When Is the TCS Amsterdam Marathon Held?
The marathon is traditionally organised in October, most often on the third Sunday, but the exact date can vary.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for
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Event weekend: Saturday 17 October and Sunday 18 October 2026
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Main marathon: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Participants should therefore check the official announcement each year rather than rely on a fixed pattern.
Registration for all distances is completed through the official marathon website.
What Distances Are Available for Runners?
The event includes several race options for different experience levels:
- Full Marathon (42.195 km)
- Half Marathon
- TCS 7.5K (not 8 km)
- Kids Runs for younger athletes
These distances allow elite, recreational, and first-time runners to take part in one of Europe’s major sporting events.
How Did the Amsterdam Marathon Begin?
Amsterdam hosted its first official marathon during the 1928 Olympic Games.
Since then, it has grown into a world-recognised event supported by global partners, strong community participation and steadily rising athlete numbers.
What Are the Current Course Records?
Men’s Course Record
- 2:03:30 by Geofry Toroitich Kipchumba (2025)This is the current official course record, improving the 2021 performance of Tamirat Tola, who ran 2:03:38.
Women’s Course Record
The current women’s course record at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is 2:16:52, set by Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia in 2024.
This performance replaced previous Amsterdam records and strengthened the event’s position as one of the fastest women’s marathons in Europe.
Why Is the Amsterdam Marathon Considered a Fast Course?
The route is almost completely flat, allowing runners to maintain consistent pacing over long distances.
It includes several scenic and historic areas, such as:
- Olympic Stadium
- Amstel River
- Rivierenbuurt district
- Rijksmuseum surroundings
- Vondelpark
This combination of smooth terrain and landmark views contributes to the marathon’s reputation for fast finishing times.
What Makes the Olympic Stadium Start and Finish Special?
The marathon begins and ends inside the 1928 Olympic Stadium, one of the city’s most iconic athletic venues.
Spectators may enter without charge, creating an energised atmosphere with music, commentary and continuous support for finishing athletes.
How Many Runners Take Part Each Year?
Recent editions have drawn tens of thousands of participants across all distances.
Exact numbers vary each year, but the event continues to grow, attracting a large international field as well as Dutch athletes.
Full marathon participation has increased over time, with several thousand runners completing the 42.195 km distance annually.
Who Holds the Fastest Dutch Performance in Amsterdam?
Koen Raymakers recorded 2:12:59 in 2009, which stands as his fastest Amsterdam performance.
He also ran 2:13 in 2010, which is why both figures appear in historical references.
This clarification ensures accuracy for anyone researching Dutch performances in the event.
How Can Runners and Spectators Reach the Olympic Stadium?
Because parking near the stadium is extremely limited, the city recommends using public transport.
From Central Station or Amstel Station
- Metro 51 toward Amstelveen Middenhoven
- Transfer at Zuid WTC
- Tram 50 toward Isolatorweg
- Exit at Amstelveenseweg
From Duivendrecht, RAI, Zuid or WTC
- Metro 50 toward Isolatorweg
- Exit at Amstelveenseweg
From Sloterdijk
- Metro 50 toward Gein
- Exit at Amstelveenseweg
What Can Spectators Expect Along the Route?
Crowds gather throughout the city, especially along the Amstel River, Vondelpark and the neighbourhoods surrounding the stadium.
Local groups, families and charity supporters create lively sections that help maintain motivation for runners.
What Support Is Provided for Athletes?
Participants have access to:
- Hydration points
- Medical stations
- Pace teams
- Secure gear storage
- Clear kilometre markings
- Timing chip technology
Elite athletes receive additional structured support from trained event staff.
What Should Runners Consider When Training for Amsterdam?
Training plans should include:
- Steady long-distance runs to match the flat terrain
- Tempo sessions are suited to consistent pacing
- Preparation for cooler October temperatures
- Road-surface conditioning, as most of the course uses asphalt
Travelling athletes often benefit from arriving early to adjust to the climate and time differences.
Which Areas Offer Convenient Stay Options During the Marathon Weekend?
Neighbourhoods with the best access include:
- Amsterdam Zuid
- Olympic Stadium district
- Museum Quarter
- Amstel area
These zones provide quick routes to the start and finish while keeping travel time low on race day.
How Does the Marathon Support Charity Partners?
The event partners with a wide range of international and local organisations that raise funds through sponsored participation.
Well-known groups such as the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation take part each year.
FAQ
Q. How do I confirm the official date for next year’s marathon?
The date is published each year on the official TCS Amsterdam Marathon website.
Q. How are bib numbers collected?
Runners pick up bibs at the Marathon Expo, held during race weekend.
Q. What is the correct short-distance run?
The correct distance is 7.5 km, listed as TCS 7.5K.
Q. Are cut-off times enforced?
Yes, cut-off times apply to each distance and are announced before the event.
Q. Where are the best viewing points?
Popular areas include the Olympic Stadium, the Amstel River section and Vondelpark.
Q. When was the current men’s course record set?
The men’s course record of 2:03:30 was set in 2025.
How Are the 1928 Olympic Games Connected to the Amsterdam Marathon?
The first marathon held in Amsterdam took place during the 1928 Olympic Games.
An event that introduced long-distance running to the city on an international stage.
The present-day TCS Amsterdam Marathon still begins and concludes in the Olympic Stadium, the same venue used in 1928.