What if your next marathon took you to Amsterdam? With its flat, fast and highly scenic course, the TCS Amsterdam Marathon has become one of the standout events on the European running calendar.
The 2026 Amsterdam Marathon will take place on Sunday, 18 October 2026. This edition will welcome up to 32,000 marathon runners, with both the start and finish inside the iconic Olympic Stadium. The route takes in the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and the banks of the Amstel River.
Amsterdam is also a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race and regularly ranks among the fastest marathons in the world.
So, how can you secure your race entry? What does the course look like? Is it really a good race for a personal best? What budget should you plan for? And how should you prepare for your marathon?
Here is our complete guide to the 2026 Amsterdam Marathon.
Contents
The history of the Amsterdam Marathon
The Amsterdam Marathon has a history closely linked to Olympic sport.
Today’s course is rooted in the legacy of the 1928 Olympic Games, starting and finishing at the Olympic Stadium, which was built for the event. Over the years, the race has become a major international fixture. In 2025, more than 60,000 runners from 140 countries took part in the various races across the weekend.
Today, the marathon attracts runners of every level. Some come simply to enjoy an unforgettable experience in Amsterdam, while others choose this event specifically to chase a new personal best.
And that is probably one of Amsterdam’s greatest strengths: it combines a sightseeing marathon with a genuine performance marathon.
2026 Amsterdam Marathon registration
The Amsterdam Marathon has become so popular that you now need to plan your registration well in advance.
For 2026, registration opened on 20 December 2025, and the 32,000-runner capacity was quickly reached. The official marathon entry fee was €145.
There is no official waiting list. If you missed out during standard registration, the organisers point runners towards their official resale platform.
Run for a charity
You can also take part through the KWF Run Against Cancer programme.
The principle is simple: in return for raising a minimum of €750, you receive a race entry while supporting cancer research.
Book through a tour operator
International runners can also book packages through specialist partners.
These may include a guaranteed race entry, hotel, flights, transfers and sightseeing activities. It is a more expensive option, but a useful one if you want to simplify all the logistics of your trip.
Our advice: if you want to run Amsterdam in the coming years, put the registration opening date in your calendar. Waiting just a few weeks can be enough to miss out on an entry.
A flat and fast course
This is probably the main reason to choose Amsterdam.
The course has a reputation for being flat, fast and historic. The Amsterdam Marathon also holds the World Athletics Platinum Label, the highest level of recognition for a road race.
There are no major elevation challenges. That makes it easier to hold a consistent pace and seriously target a personal best. But be careful: a flat course does not mean an easy marathon.
The lack of major climbs can tempt runners to start too fast. In a marathon, the kilometres run above your target pace in the first half are often paid back with interest over the final 10 kilometres.
The 2026 Amsterdam Marathon course
The race starts and finishes in the Olympic Stadium, immediately giving the event a special atmosphere.
From the opening kilometres, you will run through some of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations.
The Rijksmuseum
One of the most impressive sections comes very early in the race. At around kilometre 4, runners pass beneath the Rijksmuseum. It is a spectacular moment and one of the marathon’s signature images.
But remember: it is only the beginning of the race. Enjoy the atmosphere, but do not get carried away.
Through southern Amsterdam
The route then continues through several Amsterdam neighbourhoods, including the Zuidas district. This is a section where you need to stay focused on your pace and resist the urge to make up time.
There is still a long way to go.
The Amstel River
From around kilometre 14, one of the race’s most distinctive sections begins: the kilometres alongside the Amstel River.
The race follows part of the 1928 Olympic route, passing houses, more open scenery and windmills. This stretch covers around 12 kilometres and takes runners beyond halfway before returning towards Amsterdam.
It is a beautiful part of the course, but it also demands concentration. By then, you are already in the second half of the marathon.
The return to Amsterdam
After following the Amstel, the course gradually heads back towards the city centre. This is when the kilometres start to count. You are already beyond halfway, and fatigue is beginning to build in your legs. This is where pace management and fueling become essential.
Vondelpark
The course also goes through Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s best-known park.
Runners pass through it twice, making it a particularly good place for spectators. On the second pass, around kilometre 40, the atmosphere can provide a real surge of energy.
Only a few kilometres then remain before the Olympic Stadium.
How to pace your 2026 Amsterdam Marathon
Amsterdam’s main trap is simple: the course is so fast and runnable that it is easy to run too fast.
The first 10 kilometres
Do not try to bank time. If your target pace is 5:00/km, do not set off at 4:50/km just because you feel good.
Early marathon sensations can be deceptive. Your goal is to settle into your target pace quickly and stay there.
From kilometre 10 to kilometre 30
This is where you need to be consistent. The course is ideal for maintaining an even pace, so use that advantage to run efficiently, drink regularly and stick to your nutrition plan. The stretch along the Amstel is particularly well suited to focusing on your race strategy.
Do not try to accelerate before kilometre 30.
After kilometre 30
This is where your marathon truly begins.
If you have managed the first 30 kilometres well, you should still be able to hold your pace. And if your legs still feel good at kilometre 35, you can gradually pick it up. Your second pass through Vondelpark and the run back to the Olympic Stadium are your chance to give everything you have left.
Practical information
The 2026 Amsterdam Marathon will take place on Sunday 18 October, starting at 9:00 am, with a 6-hour cut-off time.
Bib collection
Bib collection takes place at the International Marathon Expo, at RAI Amsterdam:
- Thursday 15 October: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Friday 16 October: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday 17 October: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Runners living abroad must also collect their bib in person. Make sure you arrive in Amsterdam early enough.
How long should you stay in Amsterdam?
For runners travelling from abroad, 2 to 4 nights is usually enough.
Arriving on Friday gives you Saturday to collect your bib and enjoy the city at an easy pace, without walking too much before race day.
Most importantly, do not turn Saturday into a 30,000-step sightseeing day!
What is the weather like in Amsterdam in October?
In mid-October, temperatures are generally favourable for marathon running, but Dutch weather can be very changeable.
The main factor to watch is probably the wind.
On the more exposed stretches, particularly along the Amstel, a headwind can make your pace far tougher than expected. Check the forecast carefully in the days before the race and adjust your goal if needed.
How much does the Amsterdam Marathon cost?
Your budget will depend mainly on where you are travelling from and your accommodation choice.
For a 2 to 4-night stay, here are some typical costs:
- Race entry: around €145
- Return travel: around €50 to €300 from within Europe, and more from long-haul destinations
- Accommodation: around €100 to €250 per night
- Food and local transport: around €40 to €80 per day
👉 For a European runner, allow around €500 to €1,500 per person for the full weekend.
If you are travelling from further away, your budget will naturally be higher. Packages offered by tour operators may also cost more, but they often include the race entry, hotel and part of the travel logistics.
How to prepare for the 2026 Amsterdam Marathon
Amsterdam is a particularly exciting marathon for runners targeting a fast time.
But that is exactly why a fast course requires the right preparation.
The goal is not simply to run faster. You need to be able to sustain your marathon pace for more than 42 kilometres while managing fatigue, aid stations and nutrition effectively.
That is where RunMotion can support you.
With the app, you can follow a personalised marathon training plan based on your current level, goal and race date.
Your training combines different types of workouts, including endurance runs, intervals, threshold sessions, long runs and recovery, so you can progress gradually and arrive on race day with the best possible chance of reaching your goal.
👉 Discover the RunMotion marathon training plan and build your Amsterdam preparation around your target.
And if you are aiming for a personal best, remember one simple rule: your training should leave you strong after kilometre 30.
If you want to go further and build your race strategy, we have developed a tool that lets you create a personalised race plan based on your level and goal: split times, pacing, nutrition and hydration management…
👉 Visit Race Strategy.
So, should you run the Amsterdam Marathon?
Yes, especially if you are looking for a fast and accessible European marathon.
Amsterdam has so much going for it:
✅ a flat and fast course
✅ a start and finish in an Olympic stadium
✅ iconic landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark
✅ kilometres along the Amstel River
✅ a strong international atmosphere
✅ a course built for chasing a personal best
Its main drawback is ultimately its popularity: race entries sell out very quickly. If you want to run Amsterdam, it is best to plan your registration early. And once you have secured your place, the most important thing remains: preparing properly for the 42.195 km.
With such a fast course, the Amsterdam Marathon could be the perfect opportunity to take your race time to the next level.
A controlled start, consistent pacing, a smart nutrition strategy and focused marathon training: everything is in place to chase your next personal best in Amsterdam.