paroolOct 15, 2026, 12:14

Record for Amsterdam Marathon: participants from 161 countries

The 51st Amsterdam Marathon has set a record by attracting participants from 161 different countries to compete this weekend. The event will host 32,000 runners for the full marathon and 15,000 for the half marathon, though the city denied requests to route the race through the busy city center due to safety concerns.

The 51st edition of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is set to take place this weekend, attracting a record-breaking number of participants from 161 different countries. Organizers report that the marathon has reached its capacity of 32,000 runners, with an additional 15,000 athletes registered for the half marathon. While the organization had hoped to route the course through the city center, the municipality denied permission due to safety concerns, keeping the event outside the dense inner city area. Race director René Wit attributed the event's global growth to Amsterdam's international reputation and active international promotion.

Athletes will once again be competing to break existing course records, with favorable weather conditions expected. Defending champion Geofry Kipchumba returns to compete against a strong field, including Ethiopian runner Haymanot Alew, while Dutch athletes Khalid Choukoud and Noah Schutte aim for competitive times. In the women's field, Aynalem Desta returns as the favorite, with Mikky Keetels representing local Dutch hopes. Organizers continue to emphasize the goal of achieving fast race times through a competitive international field.

Lifestyle Amsterdam Netherlands

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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