When it comes to running events, you could say Amsterdam has a personal best: the TCS Amsterdam Marathon. Held annually in mid-October, the event draws elite runners from around the world. The 37th Amsterdam Marathon will take place on Sunday 21 October 2012.

TCS Amsterdam Marathon: one mile at a time

Record numbers descend upon the city’s pancake-flat plains carrying hopes of sprinting to gold. Those familiar with the city’s outdoor events know it’s a participation sport (crowd or otherwise) not to be missed. The TCS Amsterdam Marathon has been held every year since 1978 and has earned itself a place in the league table of the world’s best marathons.

Run with a view

This year some 25,000 runners from over 70 countries are expected to tear up the streets, starting from the Olympic Stadium at 09:30.

From there, they will head into the lush green to the south of Amsterdam following the River Amstel before heading back into town past and weaving through the Indische Buurt.

After cutting back into the heart of the city, runners will head through the world-famous Vondelpark during the final stretches of the race as the course takes them back to the finish at the Olympic Stadium from around 11:30 through to roughly 17:00.

Half-marathon, 8 km run and more

If you get blisters just thinking about the full distance, there are plenty of other ways to join in. Additional courses are also taking place alongside the big run: the Mizuno Half Marathon, the 8 km run and the TomTom Olympic Kids Run. There are also plenty of other activities to look out for, including extra mini marathons for kids that are 12 and under at:

• Oost: Galileiplantsoen
• Zuid: Riekermolen (corner of Amsteldijk)
• Zuid: Olympiaplein

Accessibility in the city

The City of Amsterdam will take every measure to minimise disruption, although accessibility and parking will be affected across the city. Parking is not usually permitted along the marathon route from 23:00 on the evening preceding the marathon, as fences will be placed along the route.

Traffic is usually permitted to travel along the route until 45 minutes before the first participant arrives, and again 30 minutes after the last participant has passed by. Parking is only permitted again after the fences have been removed (roughly 2 hours later).

Trams and buses that normally run along and near to the marathon route operate alternative services. Check the GVB website or call 0900 8011 for more information nearer the time. Those arriving to watch the Amsterdam Marathon by car are advised to use the park and ride services.  

For 2012, points across the marathon route will be available for pedestrians and cyclists at:

• Stadhouderskade by the Jan Luykenstraat (close to the Rijksmuseum) and at Ferdinand Bolstraat

• Mauritskade by the Tropenmuseum

• Zeeburgerdijk by the Veelaan

• Hugo de Vrieslaan by the Middenweg

• Olympic Stadium area, by Amstelveenseweg and Stadionweg.

City residents with questions about the Amsterdam Marathon or accessibility can contact the city’s information service by calling 14 020.

More information

For visual inspiration, check out the Amsterdam Marathon video. Head to the official TCS Amsterdam Marathon website for more information or view a map of the marathon route.

Article source: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en-GB/living/events/amsterdam-marathon