This was a fast and flat marathon, as advertised. The course was set up with aid stations every 5 kilometers but after 15 they started to either come every 4 (so you thought you were farther) or every 6 or 7 (so you were dying of thirst). The crowds at the end were great but with a 10k starting on our last 10, it was a bit confusing and depressing being passed by all of the fresh starters.
The crowds lined the last 5 kilometers giving a lot of much needed support and cheers.
Finishing in the Olympic stadium was fantastic, hearing your name called and the crowds cheering was just awesome.
A downside to the marathon was the lack of bananas or oranges along the way. They were there at the end but we were allowed only 1 quarter of an orange and 1 half a banana so that the half-marathoners would have some as well. I think I would have gladly paid extra for a whole banana! But ah well, I finished and it was great.

This is an excellent marathon for the first timer or for the 3:30 - 4:30 marathoner. The course is very nice, with a long stretch through the countryside. Dutch fans are very supportive of runners, but there were far less than Rotterdam. Overall, a fine race, I highly recommend it. You will not get lost in the crowd because there are only 2,000 runners. The start and finish are on the track in the old Olympic Stadium of 1928. Enjoy!

The Marathon course is a double loop, flat, fast, and uncrowded. The race itself is very well organized. Packet pick up and expo were just the opposite. VERY disorganized. But the Dutch are so nice, who cares? Accomodations, food, museums, and other extracurriculars are all great. It's really hard to beat Amsterdam for a fall getaway. I'm considering 2000. But what is Delta Lloyd - no one could tell me. Nor what the XXX stands for in the coat of arms (not the obvious).

Ran it on October 18, 1999. My first time to Europe so I decided to combine a marathon with my vacation. Amsterdam Marathon was FLAT and FAST!! Two loops around the main city, crossing numerous channels. The weather was great (50's) and good support throughout the race. A great way to see the city. Carry a small camera for great photo opportunities. Small race of ~1500 runners of which only about 150 were women. I found the pre-race a bit disorganized and the Expo lacking. Post race was uneventful with only a table of sliced fruit and water/AA drink. Over all, I enjoyed the marathon and Amsterdam very much!!