Keekstra Brothers – Where Passion Meets Power in the World of Extreme Distance Racing
In the quiet Frisian village of Bornwird, tucked away in the northern Netherlands, something special is happening. Since 1978, brothers Riemer and Bauke Keekstra – flying together under the name Gebroeders Keekstra – have dedicated their lives to the sport of pigeon racing. What started with local success in the sprint and middle-distance races evolved into an elite marathon racing program. Today, they are a household name in the Dutch and international long-distance scene, with a colony built on heart, heritage, and hard-earned results.
From Sprint Starters to Marathon Masters
Like many fanciers, the Keekstra brothers began their journey in the sprint and middle-distance categories, earning many local victories. But in 1995, their focus shifted to the real challenge: extreme long-distance overnight racing.
Their setup is split across two locations: the racing lofts are located at Riemer’s home in Bornwird, while the breeding center sits 3 kilometers away at Bauke’s in Dokkum. Over the years, their lofts have been thoughtfully rebuilt and optimized to provide the best conditions possible – tailored to their unique system and strategy.
Built on the Jellema Line, Reinforced by Red Bullens
The core of the Keekstra loft is made up of 75% Jellema bloodlines, renowned worldwide for their exceptional long-distance capability. The brothers have further strengthened their base with elite birds from Red Bullens, a line that has produced phenomenal results at lofts such as Gerard Koopman’s.
This blend of proven foundation stock and modern racing genes is the backbone of their continued success – a perfect mix of tradition and evolution.
Spotlight on NL.19-1197573 – The Mighty “Red 573”
One standout on the Keekstra racing team is the incredible NL2019-1197573, affectionately known as “Red 573.” He’s not just another good bird – he’s the real deal. Largely bred from the Jellema line, his pedigree features elite names like:
- OMG 430 (Jellema’s legendary breeder)
- Zwart Goud
- Orion
And he delivers on paper and in the race basket.
His breakout performance came in 2022 on the grueling Cahors (Bressols) race:
- 🥉 3rd National S4 against 1,435 pigeons
- 🥈 2nd NPO Cahors
- 🥇 11th overall in NU (4,665 pigeons)
Then, over 2023 and 2024, he maintained 100% prize rate on extreme distance races:
- 20th NPO St. Vincent
- 69th NPO Cahors
- 109th NPO Bergerac
- 131st NPO Cahors
- 167th NPO St. Vincent
- 196th NPO Agen
- 346th NPO Bergerac
Thanks to his consistent performance, the Keekstra brothers became 1st General Champion NIC 0267 and ranked 5th in the highly competitive Friese Fondclub, racing against some of the biggest names in Dutch marathon sport.
NL.21-1307330 – “Inbred SILKE”, The Jewel of Dokkum
At the breeding loft in Dokkum, another future-maker takes the spotlight: NL21-1307330, a breathtaking inbred daughter of SILKE – one of the most iconic hens in recent marathon history:
- 🥇 1st National Barcelona 2020
- 🥈 2nd International Barcelona
- 🥉 3rd International Narbonne 2016
SILKE is also the grandmother of several top birds, including NOUD, NORA, and ANOUK – all highly ranked in international classics. NL21-1307330 combines all this genetic power in a compact, strong, and stunning package. She is a cornerstone of the Keekstra breeding program, helping shape the future generation of marathon champions.
If you believe this is the only top breeder—brace yourself, because there’s more greatness where that came from!"
Keekstra Birds Excel Worldwide
It’s not just on their own loft where the Keekstra birds shine – fanciers across Europe are winning with this bloodline:
- Klaas Buwalda clocked a yearling from the Dokkum breeding loft at 23:46 in darkness, taking 30th National Periqueux (JOYCE/RENA line). His second arrival (06:20) was bred from NL21-1307330 – still early in the results.
- Herr Bernard Bramsiepe of Germany won the Thai Masters and €50,000 with a bird bred from a Dokkum sire. The winning bird was later bought by Ganus Family Loft (USA) – where youngsters now sell for €2,000 each.
- Pieter Kroodsma, who flies exclusively with Keekstra birds, won the 1st NPO and 3rd National on a scorching-hot Bordeaux in 2024 – a race that pushed birds to their limits.
These results underline a simple truth: Keekstra quality travels well.
Breeding with Vision – Not Volume
Breeding is done carefully and purposefully: “Good x Good” is the guiding principle. The Keekstra brothers maintain 16 breeding pairs, spread across two lofts, producing roughly 80 youngsters per year – not for sale, but for their own team. Additional youngsters come from top racers and strategic exchanges with elite fanciers like Simon IJnsen (Ameland) and Comb. Agema/Van der Meer.
The famous “Blue(s) Brothers,” bred in partnership with Simon, won 23 prizes on the international marathon and left a lasting mark across multiple generations.
Natural Care, Classic Craftsmanship
The Keekstra approach is both traditional and progressive. Birds are raised and maintained as naturally as possible. Feeding is seasonal: in winter, a simple mix high in barley; in summer, rich blends with added fats for fuel. After racing, birds are given germinated grains and homemade herbal teas made from sage, thyme, and nettle – all from their own land.
Medication is minimal. They vaccinate for paramyxovirus and paratyphus and use natural acids when necessary to fight canker. Otherwise, it’s nature first.
Breeding in 2025 – The Future Starts Here
The 2025 breeding pairs are now online under “Kweek 2025”. Youngsters from these pairs are available year-round – a golden opportunity to build with proven bloodlines from birds like Red 573, Inbred SILKE, ROMEE, RENA, and New Laureaat.
Whether you’re building a new line or adding firepower to your existing team, this is where long-distance potential begins.
Conclusion – Bornwird is Flying into the Future
Riemer and Bauke Keekstra are more than just successful marathon fanciers – they’re builders of bloodlines, guardians of the sport, and living proof that passion, patience, and planning lead to greatness.
With birds like Red 573 and NL21-1307330, their loft is not just a place where champions are born – it’s where the future of the sport is taking flight.
If you're serious about marathon racing, one name should be on your radar – Gebr. Keekstra.
