The Amsterdam Marathon is a runner's dream for those chasing a personal best. The Netherlands' famously flat terrain translates into one of the world's fastest marathon courses, while the historic city provides a beautiful backdrop for your achievement.
The Course
Starting and finishing in the iconic 1928 Olympic Stadium, the Amsterdam Marathon is remarkably flat - a product of Dutch geography where the entire country sits near or below sea level. The course loops through the city and along the scenic Amstel River.
Course Highlights
- Olympic Stadium (Start/Finish) - Historic 1928 Olympic venue
- Vondelpark (mile 2) - Amsterdam's most famous park
- Museum Quarter (mile 3) - Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
- Amstel River (miles 11-20) - Scenic riverside running
- Ouderkerk (turnaround) - Picturesque village
- Amsterdam Zuid (miles 22-25) - Modern business district
- Olympic Stadium (Finish) - Full-circle return
The Amstel River Section
The middle section along the Amstel River is both the course's highlight and its challenge. The peaceful, scenic running is interrupted only by the wind - often a headwind on the way out and tailwind on the return. This section is where Amsterdam marathons are made or broken.
Why Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers the complete package for marathon runners: a legitimately fast course, excellent organization, affordable entry, and a vibrant city to explore before and after the race.
The autumn timing also means you can fit Amsterdam into a spring/fall racing calendar - run a spring marathon for experience, then target Amsterdam in the fall for your best time.
Getting In
Amsterdam uses straightforward open registration:
- Registration typically opens in December for the following October's race
- No lottery or qualification required
- Sells out months in advance due to reputation as a fast course
- Multiple race distances available (marathon, half marathon, 8K)
Race Day Strategy
The flat profile makes Amsterdam ideal for even pacing, but the wind and river section require smart racing:
- Start conservatively - It's tempting to go out fast on the flat streets
- Bank nothing early - Save it for when you need it
- The wind is real - The Amstel River stretch will test you
- Use the crowds - The stadium finish provides a tremendous boost
- Aim for negative splits - The course layout supports running faster in the second half