Amsterdam Marathon: canals, river and an Olympic finish

The Amsterdam Marathon starts and finishes in the Olympic Stadium and takes runners along the Amstel river and through the city. It is a flat autumn race with a relaxed Dutch atmosphere.

Fun facts

• The start and finish are in the Olympic Stadium built for the 1928 Games.
• The course is flat and follows the Amstel river for a long stretch.
• A half marathon is held on the same day.

What to see

• The canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Rijksmuseum and Museumplein.
• Vondelpark, the city's best-known park.

What to taste

• Pannenkoeken, Dutch pancakes, sweet or savoury.
• Stroopwafels, thin waffles with caramel syrup.
• Bitterballen, crispy snacks served in brown cafés.

What to do

• Visit the expo to collect your bib.
• Cheer runners along the Amstel river.
• Recover with a canal boat tour.

💡 Tip: Trains run from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam Centraal in a short ride. Fly in at least a day early and book accommodation early, because hotels fill up on race weekend.