2011

Amsterdam Marathon an international happening It remains remarkable that there is an unprecedented overseas interest in the Amsterdam Marathon. People from all over the world come to Amsterdam to run a marathon in this fantastic city. At this moment nearly 61% of the entries are

Amsterdam Marathon 2011 – why run in Amsterdam? The 36th Amsterdam Marathon will take place on Sunday October 16, 2011.

Event

By GRR 0

Amsterdam Marathon an international happening

It remains remarkable that there is an unprecedented overseas interest in the Amsterdam Marathon. People from all over the world come to Amsterdam to run a marathon in this fantastic city. At this moment nearly 61% of the entries are from abroad. Already there are entries from 54 different countries.

These entries are from all continents, from South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, Australia, Brazil and Chile. After Great Britain the countries with the most entries are respectively, France, Germany, Italy and Brazil.

Amsterdam's ring of canals is an attraction

The high level of interest is undoubtedly in a significant part due to the tourist attractions that the city of Amsterdam has to offer. The participants runs along the Singel canal, which is part of Amsterdam's ring of canals. The 17th century canal ring area in Amsterdam is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The view from there is, among others, over the fascinating Skinny Bridge near the Carré Theatre and the famous five-star Amstel Hotel. There is a beautiful view after passing the Wibautstraat on the bridge over the Amstel.

The historic urban ensemble of the canal district of Amsterdam was a project for a new ‘port city' built at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th centuries. It comprises a network of canals to the west and south of the historic old town and the medieval port that encircled the old town and was accompanied by the repositioning inland of the city's fortified boundaries, the Singel canal.

Tourists from all over the world come to Holland to see the unique Amsterdam canals.

Great satisfaction with aid stations

The number of aid stations along the course has been extended during the past year. It was clear, from past experience, that there was a need for additional water posts. Those extra water posts, especially in the second half of the marathon course, have proved to be a hit.

Even the post after the Vondel Park, which is less than two kilometres from the finish, was well used. There were also positive comments about the commitment of the volunteers at the aid stations. Very helpful, very friendly and above all the clean up of the course during the race, were the positive points that were mentioned most often.

Despite the high level of satisfaction, in the run up to the new event, we're working hard to improve the aid stations even further in 2011. Proper care during the completion of a challenging (half) marathon is the right of every participant, which is why that will once again be on top of our agenda this year.

Survey Amsterdam Marathon 2010 – why run in Amsterdam?

We held a survey among participants of the half and whole marathon in Amsterdam. In this survey we asked, among other things, why people had chosen to run in Amsterdam. The tourist attraction of Amsterdam was one of the most important reasons. More than 37 per cent of all foreign participants have visited museums in Amsterdam. The Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House and the Rijks Museum were especially popular.

In addition 30 per cent of the foreign participants went on one or more excursions. A boat trip through the canals of Amsterdam was by far the most popular excursion. Many go walking or cycling through the historic centre of the city and shopping was also mentioned often. The foreign participant stays in Amsterdam an average of almost three nights and brings with them 1.7 supporters.

An important reason for taking part is also the fast, charming and varied course of the Amsterdam Marathon. At least 78 per cent of the participants named this as one of the most important reasons. 70 per cent of foreign participants arrive by aircraft. "Amsterdam is easily and quickly accessible by air", was a frequent comment.

In the course of the coming month all participants who have taken part in the survey will receive a detailed report.

Enter now for the 36th Amsterdam Marathon 2011

The 36th Amsterdam Marathon will take place on Sunday October 16, 2011. That is in just over sixth months. Last year a record 31,555 participants entered. At this moment almost 6,500 runners have already entered. In comparison to the same period last year, that is 30 per cent more!

Enter online now on www.amsterdammarathon.nl.

Please note! You cannot enter on the day!

author: GRR