David Knappstein

After setting up Hardlopen Amsterdam in 2011, David Knappstein additionally founded We Run the City: a foundation (or Stichting). We Run the City is now one of the largest running clubs in the Netherlands, active in 14 Dutch cities with around 70 trainers. David was born in Rotterdam in 1971, and started running from the tender age of 7 when running struck him as a great way to get around and preferred it in place of team sports.

He has been running more (or less often!) since then. “When everything is going well, running is a wonderful sport, and also the simplest; bringing richness to your life. It is the best way to get and stay fit, both physically and mentally. Not only that, you can explore your home surroundings very effectively; an additional advantage!” David has helped numerous novice trainers and would-be marathon runners to achieve their goals. 

From 2003 David became a running coach and qualified as a certified KNAU trainer from the Dutch professional athletic body and previously trained with well-known Dutch trainers such as Bram Wassenaar. 

Recounting his role as a trainer, David says, “It is really enjoyable to help beginner and advanced runners alike experience the wonderful aspects of running for themselves. So I like to train others in a method that allows their body and mind to be slowly and soundly trained into the art of running”.