Top 10 Marathons in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a paradise for marathon runners, offering flat and fast courses set against charming backdrops. From big-city races that draw international elites to intimate rural runs with unique local flavor, the Dutch marathon calendar has something for everyone.
Events here are known for superb organization and enthusiastic support – many races sell out quickly due to their popularity. Below we highlight ten of the best marathons in the Netherlands, mixing famous large events with smaller, special marathons that locals and international runners alike rave about.
Run the Marathon Rotterdam on 11-12 Apr 2026 in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Rotterdam’s marathon is often called the fastest and most vibrant in the country. Its course is pancake-flat and has seen multiple world records over the years. The race starts by charging over the iconic Erasmus Bridge and winds through this modern port city’s wide boulevards. Crowds in Rotterdam are legendary – hundreds of thousands of spectators line the route, creating a festival-like atmosphere that no other Dutch marathon can match. The finish on the Coolsingel (Rotterdam’s main avenue) feels “heroic” as cheering fans welcome every finisher. Rotterdam is known for its post-WWII architecture and lively arts scene, so runners and visitors can enjoy cutting-edge architecture (like the Cube Houses and Market Hall) alongside the race excitement.
Location highlights: Rotterdam is the Netherlands’ second-largest city and home to Europe’s largest port. Expect a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic harbor views. Marathon weekend here is a source of immense local pride, and the city’s efficient transport makes it easy for visitors to navigate. In April, when the race is held, the weather is typically cool – ideal for fast times.
Run the Amsterdam Marathon on 18-19 Oct 2025 in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Amsterdam’s marathon combines world-class racing with historic scenery. It starts and finishes in the 1928 Olympic Stadium, giving runners a goosebump-worthy start/finish experience. The course is flat, fast (a World Athletics Platinum Label race), and incredibly scenic – it weaves through Vondelpark, along the Amstel River, and past the city’s famous canals and museums. What sets Amsterdam apart is its joyful atmosphere: local crowds cheer on runners by name and live bands play along the route. The event attracts a truly international field (over 130 nationalities toe the line, making it the most international marathon in the country). With around 20,000 runners, it’s a big race but retains a friendly vibe.
Location highlights: Amsterdam hardly needs an introduction – the capital is famed for its 17th-century canals, art galleries (the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum), and vibrant cultural life. Marathon day (every October) lets you sightsee on the run, as you pass landmarks in the Museumplein and riverfront windmills on the Amstel. After the race, the city’s cozy cafes and beautiful parks are perfect for relaxation and recovery.
Run the Marathon Eindhoven on 11-12 Oct 2025 in Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Eindhoven Marathon is known as the place in the Netherlands to chase a personal best. It’s a moderately sized event (several thousand marathoners) with a fast, flat urban course. The race is typically held in October and benefits from cool weather and a professional organization. What it lacks in tourist landmarks it makes up for with runner-focused efficiency – think smooth logistics, plenty of pacers, and enthusiastic local support. The city really embraces the marathon, turning it into a weekend festival with music and cheer zones. If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to Rotterdam or Amsterdam but still want a quick course, Eindhoven is ideal.
Location highlights: Eindhoven is the Netherlands’ fifth-largest city, historically known as the birthplace of Philips electronics. Today it’s a tech and design hub with a modern feel. The marathon route showcases the city’s mix of contemporary architecture and green parks. The atmosphere is welcoming – expect locals handing out orange slices and high-fives. Eindhoven’s location in the Brabant region also means you can enjoy some Burgundian Dutch hospitality (and maybe a post-race locally brewed beer) when you’re done running.
Run the Enschede Marathon on 12 Apr 2026 in Enschede, Overijssel, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Enschede Marathon carries a proud history – first run in 1947, it’s the oldest marathon in the Netherlands and in Western Europe. What began with just 51 runners has grown to an event with nearly 11,000 participants across various distances. Enschede’s course is very flat and known to be fast, ranking alongside Rotterdam and Amsterdam as one of the top courses in the country. You might catch elite runners aiming for records here, but it’s equally welcoming to recreational runners. The organization leverages decades of experience (with hundreds of dedicated volunteers) to deliver a smooth race. Crowds of about 80,000 come out to cheer, giving this mid-sized city marathon a big-event energy.
Location highlights: Enschede lies in the eastern Netherlands (near the German border) and offers a glimpse into Dutch life outside the Randstad. The city was once a textile center; today it’s a lively university town. The marathon typically takes place in April. Runners start and finish in the city center – often on the H.J. van Heekplein square – and the route may venture through surrounding neighborhoods and even across the German border in some editions. Enschede’s friendly atmosphere and cross-border flavor make it a distinctive experience.
Why it’s special: Utrecht Marathon (currently branded the HiPRO Utrecht Marathon) lets you explore one of Holland’s most beautiful cities while you run. After some course improvements, the marathon is now a single-lap route that uniquely combines Utrecht’s historic city center with its green outskirts. You’ll dash past medieval church towers and along picturesque canals, then continue out toward verdant parks and back. This blend of urban and rural scenery offers the best of both worlds. The race is held in May and includes many shorter distance events, making it a festive day for all ages. Runners appreciate the mix of sights – one moment you’re under the shadow of the Dom Tower, the next you’re in lush fields – truly a “unique running experience” as the organizers put it.
Location highlights: Utrecht is often called a smaller, relaxed cousin of Amsterdam – it boasts winding canals, a towering Gothic cathedral (the Dom), and a vibrant student culture. Marathon participants get to see the Domstad (“cathedral city”) at its finest. The race starts and finishes at the Science Park on the east side of town, but the highlight is the section through the old city center with cheering crowds in the cobbled streets. Don’t miss exploring Utrecht’s wharf cellars along the canals turned into cafes – perfect for unwinding after race day.
Why it’s special: The Leiden Marathon offers a delightful mix of city and countryside that few races can match. Its one-loop course is famously picturesque, combining the best of historic Leiden with the surrounding “Green Heart” of Holland. Runners start in the heart of Leiden’s 900-year-old center (birthplace of Rembrandt) and then wind through no fewer than nine nearby villages, passing classic Dutch polder landscapes with windmills, flower fields, and curious cows watching from meadows. The route is extremely flat and has proven fast – ideal if you’re aiming for a PR (however May can be too warm for that). What truly stands out is the friendly vibe: the race is nicknamed “the marathon with a smile” due to its personal touch. Organizers and volunteers pay special attention to every runner, and locals in each village line the streets to cheer (some even throw neighborhood parties as the marathon passes).
Location highlights: Leiden is a charming university city in South Holland, with scenic canals, old windmills, and a rich history (the Pilgrims lived here before sailing to America). The marathon is usually in May, a beautiful time when the countryside is green and flowers are blooming. Between the enthusiastic send-off in Leiden’s city center and the warm welcome in villages like Oegstgeest or Zoeterwoude en route, you’ll feel a strong community spirit. After finishing back in Leiden – often near the historic town hall on Vismarkt – you can celebrate by exploring the city’s museums or relaxing on a canal-side terrace.
Run the Kustmarathon Zeeland Trailrun on 3 Oct 2025 in Zoutelande, Zeeland, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Often billed as “the most beautiful, but also one of the toughest” marathons in the Netherlands, the Kustmarathon Zeeland is an unforgettable coastal challenge. “Kustmarathon” literally means Coast Marathon, and indeed the 42 km route follows the Zeeland shoreline from the town of Burgh-Haamstede to a grand finish in Zoutelande. Along the way, runners traverse dunes, woods, and long stretches of beach – expect wind in your face, soft sand underfoot, and stunning North Sea views. The elements of “wind, sand and salt” are the defining theme of this race. It’s held the first weekend of October and includes side events (like a night run and walks) that turn it into a province-wide sports festival. Marathon runners here earn serious bragging rights: the course’s mix of terrain and likely headwinds mean times will be slower, but the experience is second to none. As one description puts it, the view of the Dutch coastline is terrific – it’s a small price to pay for a bit of extra effort.
Location highlights: Zeeland is the southwestern province famed for its dunes and delta works. The marathon route links small seaside villages and resort towns – you’ll start near the historic Westenschouwen forests, cross the Oosterschelde surge barrier, dash through dunes, and even slog a few kilometers right on the beach of Domburg. Spectators often ring cowbells on the dune paths and cheer at village crossings. At the finish in Zoutelande, a popular beach town, the atmosphere is jubilant as crowds celebrate the achievements (all finishers get a hero’s welcome after conquering “Zeeland’s Everest” – the high dune near the end!). This marathon is a true celebration of Zeeland’s nature and hospitality.
Run the Berenloop Terschelling on 1-2 Nov 2025 in Terschelling, Friesland, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: The Berenloop is beloved as perhaps the most beautiful running event in the Netherlands. Held each November on the island of Terschelling (one of the remote Frisian Wadden Islands), it offers an extraordinary mix of natural scenery and island camaraderie. The course is as varied as it gets: you’ll run on paved village roads, sandy forest trails and shell paths over the dunes, and even a ~3 km stretch of beach shoreline. It’s a beautiful but tough marathon – the constantly changing surfaces and a possibility of stiff sea breezes make it challenging, but never boring. What makes the Berenloop truly shine is the atmosphere: practically the entire island gets involved, whether running, volunteering, or cheering. Expect villagers manning water stations in costume, music at various points, and endless encouragement from spectators who often travel by bike from point to point. The name “Berenloop” means “Bear Run” – a nod to a local legend of explorer Willem Barentsz and polar bears – and the event has a bit of a playful mascot theme as a result.
Location highlights: Terschelling is a small North Sea island known for its dunes, cranberry fields, and the historic Brandaris lighthouse (which watches over the marathon course). The island’s population swells on Berenloop weekend as runners and their families make a getaway of it – it’s common to spend a long weekend here enjoying the tranquil landscapes. The marathon (and accompanying half) starts in the main village of West-Terschelling, loops around the island, and ends back in town with a festive finish. After the race, runners often celebrate at local pubs with a Terschelling beer or warm cranberry tart. The Berenloop’s combination of wilderness and warmth leaves many describing it as a “fantastic race spectacle” and a must-do at least once.
Run the Midwinter Marathon Apeldoorn on 30-1 Jan-Feb 2026 in Apeldoorn, Gelderland, Netherlands! For more information, check out the official Website.
Why it’s special: Apeldoorn’s Midwinter Marathon is steeped in tradition. First run in 1974, it’s the oldest continuously held running event in the Netherlands – not even snow has ever canceled it. Unlike most marathons on this list, it takes place in the heart of winter (early February), offering a very different atmosphere. The full 42.2 km distance – along with an array of other distances like the popular 25K – takes runners on a scenic, rolling route through the woods and heaths on the edge of the Veluwe national park. The course is known for being one of the more challenging in the country. You’ll encounter gentle hills (yes, there are hills in the Netherlands!) as you run through the beautiful wooded areas around Apeldoorn, including places like Hoog Soeren and Assel. If you’re lucky, a fresh layer of snow might adorn the landscape, making it a magical winter wonderland race – several editions have indeed featured a white blanket on the course. Despite the smaller field size relative to city marathons, the support is excellent: friendly volunteers (hundreds of them, all locals) and spectators turn out even in the cold. The event’s organization is famously passionate and volunteer-driven, giving it a very personal feel. Many Dutch runners hold Midwinter Marathon dear as a yearly fixture – a perfect way to stay motivated through winter.
Location highlights: Apeldoorn is a mid-sized city known for its royal Het Loo Palace and proximity to nature. The marathon starts and finishes on the stately “Loolaan” boulevard near the palace, nicknamed the ‘Royal’ Loolaan. Runners are treated to views of forests and the open heaths of the Veluwe region, far from the bustle of big cities. A unique aspect is the non-standard race distances – for example, the 25 km event (“Asselronde”) is a long-standing tradition. If you participate in the full marathon, you’re effectively joining a piece of Dutch running history. After the race, you can warm up with hot chocolate or Dutch pea soup (erwtensoep) offered at the finish – a well-earned reward for conquering the midwinter cold!
Why it’s special: Rounding out our list is a hidden gem for the adventurous: the Two Rivers Marathon. This is a smaller, boutique marathon held in late winter (often in February or March) in the rural heart of the Netherlands. The name says it all – the course is laid out between two major rivers, the Waal and the Maas (Meuse), in an area called the Bommelerwaard. In fact, runners literally cross the Waal and Meuse during the race, often on dikes or bridges, with sweeping water views. The path follows winding dike roads through tranquil farmland and dyke villages, showcasing a side of the Netherlands tourists rarely see. What’s also unique is that this marathon is a qualifier and training race for South Africa’s famous 56 km Two Oceans ultra-marathon – a nod to its international spirit. That connection means you’ll even see a few South African flags or hear Afrikaans encouragement along the route! Two Rivers keeps things simple and friendly: low-key but very well organized by a team of local running enthusiasts. Aid stations serve typical Dutch treats and the post-race atmosphere is like a cozy gathering of friends. If you love nature and community vibe over big crowds, this one should be on your list.
Location highlights: The marathon starts and ends in Zaltbommel, a historic fortified town known for its medieval gate and church tower. From there, the single-loop course takes you through the flat Dutch riverlands – think green pastures, willow trees, and boats drifting by on the river alongside you. You’ll likely pass through charming small villages (with names like Maasdriel or Gameren), where residents cheer from their porches. Early spring can be windy and brisk here, but also offers the sight of early flowers and migrating birds along the rivers. After finishing back in Zaltbommel, take a stroll on the old city walls or enjoy a pancake at a local café. The Two Rivers Marathon may be off the beaten path, but it perfectly encapsulates the Dutch love of running and the country’s watery beauty in one unique race.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a record-fast course, an atmospheric city tour, or an off-road adventure by the sea, the Netherlands’ marathon scene delivers. These ten races showcase the rich variety – from Rotterdam’s big-city energy to Terschelling’s island charm – that makes running in Holland so rewarding. Each marathon highlighted is well-regarded for its organization and character, so you really can’t go wrong. Lace up your shoes, pick a race that suits your style, and veel succes (good luck) in experiencing the Netherlands one 42.2-km run at a time!
