Franciscus Josephus Henricus "Frans" Künen (17 April 1930 – 23 November 2011) was a Dutch

long-distance runner Long-distance running, or endurance running, is a form of continuous running over distances of at least . Physiologically, it is largely Aerobic exercise, aerobic in nature and requires endurance, stamina as well as mental strength. Within e ...

. He competed in the marathon at the

1960 Summer Olympics The 1960 Summer Olympics ( it, Giochi Olimpici estivi del 1960), officially known as the Games of the XVII Olympiad ( it, Giochi della XVII Olimpiade) and commonly known as Rome 1960 ( it, Roma 1960), were an international multi-sport event held ...

in Rome and finished in 36th place. He held the Dutch records in the 10,000 m from 1956 to 1958 and in the Marathon from 1960 to 1969. Künen started training in running at age 20, while working as a sports instructor at the Dutch Air Force. In 1956, he set a national record in the 10,000 m and won a national cross-country title. Later he became national champion in the 10,000 m (1959, 1961) and marathon (1960). The 1960 title was his first attempt at marathon, and it set a new national record. Internationally, Künen competed in country matches and International Military Championships, winning the 5,000 m in 1956. His best achievement at the International Cross Country Championships (forerunner of the World Championships) was 21st place in 1957.

References

1930 births 2011 deaths Dutch male long-distance runners Dutch male marathon runners Athletes (track and field) at the 1960 Summer Olympics Olympic athletes for the Netherlands Sportspeople from Breda 20th-century Dutch people {{Netherlands-athletics-bio-stub