Are you running the marathon yourself, taking part in the half marathon, or coming along to cheer someone on? Stay overnight in Amsterdam and turn the event into a full sports weekend. That way, you won’t have to travel into the city first thing on the morning of your run.
When is the 2026 Amsterdam Marathon?
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2026 will take place over the weekend of 17 and 18 October.
On Saturday, the programme includes the 7.5-kilometre race, the Kids Runs and the Amsterdam City Walk. Sunday is the main marathon day, featuring both the full and half marathons.
What time does the Amsterdam Marathon start?
The full marathon will start on Sunday 18 October from 09.00. Participants will set off in different waves between 09.00 and 09.50.
The start is spread across two locations:
- Start Area A: Olympic Stadium
- Start Area B: Stadionweg
The finish line for all marathon runners is at the Olympic Stadium.
Are you taking part? Please check your race number and the information provided by the organisers carefully beforehand to see which wave and which starting block you have been allocated to.
What distances are available at the Amsterdam Marathon?
Not a full 42.195 kilometres? There are various distances and activities on offer during the marathon weekend.
The programme includes, amongst other things:
- TCS Marathon: 42.195 km
- Mizuno Half Marathon: 21.1 km
- Samsung Galaxy 7.5 km: 7.5 km
- Kids’ Runs
- Mini Marathons
- Amsterdam City Walk
- Good Morning City Run
This means there’s something to do throughout the weekend, even if you’re not taking part in the full marathon.
What’s on during the marathon weekend?
The programme gets underway even before the main race on Sunday. From Thursday onwards, you can also visit the Marathon Expo at RAI Amsterdam.
Saturday 17 October
Saturday is all about the shorter distances and activities surrounding the marathon.
- 07.00 – 17.00: Amsterdam City Walk
- 09.00 – 11.00: Good Morning City Run
- 09.00 – 19.00: Marathon Expo en startnummers ophalen
- 12.30: Heroes Run 1.000 meter
- 12.40: Kids Run 1.000 meter
- 13.40: Kids Run 1.600 meter
- 14.15: 7,5 km
- 18.00 – 21.00: Pasta Party
Sunday 18 October
On Sunday, the focus is on the two longest distances.
- 09.00: TCS Marathon
- 09.10: De Borcht Mini Marathon
- 10.00: Galileïplantsoen Mini Marathon
- 12.50: Olympiaplein Mini Marathon
- 13.20: Mizuno Half Marathon
- 17.00: finish closes
A route right through the heart of Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Marathon takes you past a number of well-known landmarks in the city.
The marathon starts at the Olympic Stadium and passes, amongst other places, the Rijksmuseum, the River Amstel and the Heineken Experience. You’ll also run a loop through Vondelpark before finally finishing at the Olympic Stadium.
Spectators line large sections of the route to cheer on the runners. So even if you’re not taking part yourself, you can easily find a spot along the route.
Accommodation for the Amsterdam Marathon
Running a marathon is hard enough as it is. So it’s nice not to have to travel to Amsterdam from another city on the morning of the race.
Stayokay has three hostels in Amsterdam, so you can choose the location that best suits your weekend.
Amsterdam
Vondelpark
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is one of the largest and most up-to-date hostels in Europe. Feel the vibe!
Amsterdam
Oost
The hostel is located to the east of the city centre in a typical but quiet Amsterdam neighbourhood.
Amsterdam
Stadsdoelen
Having your home base in the heart of the city where you can meet travellers from all over the world.
Well-rested at the start
Whether you’re going for the 7.5 kilometres, running the half marathon or tackling the full 42.195 kilometres: proper preparation starts even before the race begins.
Stay overnight in Amsterdam, pick up your race number on Saturday if you like, and set off on your run from the city the following morning.
