TCS Marathon

The main distance of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is the TCS Marathon. Enjoy the world capital Amsterdam and run along the most attractive passages of the city.

The course in Amsterdam is known for its flat, fast and historical character. The start and finish take place in the historical Olympic Stadium. Every year this leaves an unforgettable impression, thanks to the presence of the supporters in the tribunes and the marathon grandstand! The course of the Marathon follows a part of the course of the Olympic Games in 1928 alongside the Amstel River, stately mansions and windmills. This rural trail offers beautiful views and gives an impression of the enormous activity that rules the Amstel every day.

The course leads the runners close to capital inner city of Amsterdam en knows many highlights, that are worth a seperate sightseeing tour. A few of the most attractive passages can be read here.

Course highlights

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Course

View the course map here

Start

Start time: 09.00 - 09.35 hours

Start Area A: Olympic Stadium (15,000 runners)

Start Area B: Stadionweg (15,000 runners)

Time limit: 6 hours

Start Area A Olympic Stadium
Start Area A is on the field inside of the Olympic Stadium. After entrance through the marathon gate you will be directed to your start wave. Each start wave corresponds with an expected finish time. The colour on the bib number corresponds to your permitted start wave.

The marathon gate opens at 07.45 hours. Start wave 3 (pink) and Wave 4 (orange) are also accessible via the entrance stairs on the outside of the stadium. Will you be starting in Wave 1 (white) or Wave 2 (yellow)? You must be on the field by 08.50 hours at the latest.

Check the table on the page for your expected start time. It may take until 09.35 hours before you actually start. There is plenty of room in the starting areas to keep moving.

Start Area B Stadionweg
Start Area B is at the Stadionweg, right outside the Olympic Stadium. Each start wave corresponds with an expected finish time. The colour on the bib number corresponds to your permitted start wave. Access to the start waves will be open from 08.00 hours.

View the the map of Start Area A and B here

Clothing drop-off
For runners starting in Area A, clothing can be stored in tents auround the Olympic Stadium, opening hours: 07.30 - 17:00.
Runners in Starting Area B, can store their clothing in tents at the Stadionplein, opening hours: 07:45 - 17:00.
The service is free but we are not responsible for any stolen or missing items.

Wave	Color	Expected finish time	Start time Area A	Start time Area B
Wave 1	White	Invited athletes and athletes with finish time up to 2.45 hrs	09.00 hrs	09.00 hrs
Wave 2	Yellow	Athletes with finish time between 2.45 hrs and 3.05 hrs	09.02 hrs	09.02 hrs
Wave 3	Pink	Athletes with finish time between 3.05 hrs and 3.30 hrs	09.05 hrs	09.05 hrs
Wave 4	Orange	Athletes with finish time between 3.30 hrs and 4.00 hrs	09.13 hrs	09.13 hrs
Wave 5	Green	Athletes with finish time between 4.00 hrs and 4.30 hrs	09.23 hrs	09.23 hrs
Wave 6	Blue	Athletes with finish time between 4.30 hrs and 6.00 hrs	09.31 hrs	09.31 hrs

Course

The elevation level
View the elevation level of the TCS Marathon here.

Refreshment stations
There will be a sponge and water stations along the route, handing out water and sportsdrink as well as fruit to the marathon runners. At the refreshment stations toilet and first-aid facilities will also be available.

It is not possible for participants to have sports nutrition (bottles, etc.) delivered to the refreshment stations via the organisation.

Distance	Sports drink	Water	Bananas	Sponges
5 KM
10,5 KM
15,5 KM
20 KM
26 KM
31 KM
33 KM
35 KM
38,5 KM
40,5 KM
Finish

Limits and clocks TCS Marathon

The time limit for the TCS Marathon is 6 hours. The finish in the Olympic Stadium closes at 17.00 hours. This following km-points should be reached at:

5 km - 10.12 hours
10 km - 10.54 hours
15 km - 11.36 hours
20 km - 12.19 hours
25 km - 13.01 hours
42,195 km - 17.00 hours

Runners who are reached by the sweeper vehicle, based on the passing-time table, and will therefore certainly exceed the time limit will be called upon by a member of the jury to leave the race and, for reasons of safety, get into the broom wagon. Should you decide to continue the race, despite the request of the jury member, you do so at your own risk. Remember, the course will be opened to traffic again once the broom wagon has passed. The water points and medical care points will also be removed, and it will no longer be possible to end in the Olympic Stadium. If you are removed from the race, you will not be eligible for a medal.

Kilometer points and time registration
There are digital clocks at the start and at various km-points. Every 5 km your time will be registered and boards will be placed at every km-point.

Finish

Participants will finish at the Olympic Stadium in front of the grandstand. At the finish you will receive your medal and heat sheet (if necessary). Water is also available here. After crossing the finish line, please try to keep moving. Outside the Olympic Stadium you will receive a bottle of sports drank and banana.

Medal
All participants who cross the finish line receive a medal. To make yours even more special, you can personalise it with your name and finish time. You will find the stand at the Olympic Stadium. If you ordered an engraved medal when you registered, there will be a medal symbol on your bib number.