Frans Künen

Who is Frans Künen?

Franciscus Josephus Henricus "Frans" Künen was a Dutch long-distance runner. He competed in the marathon at the 1960 Summer Olympics 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 and marathon. 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 was 21st place in 1957.