The Netherlands is built for running fast: flat courses, cool temperatures and cities that are easy to reach by train. Rotterdam in spring and Amsterdam in autumn are the two big events, but Eindhoven, Enschede and Leiden offer courses that are just as fast. Here are the 7 best marathons in the Netherlands for 2027, with dates, entry details and the profile of each race.
The short answer
- In spring: Rotterdam (11 April 2027), the fastest in the country, and Enschede on the same day, the oldest.
- In autumn: Eindhoven (10 October 2027) and Amsterdam (30-31 October 2027), two fast city courses.
- For the scenery: Leiden (May), among windmills and polders, or the Kustmarathon in Zeeland, through dunes and along the beach.
- Plan ahead: Rotterdam uses a pre-registration (closing on 3 November 2026) and Amsterdam opens entries on 19 December 2026.
Contents
The 7 best marathons in the Netherlands
1. Rotterdam Marathon: the fastest in the Netherlands
The NN Marathon Rotterdam calls itself the fastest and most beautiful marathon in the Netherlands. Three world records have been set here, and the course has only about 85 m of climbing. Hundreds of thousands of spectators line the route, with the Erasmus Bridge as its signature crossing.
- Date: Sunday 11 April 2027 (46th edition, weekend of 10-11 April)
- Entry: free pre-registration from 20 October to 3 November 2026. Personal entry links are sent afterwards, and registration opens on 4 November 2026. The time you pre-register doesn’t affect your chances.
- Other option: run for the KWF cancer charity, raising at least €750 by 1 March 2027 in exchange for a bib.
- Best for: runners chasing a spring PB in a big atmosphere.
2. Amsterdam Marathon: start and finish in the Olympic Stadium
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon starts and finishes in the 1928 Olympic Stadium. The course follows the Amstel, crosses the Vondelpark and the city centre. In 2026, Buze Diriba set the women’s course record here in 2:16:12. In 2027, the event moves to two days.
- Date: Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October 2027
- Entry: opens on 19 December 2026, with no ballot: first come, first served.
- Other options: charity places, tour operators and the Le Champion club with priority entry.
- Best for: runners who want a big autumn marathon without a ballot.
All the course details are in our guide to the Amsterdam Marathon.
3. Eindhoven Marathon: the PB specialist
The ASML Marathon Eindhoven is run on a very fast city course, with cool October temperatures and plenty of pacers. It has a reputation as the ideal place in the Netherlands to set a personal best.
- Date: Sunday 10 October 2027
- Distances: 11K, half marathon and marathon
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: PB hunters who prefer a less crowded race than Amsterdam.
4. Enschede Marathon: the oldest in the Netherlands
Held since 1947, the Enschede Marathon is billed as the oldest marathon in the Netherlands and in Western Europe. The course is flat and fast, starting and finishing on the Van Heekplein, with around 80,000 spectators along the route.
- Date: Sunday 11 April 2027 (the same day as Rotterdam)
- Distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners who want a flat spring marathon without the Rotterdam crowds, close to the German border.
5. Leiden Marathon: windmills and polders
Nicknamed “the marathon with a smile”, the Leiden Marathon is a single loop: it leaves the historic centre, passes through nine villages, windmills, flower fields and polders, then returns to finish in front of the town hall. The course is flat and fast.
- Date: weekend of 8-9 May 2027
- Distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Entry: on the official race website.
- Best for: runners who want the classic Dutch postcard in spring.
6. Kustmarathon Zeeland: the most beautiful, and the toughest
The organisers sum it up like this: the most beautiful, but also the toughest. The Kustmarathon follows the Zeeland coast from Burgh-Haamstede to Zoutelande, through dunes, forest and along the beach, with stairs, sand and sea wind. More than 10,000 athletes take part over the weekend across all races.
- Date: early October, 2027 date not yet announced (the 2026 edition ran from 2 to 4 October).
- Distances: marathon, 16 km trail, 5K and 10K races and a night run of about 11 km.
- Good to know: forget about your time, the sand and wind slow everyone down.
- Best for: marathoners looking for an adventure, not a PB.
7. Berenloop Terschelling: a marathon on an island
On the island of Terschelling, in the north of the country, the Berenloop alternates forest, dunes, beach and villages, starting and finishing in West-Terschelling. The terrain changes constantly, making it a very varied race.
- Date: late October or early November, 2027 date not yet announced (the 2026 edition was on 31 October and 1 November).
- Distances: trail, 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Getting there: by ferry from Harlingen.
- Best for: runners who want to end the season with a weekend away.
Which Dutch marathon should you choose?
| Race | 2027 date | Season/Distance | Main highlight | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rotterdam | 11 April | Spring, marathon | The fastest in the country | Pre-registration closes 3 November 2026 |
| Enschede | 11 April | Spring, 5K to marathon | The oldest (1947) | Official website |
| Leiden | 8-9 May | Spring, 5K to marathon | Windmills and polders | Official website |
| Kustmarathon (Zeeland) | Early October (TBA) | Autumn, marathon and trail | Dunes and beach | Official website |
| Eindhoven | 10 October | Autumn, 11K to marathon | Ideal for a PB | Official website |
| Amsterdam | 30-31 October | Autumn, marathon | Olympic Stadium finish | Opens 19 December 2026 |
| Terschelling | Late October (TBA) | Autumn, trail to marathon | Island race | Official website |
If you miss out on Rotterdam, Enschede on the same day is a great spring alternative. In autumn, Eindhoven three weeks before Amsterdam lets you choose based on how your training goes.
How to prepare for a marathon in the Netherlands
- Allow 16 to 20 weeks. For Rotterdam or Enschede on 11 April, start in mid-December. For Eindhoven or Amsterdam in October, start in June.
- Train for the wind. The courses are flat but exposed: learn to run in a group for shelter, especially on open stretches.
- Work on your marathon pace. On flat courses, even pacing makes your time. Calculate your split times and practise holding them.
- Take the train. Rotterdam and Amsterdam have direct trains from Paris, Brussels and London: no flight, and you arrive rested.
A plan built around your race date
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FAQ
What is the fastest marathon in the Netherlands?
Rotterdam calls itself the fastest in the country: three world records have been set there and the course has only about 85 m of climbing. Eindhoven is also known for personal bests.
How do I enter the 2027 Rotterdam Marathon?
Through the free pre-registration, open from 20 October to 3 November 2026. Personal entry links are then sent, and registration opens on 4 November 2026.
Is there a ballot for Amsterdam?
No. Entries open on 19 December 2026 on a first come, first served basis. Sign up as soon as it opens.
Which Dutch marathon is best for a first marathon?
Enschede or Leiden: flat courses, smaller fields than Rotterdam or Amsterdam and a friendly atmosphere.
Want to compare with neighbouring countries? Read our best marathons in Germany and our top 10 flattest marathons.
Ready to race in the Netherlands? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
