The former 'Dutch Centurions Homepage' was always popular with foreign visitors, as it was entirely in English. The current site is not and therefor we provide you with this short summary to help you comprehend the parts of this internet site represented by the various buttons on the left. Several of the results are still in English, as are the pages of the famous Dutch walkers. Other parts will speak for themselves despite the Dutch text.
The welcome page (the 'index' page of this site) will list the most recent news items from the world of long distance race walking in the Netherlands. Dates, new uploads or links, deceased Centurions, we will publish the news as soon as possible. If visitors have any news items for us, or if they do not understand the Dutch text, they are welcome to contact the webmaster.
Centurion
Definitie:
A Centurion is one who, as an amateur, has succesfully completed a 100 miles race walking event in Great-Britain within 24 hours.
Every year a 24 hours race walking event is organised in Great Britain. Any participant who succeeds in walking 100 miles (160,934 kilometers) in that time is awarded membership of the Brotherhood of Centurions. This Centurion title is awarded to each person only once and is accompagnied by a unique number.
The Centurions is the most exclusive body in the world. No other organisation demands the same high standard of performance. The Brotherhood of Centurions was founded 11 May 1911 in the Ship and Turtle pub, 131 Leadenhall Street, London. The first president for life was James Edwin Fowler-Dixon, Centurion 1. He became the world's first true Centurion in 1877, when he completed the Lillie Bridge 100 miles in 20 hours, 36 minutes and 8 seconds.
List of non-British Centurions (5 June 2022)
Centurion Awards
The Hammond Trophy exists since 1948 and is currently awarded to the first male Centurion to reach the 100 miles point in a 100 miles or longer race. It's first winner was P. Reading, Centurion 121 during the 1946 London-White-City Trackrace. Up to 2008 four Dutch walkers have won this trophy at least once: Marcel Dekker, Centurion 957, Ad Leermakers, Centurion 561, Willem Mutze, Centurion 927 en Marcelino Sobczak, Centurion 1031.
List of winners of the Hammond Trophy (up to 2015)
The Bristol Trophy was founded in 2000 for the first female Centurion to reach the 100 miles point in a 100 miles or longer race. Sandra Brown, Centurion 735 has won the prize each year from 2001 to 2006. In 2007 Dutch walker Connie Raijmakers, Centurion 1004 won the trophy.
List of winners of the Bristol Trophy (up to 2015)
The Sunday Dispatch Trophy was established in 1951 by the Sunday Dispatch newspaper for the winner of the 100 miles race. First winner of the trophy was A.J. Stirling-Wakeley, Centurion 143 in 1951 during the London-to-Brighton-and-back road race (104 miles). Because an individual award already existed (the Hammond Trophy), the trophy was transformed into a club team prize in 1958. The first team to win it was the Leicester Walking Club team in 1958 consisting of W. Smith, Centurion 274, H. Foreman, Centurion 279 and A. Staines, Centurion 205.
The first Dutch club to win the award, was s.v. de L.A.T. from Amsterdam in 1968. The team consisted of Jan Zwarthoed, Centurion 416, Gerrie Peters, Centurion 417 and Gerrit Tigchelaar, Centurion 420. The s.v. de L.A.T. team was once again victorious in London in 2007: they have won the award five times over the years. In 2008 s.v. Unitas from Sittard won the award in Milton Keynes. The record number of wins is held by R.W.v. Their teams won the award a staggering 18 times!
List of winners of the Sunday Dispatch Trophy (up to 2015)
The Ko van der Kwaak Cup is a national award established in 1966 by Centurion Vereniging Nederland. The prize is awarded to the winner of the race between the Centurions from the Netherlands and from Britain. A minimum of three and a maximum of six walkers from each country in the final results make up the country team. In 1991 the trophy vanished mysteriously and the Bill King Memorial Trophy was established. In 2002 the trophy was recovered and used for the country prize once again. Up to 2007, the British have won the trophy 28 times and the Dutch 11 times.
List of winners of the Ko van der Kwaak Cup (up to 2015)
The Hew Neilson Trophy was established in 1989 by the Neilson family in honour of Hew Neilson, Centurion 145. The prize is awarded to the first new Centurion in a 100 miles event. Hew was one of the most famous Centurions of his days who owned all records and has completed the 100 miles succesfully 20 times. The trophy is handed out by Pamela Ficken-Neilson, Centurion 934 and daughter of Hew Neilson.
Continental winners of this award are: Cees Lambregts, Centurion 847 in 1989, Daniel Castiau, Centurion 891 in 1992, Co de Jong, Centurion 929 in 1995, Arie Boertjes, Centurion 942 in 1996, Marcel Dekker, Centurion 957 in 1999, Huib van Broekhoven, Centurion 978 in 2001, Annie van der Meer, Centurion 1055 in 2007 and Victor Mennen, Centurion 1063 in 2008.
List of winners of the Hew Neilson Trophy (up to 2015)
One of the most fiercely competed awards is the trophy for the first male finisher over 65 to reach the 100 miles point. This walker wins the Eddy McNeir Trophy. The most famous winner of this trophy is Dutchman Jaap visser, Centurion 944, who won the trophy 5 times up to 2006. The Chas Shelley Memorial Trophy is awarded to the first female finisher over 65 to reach the 100 miles point. It is named after Chas Shelley, former chairman of the Bristol Athletics Club, who was a firm supporter of women participating in 100 miles races. The trophy was established in 2005 and it's first winner was Jill Green, Centurion 898, who won it in London in 2007.
List of winners of the Eddy McNeir Trophy (up to 2015)
List of winners of the Chas Shelley Memorial Trophy (up to 2015)
The Bill King Memorial Trophy, established in 2005, is awarded to the youngest finisher to reach the 100 miles point in a 100 miles or longer race. Frank van der Gulik, Centurion 1022, has won this prize every year since then.
List of winners of the Bill King Memorial Trophy (up to 2015)
The silver Centurion bagde is awarded to people for extraordinary contributions to the Brotherhood Of Centurions. In the Netherlands only Piet Jansens, Centurion 389 (for his work for Centurion Vereniging Nederland), and Ad Leermakers, Centurion 561 (for his many race walking achievements), have received such a silver badge.
How to become a Centurion
The rest of the page explains the rules of race walking and gives several tips and basic information on how to become a Centurion. Dutch Centurions are usually not trained race walkers, but experienced long distance walkers. When they want to become a Centurion, they usually start doing short distance race walking to improve their technique and to get used to judging.
Besides the Centurion title, there are other Centurion related titles and walking awards in the Netherlands and trhoughout the world. This page will list the other Centurion titles and the main Dutch titles, such as Honderdman and Kennedyvriend. It will also explain several other titles (Kennedywalker, Long Distance Walker), but since they are listed on other sites, there is no need to list them here.
Non British Centurion titles
The Dutch have established the Continental Centurion title in 1973. Continental Centurion 1 is Dutchman Jan Vos. The rules are similar to the Centurion title. In the Netherlands, an annual race walking event is held, either in Weert (around the Iron Man lake, organised by the O.L.A.T.) in odd years (2007, 2009, 2011 etc.) or in Schiedam (in the Beatrix park, organised by the R.W.V.) in even years (2008, 2010, 2012 etc.). These events include the 24 hours event, a 100 kilometers race, a 50 miles race and a 50 kilometers race. These events are the only opportunity to obtain the Continental Centurion title, the Honderdman title or the Kennedyvriend title.
List of all Continental Centurions (5 June 2022'
Further Centurion titles include the Australian Centurion title, established in 1971 by 4 Victoria inhabitants. Up to 1980 the number of Australian Centurions increased to 20: after that, the Centurion community fell apart. In 1994 the Australians became active once more. They joined the Australian Racewalking Federation, produced new Centurion pins and started supporting annual Centurion races once again. Besides the 'golden' Centurion title, the Australians also used to have a 'silver' title (50 miles in 12 hours) and a 'bronze' version (40 kilometers in 6 hours).
List of all Australian Centurions (5 June 2022)
The Centurion USA title, also known as American Centurion, was introduced in 1967 by the Columbia Track Club. In the first years the annual race was held in Colombia, Missouri, but with 48 American Centurions, the movement stopped organising races in 1983. German walker Ulrich Kamm refounded the club in 2000 and ever since, the American Centurion races join existing ultra running events in Grapevine, Texas. After several years in Texas, the FANS 24 hours events in Minneapolis now serve as the main venue for the Centurion USA title and Rob Robertson manages the list of titles.
List of all Centurions U.S.A. (5 June 2022)
The New Zealand Centurions also have a history of an initial surge of new members: after establishment in 1998 they gained 14 members. After a few years, the Centurion races were no longer organised, although now they are trying to join ultra running events and to revitalise the Centurion movement. The New Zealand Centurions Club also award a reward for walking 100 kilometers within 14 hours and 30 minutes and they are considering copying the Australian 'silver' and 'bronze' titles.
List of all New Zealand Centurions (5 June 2022)
The Malaysia Centurion Club was founded in 2001, when they organised their first 24 hours race. It produced 11 new members. In subsequent bi-annual events several Centurions have joined the club, although the numbers are somewhat deceptive: the Malaysian Centurion Club is the only Centurion club that gives a walker a new number whenever he or she completes a 100 miles within 24 hours, even if a number was already allocated to this walker on a previous event. Due to government support, Malaysia has the most international group of Centurion title holders. They also have a unique system of judging: walkers who do not walk by the rules, do a penalty lap in stead of being disqualified.
List of all Malaysian Centurions (5 June 2022)
Finally, a new Centurion title was set up in South Africa. The first races were hosted on the famous Robben Island. Later events were on atletics tracks near Cape Town. After four events, the list of African Centurions is listed here:
List of all African Centurions (5 June 2022)
Honderdman and Kennedyvriend
Established by the Wandel Advies Commissie (Walking Advice Committee) of the Royal Dutch Athletics Union, the Honderdman title is probably the most notorious. Walking 100 kilometers within 11 hours and 30 minutes is within reach for only a very few walkers. The first time limit (set in 1959) was 12 hours, but this proved too easy. Therefor, in 1963 the W.A.C. changed the limit to 11.30. Since the W.A.C. no longer exists, the R.W.V. now manages the Honderman pins and titles. The only opportunity to obtain the title is either in Weert or in Schiedam during the annual long distance race walking event in the Netherlands: when one does 100 kilometers within 11.30 on the 24 hours race, the title is also awarded, although very few people will continue the full 24 hours.
Another title that can only be won in Schiedam or Weert, is the Kennedyvriend (Kennedy friend) title. Like the Centurion and Honderdman titles, this title also comes with a unique number and is awarded to those walking 50 miles within 12 hours. It can only be won whilst doing the 50 miles event (not whilst doing the 100 kilometers or 24 hours events!). R.W.V. and O.L.A.T. manage this title.
List of Honderdman titles (5 June 2022)
List of Kennedyvriend titles (5 June 2022)
Other Dutch titles
To stimulate long distance walking, the Section Long Distance of the K.N.B.L.O.-wandelsportorganisatie Nederland (the largest Dutch walking union) decided several years ago to establish the Long Distance Walker titles. By walking 5 different long distance events (over 100 kilometers) in the Netherlands (listed on the Section Long Distance calendar), one can obtain each of the three numbered titles: Long Distance Walker, Super Long Distance Walker and Master Long Distance Walker. For people doing more then the first 3 x 5 walks, there are special awards and certificates. The Long Distance Walkers are listed on the site of the Section Long Distance (section Lange Afstand of the Koninklijke Wandel Bond Nederland).
The Centurion Vereniging Nederland (Centurion Association the Netherlands) looks after the interests of Centurions in the Netherlands, Belgium and surrounding countries. The C.V.N. does this within the Dutch walking community, but also with regards to the British Brotherhood of Centurions. After Lieuwe Schol, Centurion 291, became the first Dutch Centurion more and more Dutch walkers travelled to Great-Britain to become a Centurion. The C.V.N. was founded February 12th, 1966. It's annual membership fee is 6 euros and is usually payed in November of each year by the Dutch Centurions. The records of the C.V.N. currently list about 300 Centurions on the continent. 150 of those Centurions pay the annual fee of the C.V.N. and receive the C.V.N. magazine. The magazine lists the results of the Centurion event, stories of the annual Centurion meeting and news from the world of long distance race walking.
The date for a Centurion event is set by the Brotherhood of Centurions. They frequently consult the C.V.N. as to the Dutch walking calendar, since a large portion of participants will be non-British. Events such as the Kempenlandtocht or the Nijmegen Marches can prevent a lot of Dutch walkers from travelling to a poorly planned Centurion event.
Each year, the C.V.N. hosts a Centurion meeting in October or November. During this meeting the finishers in the previous Centurion event are celebrated and, if necessary, Centurion pins and certificates are handed to the walkers. The meeting is also a popular opportunity to keep in touch with the other walkers, to buy some Centurion merchandising and to have a pleasant day out.
The board of the C.V.N. currently consists of chairman Gerrit de Jong, Centurion 456, secretary and treasurer Piet Jansens, Centurion 389, and second secretary and webmaster Frans Leijtens, Centurion 949. Due to the large number of Belgian members, there are also two Belgian board members: Caroline Mestdagh, Centurion 1061, and Rudy Schoors, Centurion 1062. The C.V.N. also has an honourary board member, Hans Leendertse, Centurion 427. Our secretary is also a Vice-Captain in the Brotherhood of Centurions.
This is the postal adress to contact the board of the C.V.N.:
F.J.M. Leijtens, Centurion 949 Radiolaan 3 1276EN Huizen the NetherlandsOf course, you can also reach us by e-mail (please state clearly 'C.V.N.' as the subject of your mail):
This is a list of results of all annual Centurion and Continental Centurion events in Britain and the Netherlands. The most recent events will be listed and previous races will be added on a regular basis.
Besides photographs from the previous 'Dutch Centurions Homepage', we will upload new photographs from more recent events and list links to other photo sites.
This page contains a limited number of links to several Centurion sites around the world ('Centurion organisaties'), links to Dutch race walking clubs ('Nederlandse snelwandelorganisaties'), links to Dutch walking clubs ('Nederlandse wandelsportorganisaties'), foreign clubs ('Buitenlandse organisaties'), several long distance walks ('Wandeltochten') and concludes with some miscellaneous links ('Overige links').
For the moment, we start this list with famous Dutch walkers who have at least one of the Centurion titles. You can find their pictures, their greatest achievements, some personal information and, very important to many foreign organisations, the correct spelling of their names in this list. Dutch (and other continental) walkers who would like to be listed can submit their data and pictures to the webmaster: in time, maybe we might list the British walkers as well. The list is in alphabetical order (last names).
This site summary in English.