🇳🇱Rotterdam, Netherlands

NN Rotterdam Marathon

Expected April 2027

Open entry

Next edition · 2027

Expected April 2027

Date not yet confirmed

Estimated from the usual calendar slot. Last edition: Apr 5, 2026.

Course

15 melevation gain

Distance · surface: 42.2 km · Road
Layout: Loop, flat
Profile: Flat and fast; the Erasmus Bridge ('the Swan') is the only real rise, crossed twice

Entry

Direct paid registration

2027 entry: Not yet recorded. Check the official site for dates and status.
Registration: Opens well in advance; popular but generally attainable

Dates and entry details change. Confirm with the organiser before you book.

Race intelligence verified 24 July 2026 · Medium confidencennmarathonrotterdam.org ↗

PB potential

5/5

World-record territory — one of the fastest courses on the planet

Beginner friendly

5/5

Perfect first marathon — supportive, accessible, and well-structured

Fast Course Beginner Friendly Spring Marathon More Europe races

About this race

Rotterdam is widely regarded as the fastest marathon course in the world by the numbers — a near-perfectly flat route at sea level, through wide Dutch streets with consistent wind buffering from buildings, in reliably cool April conditions. Multiple world records have been set here or in Rotterdam's elite-only companion race. The course starts and finishes in the heart of the city, loops past Erasmus Bridge, through the Kralingse Plas (a scenic lake park), and back through the architecturally striking port area. The field is large and international. Organisation — as you'd expect from the Dutch — is excellent: regular aid stations, consistent pacers, clear signage. If your goal is a PB, a qualifier, or breaking a round number, Rotterdam is the most logical single choice in Europe.

Typical race-day weather

🌡

Temperature

7–14°C

💧

Humidity

65–75%

☁️

Conditions

Cool and overcast, occasionally breezy

🌬

Wind

10–20 km/h W

Who this race suits

PB-hunters wanting a fast, flat course with no lottery. One of Europe's quickest marathons and beginner-friendly on profile.

Excellent PB course: flat, well-organised, and Boston-qualifier friendly. Cool April weather usually cooperates.

Overview

Field size: ~18,000 finishers
Entry: Open paid entry

Course intelligence

Highlights: City-centre start and finish, the Erasmus Bridge, and famously strong local crowds

Race weekend

Expo: Marathon expo with in-person bib pickup

Travel & logistics

Best airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), ~40 min by train; Rotterdam The Hague (RTM) is closer but smaller
Getting around: Metro, tram and trains; the centre is compact and walkable
Where to stay: Rotterdam city centre near the start and finish

Runner tips

The Erasmus Bridge is crossed early and late — ease over it rather than attacking the incline.
It's a genuine PB course; set a realistic goal pace and hold it from the start.

Medium confidenceLast verified 24 July 2026

Qualifies for

Boston Marathon

Entry information

StatusCheck official site

Entry typeOpen entry

Race dateExpected April 2027

Next edition date estimated — confirm exact date with the official site.

Official website ↗

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