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☰
Amsterdam Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Amsterdam Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.1 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 88 [displaying comments 71 to 81]
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H. H. from Amsterdam
(10/18/2004)
 "Amsterdam Moving Up" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Amsterdam Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 A flat and fast course suitable for a PR, and since the sponsors started to promote the event to the general public, with a better crowd. Samba bands along the course and entertainment in the Olympic Stadium helped to set a positive atmosphere. | |
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m. h. from Rotterdam ,the Netherlands
(9/8/2004)
 "Fast but boring" (about: 2003)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Amsterdam Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 A nice run to set a PR. It is not crowded and you have enough space to run fast. Not many spectators; the organizers try every year to get the Amsterdam people to support it, but it still doesn't work. The last 6 km or so is bad. You go into the center with a lot of small hills for cars. It kills your legs on the end. Nevertheless, I set a PR and the organization is good. | |
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Ken Chapman from Yorkshire, England
(8/18/2004)
 "NO prizes for HALF marathon." (about: 2002)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I had a personal best at 60 years of age in the half marathon and did 1 hour, 30 minutes, 20 seconds to finish 187th out of 3,494 runners. I was told that as the marathon was the main race, there were no prizes at all for the half. Surely with all the entry fees from the 3,494 runners, a series of prizes should have been awarded. I have raced all over the world and always had a prize in these circumstances. A poor effort and a disgrace to all shorter distance than marathon runners. As a club outing it would be ideal, but not until this ruling is changed. | |
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Darren DeKeyser from Green Bay, Wisconsin
(5/25/2004)
 "Lucky to have run it twice -- more to come" (General Comments)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Amsterdam Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 While on assignment in The Netherlands and Germany, I was able to run this race in 2001 and 2003. I established a personal best in both races. The course is real fast; however, it does change year after year depending on the construction in the city. Essentially they just change which street you run down around km 32-38 due to inner city construction. Depending upon which route you get, there may be more cobblestones and small ups and downs over canals, but still something which anyone should be able to overcome. I suggest running in the middle of the tram tracks whenever possible (clean, flat and no crowning effect -- these are prefab pieces of pavement). The organization is very good. The entry and pickup is open practically until the start. The organizers were very accommodating and language is not a problem. The crowd on the course could be more excitable; however the course is well lined and well supported. I have run in other international marathons and competed in races in sizes from 90 to 35,000. I have seen the millions lining the streets in Chicago and few hundreds in small towns in Sweden. Each have there own unique characteristics. The rather small field in Amsterdam allows you to establish your own pace by the first kilometer. I will definitely run this race again. The only other European race which I have interest in is London. | |
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B. G. from Pisa, Italy
(11/5/2003)
"Great First Half Marathon Experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first half marathon - and first race of any distance beyond 5K and I had a BLAST! Registration was easy and any questions I had were quickly answered. It took a bit to find the expo, but once I ran into a volunteer for the race I got directions. Was easy to pick up my number and t-shirt, pasta party was ok... nothing exciting. The weather was perfect... cool and only a slight wind. In Italy I had been running in much warmer temps so the change was very pleasant. I thought the fan support was great...but I am used to running alone, so I can't compare it to any other race yet. Course was great... mostly flat except for slight inclines at bridges. Overall a great race for me and one I would recommend. | |
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J. v. from Ajax, (Toronto) Ontario, Canada
(11/4/2003)
 "The best marathon with great spectators support" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Amsterdam Marathon offers a lot to visiting marathoners. A great city to visit with a fast, flat, scenic course with excellent chance of obtaining a PB! The course runs through a historical European city, down along the Amstel River and canals. The route is lined with a cheering spectator support, loud bands, and the best finish line. The marathoner feels like an Olympian running into the Olympic Stadium to the roar of the crowd and pump up music. The weather was ideal, cool (~10c), dry, and sunny with little wind (except for a crosswind along the Amstel River). The Dutch people are friendly and conversant in the English language. The city has plenty of diverse activities for all interests. Starting in an Olympic Stadium the friends, and families in the arena - what a send off. The course starts with a loop of the last 3 km of the marathon route through the famous Vondelpark. The course is well marked with a balloon arch and time at every five kilometres. Aid station every 4 to 5 km. Plenty of people cheering you along the route. People are willing to root for different countries. To finish a marathon running is the goal, but to finish like an Olympian is a feeling to behold (ie, awesome!!!). | |
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Y. T. from Aachen, Germany
(10/20/2003)
"Very enjoyable marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 From some of the previous comments, I had some mixed feelings. Was it difficult to get there? Was it well organized? As soon as I got my registration package by the mail, most of my concerns disappear. A very detailed map provided clear direction and all the information I needed. Pick up of the race number was quick and easy. The race itself was a pleasure. A bit more than 3,000 runners make it very easy to pass (or get passed). The course is very diversified: parks, countryside and the historic canals! The part I prefer was the double loop circuit (7 km and then 35 km). Being concerned with a potential injury, I could run the first 7 km, see how I felt, and from that point, I could decide to carry on. | |
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David Grace from Frederick, MD (outside of DC)
(1/28/2003)
"Overall a wonderful experience." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I have run marathons all over the world and this is the first time I have taken time out comment on a race. The coach from California prompted me to do so, because his words may mislead you. The race expo and packet pick-up were actually quite organized. It took me a total of 10 minutes to pick up my number and chip. Absolutely no problems. No signs were posted telling me where to go, but it wasn't difficult following the other runners. Making it to the starting line wasn't difficult either. I walked to the stadium from my hotel in less than 20 minutes and had more than enough time to warm up. However, one must be organized, study the area beforehand and stay in the right section of the city. The course was absolutely breathtaking and I don't remember too many cobblestones (maybe 10). From running along the Amstel canal to running through the city and the Vondelpark, I was constantly aware of my surroundings. The crowds could have been a little better. But running through the streets of Amsterdam were good enough. Congratulations to the event organizers and the city of Amsterdam. A truly wonderful event. | |
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A Runner from Cleveland, OH
(12/4/2002)
"A Great First Timer Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As an American, alot of people thought this to be an odd choice for a first time marathon, however the reasons are obvious. First the flatness of the course followed by the time of year with ideal temperatures. Add to this Dutch efficiency and a great race is had by all. The start and finish at the Olympic Stadium was the highlight of my running this year.Hope to be back next year, although I'm considering the Akron Towpath Marathon for next October. (rumored to be a beautiful course) | |
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A Runner from Amsterdam
(11/9/2002)
"Get there early!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Amsterdam is one of those cities everyone wants to visit. The people are open and friendly, there is no hint of any menace in the streets, there's culture a plenty, and subculture too - an intelectual type of place. The excuse is the course, a flat, fast, 26.2 mile beast tempting you with that elusive PB. The weather was perfect, cool and still. Starting in an Olympic Stadium the friends, and families in the arena -what a send off. For an old jogger like me the course was excellent, not clogged like some big city marathons where they seem to work out how many runners they can pack onto the course, double it and make you wait ten minutes to cross the line. This was neat, enough runners - low thousands I guess - but enough space too. Drinks every 3 miles or so, clappping, and cheers every minute, and flat, fast course all the way - who could ask for more? The Vondelpark was a good place to spectate, as you pass through it twice offering your supporters the chance for a before, and after photo shoot. Finishing in the stadium was awesome, you enter through an uninspiring concrete rectangular gap, then suddenly there is the last 200m of tartan track. Behind you emerges a wall of sound - a stand of supporters. The arena is a great place for supporters - unlike some big city marathons where there is simply nowhere. The photographer encourages you to show the arms raised gesture of conquest-It's over. At the end I hobbled off strangely satisfied that I'll have to come back to get that PB. The downside ? The organisation of the start - It took me 2 hours to get from Amsterdam Central Station (the Metro was totally unsigned and a nightmare) to the start line. Fortunately some kind people let me push in to leave my baggage or I would have missed the start. |
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