Every now and then a story in our sport changes direction in a way that just feels right. Today I bring such a story. A story not of endings, but of transition. A steady, logical step for someone who has already given so much to the marathon scene: Bauke Keekstra.

For decades, the Keekstra Brothers stood side by side as one of Friesland’s most respected marathon combinations. Their results were never loud or flashy, but consistent, reliable and rooted in real craftsmanship. Two times best in their NIC without deductions, podium placements in the larger NOF combine and strong performances on the queen race from St Vincent. That doesn’t happen by coincidence. That is the mark of fanciers who know exactly what they are doing.

But as life evolves, the sport must sometimes evolve with it.

In recent years, the balance changed. The health of Bauke’s brother demanded more attention and care. The pigeons were not on his own property, making daily routines more complex. Add to that a demanding five shift job, and the conclusion became clear: active marathon racing at the highest level no longer fits the reality of the moment.

And that is where the new chapter begins.

Instead of forcing a schedule that no longer matches life’s demands, Bauke has made a thoughtful choice. He will continue in the sport, but purely as a breeder. No baskets, no race deadlines, no long nights waiting for arrivals. Just the quiet, focused work of pairing, selecting and raising youngsters from the bloodlines he knows inside out.