Honours

J.D. de Jong medal

The board established the J.D. de Jong Medal in 1971 in memory of board member J.D. de Jong, who had passed away the year before. The medal can be awarded to anyone who has made exceptional contributions to the organisation of the Elfstedentocht.

During the General Members' Meeting on December 17, 2004, Chairman Henk Kroes presented two J.D. de Jong Medals to Jaap de Jong and Arie Smit. Both gentlemen dedicated many years of service to the Association. Jaap de Jong served as the Association’s accountant from 1986 to 2004. Arie Smit has worked in membership administration since 1986 and continues to serve the Association.

Previously, on December 18, 1997, the J.D. de Jong Medal was awarded to Mrs. Aaf Huisman for ensuring the annual preparedness of the first aid organisation from 1971 to 1997. Her award also recognized the contributions of all first aid and Red Cross staff involved in organising the Elfstedentocht. Other recipients are the late Mrs. Annie de Jong-Zondervan, Mr. Jeen van den Berg, Mrs. Hilda Murk-de Jong, and Mr. Sijtse Sikkens.

Certificates

Athletes who have officially completed the Elfstedentocht on skates, by bicycle, and on foot are eligible to receive an Elfstedentocht Certificate to commemorate this remarkable achievement. The events do not need to be completed in the same year. Those who have completed all three events can apply for a certificate. The certificates are awarded annually in April/May during a festive ceremony. The first certificate was awarded in 1987, and in 2005, the 1,000th certificate was presented.

The Elfstedentocht medal and miniature version

The Elfstedentocht Medal is listed in the Register of Decorations for Dutch Private Organisations, making it an official award. Approximately 3,500 members have applied for and received this honour.

In 2013 and 2014, a miniature version of the medal was offered for formal wear such as gala dresses, cocktail dresses, tailcoats, and tuxedos. While new orders are not currently being processed, members can express their interest by emailing elfstedenkruis@defriescheelfsteden.nl. The board monitors interest and may initiate a new order round in the future. Each member is entitled to receive the miniature version only once, and lost or stolen items will not be replaced according to policy. Insignias and ribbons are not issued posthumously. For the 16th (and subsequent) tours, all registered finishers will receive a miniature insignia and a certificate in addition to the medal with ribbon.