rd in age group)42.0047 km
2600 hm
5:19
Strava
2705-09-2020
Flims - Martinsloch
Flims
Inspired by the round Kim did, I thought it would be great to do a round in Flims. And yes, it was great. On the way down from Fil de Cassons I did have to improvise due to a closed track (rockfall) so did got back to Bargis alternatively. Flims and the Sardona tectonic area are amazing. It was an easy runnable track.42.0042 km
2500 hm
5:21
Strava
2812-09-2020
Barrhorn
Oberems
A perfect day in a very beautiful area with the best company ever : ) all the way up to 3614 meter on the Barrhorn, where I proposed 12 years ago. Now enjoying the feeling again while running between the hight alpine mountains25.0042 km
2400 hm
6:00
Strava
2908-11-2020
Athens
Athens
This was a very crazy trip. Flying to Athens to run the official marathon. While greece being in lockdown mode, we did obey the rules and stayed 2 meter from each other while running the reversed track back to marathon. The place where it all started. Having a 1st time marathoner with us did slow us down, but that was perfect as a recovery marathon.1809.0042 km
400 hm
4:31
Strava
3011-11-2020
Backyard marathon
Flums
This was a very crazy thing to do. I tested positive for Covid-19 last monday, so I have to stay in quarantaine for 10 days. Nevertheless I did plan to run a marathon twice a week, so the only solution to this is running a backyard marathon. I am very lucky that the plot of land where our house is located on, is almost 8.000 sqm, so I could make a lap of 360m. Avoiding getting close to neighbours. I did switch direction every ten laps, in total about 120. This also proves that being tested positiv for corona can also happen to very fit people, without even knowing or feeling it. Please see this also as a warning, even when you feel fit, keep distance! 92.0042 km
300 hm
3:22
Strava
3115-11-2020
Backyard marathon 2
Flums
Ok, still in quarantaine. Do had to do it again100.0042 km
300 hm
3:23
Strava
3218-11-2020
Lusis - Sennis - Palfries
Flums
First mountain marathon since a log time. I did not have much power in the uphill and somehow on the downhill my muscles hurted much more then I had in all of the marathons. So it was a bit of a struggle, but did enjoy the views anyway42.0042 km
1900 hm
4:40
Strava
3322-11-2020
Walensee Marathon
Walenstadt
Since I do get to know more and more runners, I was happy to got some good company for my run today. Because there was a lot of snow on the mountains, we decided to stay low and made the loop around the walensee once more. Thanks Nina and Maarten for joining me84.0042 km
1500 hm
4:48
Strava
3425-11-2020
Molseralp - Chapfensee
Flumserberg
Today the clouds (unternebel) did make the day look gray and boring. I was so happy that I could run up and above the clouds to enjoy the sun while looking down on a big pack of clouds. I could not go up much further, because I would hit parts of ice up there, so this was a great in between run.92.0042 km
1700 hm
4:10
Strava
3529-11-2020
Alp Tschingla + Paxmal
Flums
Invited some Dutch trailrunners to join me on the run. And was so happy to have great company. We had to go up over 1500m. to get out of the clouds and it was more then worth it.306.0042 km
2300 hm
6:00
Strava
3602-12-2020
Every single street
Flums
Running every street in my village (zipcode 8890)134.0043 km
1000 hm
3:50
Strava
3706-12-2020
Küblis - Flums
Küblis
Start was easy going downhill, mostly on snowtracks. However about 5km was really icy. After getting near Landquart the ice / Snow was over (except the nice Frozen fall) and enjoyed nice tracks via Malans and Jenins. Then the cold Rain came back, making the last part Not That much fun. However could keep a Good Pace all the way.124.3944 km
150 hm
3:18
Strava
3809-12-2020
Luzisteig
Flums
Since all tracks are in deep snow or very muddy, I had to stick to the road. A Round that I normally cycle, is the Luzisteig, going through Liechtenstein. The climb on the road was really slippy, fortunately the rest of the route was in good condition. But cold and wet.100.0042 km
430 hm
3:16
Strava
3913-12-2020
Zürichsee - Flums
Schmerikon
Being a cloudy day again, I decided to run a flat marathon, starting on the shore of Zürichsee, all the way back to Flums in a decend pace. Could not stay on a below 3 pace, but that was just fine. Only 3 to go : )84.0042 km
176 hm
3:04
Strava
4016-12-2020
Every single snowtrail
Flumserberg
The second time that I run all snowtrails on Flumserberg. Like the concept of ESS, but than fully on snow. A beautiful day to be running on the snow. Just sometimes a bit icy, but mostly good runnable70.0042 km
1230 hm
4:07
Strava
4119-12-2020
Green marathon
Zürich
The green marathon in Zürich together with the 100 marathon club and Pablo105.0043 km
900 hm
3:39
Strava
4223-12-2020
Base Everest
Flums
Base Everesting Verachta as the big final marathon. In good company with several friends running once or twice with me.828.0042 km
4850 hm
7:09
Strava
42Total Amount:
6088 CHF
Total Distance:
1843 / 1843 km
Elevation:
77996

Maarten Hendriks

Felsenstrasse 10
8890 Flums
+41(0)767980413
info@spring-inn.ch