Amsterdam Marathon: Route and Dates for a Three-Distance Race Weekend
The Amsterdam Marathon offers the scale of a major European race with a more open field than some of the world’s largest marathons. Multiple distances bring runners of different levels to the start line, culminating in a finish inside the historic Olympic Stadium.
- Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Distances: Marathon (42.2 km; 26.2 miles), Half Marathon (21.1 km; 13.1 miles), 7.5K race (4.66 miles)
- Start: At the Olympic Stadium
- Finish: Inside the Olympic Stadium
- Date: Held annually in October
- Participants: Approximately 40,000+ across all distances
- Official Name: TCS Amsterdam Marathon
When is the Amsterdam Marathon?
The Amsterdam Marathon date has fallen in October since 1999. Unlike the London and Paris Marathons in April, Amsterdam’s allows for summer training, with the expectation of cool but stable temperatures on race day.
The 2026 Amsterdam Marathon weekend is scheduled for October 17th–18th, with multiple race distances across the two days and the marathon traditionally held on Sunday.
The Amsterdam Marathon route
The Amsterdam Marathon route is known for being flat and fast, with minimal elevation gain across the course. Long, straight sections and a flat profile make the Amsterdam Marathon particularly attractive for runners chasing a personal best.
The course begins at the Olympic Stadium and enters Vondelpark before passing by the famous Rijksmuseum within the first two miles. The Amsterdam Marathon course then heads south for a long, relatively straight out-and-back along the Amstel River where runners can see other participants on the opposite bank. A large counterclockwise loop takes you back past the Rijksmuseum and through Vondelpark before finishing inside the Olympic stadium.
With a flat profile, it’s tempting to let adrenaline push your speed; maintaining an even effort throughout the course requires training for pacing discipline. The Amsterdam Marathon route rewards control, making negative splits and personal bests attainable.
Amsterdam Marathon, Half Marathon, and 7.5K
Race weekend includes three main distances, making the event accessible to runners of different experience levels:
- Amsterdam Marathon – the full-distance race and centerpiece of the weekend, for those who want to train for a full marathon over the summer.
- Amsterdam Half Marathon – a popular option for runners looking to train for a half marathon or build toward the full distance.
- 7.5K race – a Saturday event ideal for newer runners or those seeking a shorter distance.
Amsterdam Marathon: participants and scale
Across all three distances, participants for the Amsterdam Marathon weekend number in the tens of thousands. With crowds spread out over two days and three events, the atmosphere can feel more manageable when it comes to race-day nerves and pressure.
The Amsterdam Marathon uses staggered start waves over roughly an hour, with runners beginning from two separate locations to help ease congestion.
Preparation and what to bring
As the date for the Amsterdam Marathon approaches, consider how far out you’ll need to start training.
- For a full 26.2 miles, an eight-week marathon training plan is a good start.
- Half marathon training involves less time-consuming individual sessions, but still requires long runs to build pace awareness and endurance.
- If you’re running the 7.5K, incorporating intervals can help improve speed, especially if you’re aiming to set a personal record.
October in Amsterdam is generally cool, with the possibility of light rain and occasional wind, particularly along the river. As with any running endeavor, you’ll heat up as you run, so opt for layers when packing your running gear.
Your shoe choice depends on your goal, which may vary with distance.
- For the full event, comfort for the long haul should be one of your main considerations for finding marathon shoes.
- For a half, you need to strike a balance between weight and comfort, making medium cushioning best suited.
- Lightweight, responsive shoes are ideal for those looking for a fast 7.5K.
Ultimately, the best running shoes are the ones you feel most comfortable in, so use your training to test them out.
What’s special about the Amsterdam Marathon?
The Amsterdam Marathon stands out for its flat, PB-friendly course, with records in recent years dipping below 2:04. Despite its location in a geographically compact European capital, the three-event weekend distributes crowds and cuts down on the pressure associated with the largest marathon majors.
Between the Amsterdam Marathon’s minimal elevation gain and smaller size, you can expect a calmer run and good finishing time. Completing the race in front of the Olympic Stadium grandstand is also a highlight for many.
Amsterdam Marathon FAQ
Is it hard to get into the Amsterdam Marathon?
The Amsterdam Marathon does sell out, so it’s wise to plan ahead. The entry process is first come, first served, with no qualification standards for most participants.
Entries for 2026 became available in December 2025 and have already sold out for the full and half marathons. Keep an eye on the official website and social media to see when entries open.
Is the Amsterdam Marathon flat?
Yes. The route features very limited elevation change, making it one of the flatter options on the European marathon calendar.
How difficult is the Amsterdam Marathon?
The primary challenge on a flat course lies in sustaining effort across the full distance with a layout that encourages overly ambitious pacing.
How much does the Amsterdam Marathon cost?
General entry fees vary by distance, with the full marathon at around €150 and the half and 7.5K closer to €50 and €25.
Three distances: one epic weekend
The manageable scale and approachable route of this city marathon make it well-suited to runners chasing a personal best, eyeing their first marathon, or simply planning a European destination race without strict timing requirements. From its flat, fast course to its multiple distance options — and a finish inside the Olympic Stadium — the Amsterdam Marathon is a great autumn racing event to have on your radar.
Explore other races in Europe’s marathon circuit: