The impact of "You Never Walk Alone" on the runners is significant.
An emotional moment for many running fanatics and music lovers at the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Lee Towers, whose voice has heralded a symbolic start to the marathon for almost three decades, will sing the famous words of the song “You'll Never Walk Alone” for the last time at the foot of the Erasmus Bridge. This song, which over the years has become an anthem for both runners and spectators, will take on a special meaning this year.
Lee Towers, who is now 78 years old, has decided that this performance will be his last at the Rotterdam Marathon. The reason for his retirement is the accumulation of physical discomforts that make it increasingly difficult to fulfill his role during this grand event. Towers has opened the marathon almost thirty times with his rendition, which provides an emotional and powerful moment every year.
Lee Towers' association with the marathon has become not only a tradition, but also a beloved ritual. His performance of the song just before the starting gun has become a symbolic moment that emphasizes the solidarity and shared challenge of the marathon. “It remains fantastic to be able to sing to the marathon runners every edition,” says Towers. “I am very proud that I have been able to participate in so many editions and that I can end it in this positive way.”
Towers' final performance will undoubtedly be a moment of reflection on the many years in which his voice announced the start of the marathon and was a source of inspiration for thousands of marathon runners.
The song is seen as a source of support, a last moment of collective encouragement before the athletes start the challenging course over the Erasmus Bridge and through the streets of Rotterdam. The director of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, Wilbert Lek, also expressed his appreciation: “Lee Towers with 'You Never Walk Alone' will forever be associated with the marathon. We would like to thank Lee for his years of dedication and look forward to enjoying his performance at the start one more time.”
Even after Towers' farewell, the song “You Never Walk Alone” will continue to be played at the start of the marathon, with which the organization hopes to continue the spirit that Lee Towers brought. This ensures that the song's message of unity and perseverance continues to resonate with future generations of runners. This annual event attracts not only the local community, but also international participants and spectators, making it one of the most atmospheric and community-building sporting events in the Netherlands.
