Amsterdam Marathon: The last mile described in emotions [14 photo gallery]

Marathon finishing times are just facts, the marathon is a fight against the distance, the elements, the competition and your physical and mental capabilities. As a sports photographer I am always searching for true emotions of an athlete during his/her sport. This 14 photo gallery highlights the emotional struggles of the pro men field during the last mile of the Amsterdam Marathon:

The decisive moment in the national championship battle, Michel Butter claiming the title in front of his teammate Edwin de Vries.

Okay, facts and figures then: Lawrence Cherono (KEN, bib nr. 1) won the Amsterdam Marathon in a time of 2.04.06 min, smashing his personal and the course record. Ethiopian multiple olympic gold winner, record holder at 5.000m and 10.000m and favorite for the win Kenenisa Bekele abandoned the race about 2k before the finish (just missed him :( ), after struggling with the pace in the last part of the race due to limited preperation. Cherono's time is the worlds 4th fastest marathon time this year, tied with Tamirat Tola and Asefa Mengstu both accomplishing 2.04.06 min in Dubai in January.