Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The NN Marathon Rotterdam is one of the fastest marathons in the world, a flat, fast course through the modern Dutch port city, crossing the iconic Erasmus Bridge amid the striking contemporary architecture. The pancake-flat profile and smooth roads have made it a premier record and personal-best destination. Held in April, it offers cool spring conditions ideal for fast racing, with wind the main variable. The sleek cityscape and big crowds define the day. It suits the dedicated PB chaser who wants a genuinely fast course and a vibrant, modern Dutch atmosphere.
Course Insight
Rotterdam is one of the fastest marathons anywhere, a dead-flat April course over the sweeping Erasmus Bridge with huge crowds and a reputation as a personal-best machine. The total flatness means your own restraint is the only governor early on. Cool spring air is ideal for racing. The bridge and waterfront are striking. Hold back early and the level course hands you a quick time.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 86m
- Elevation loss
- 85m
- Highest point
- 17m
- Net elevation
- +1m
- Start
- Finishes on the Coolsingel in front of Rotterdam City Hall.
- Cutoff time
- 5h 30m
Race History
The NN Marathon Rotterdam was first held in 1981 and quickly became one of the fastest marathons in the world, crossing the iconic Erasmus Bridge through the modern Dutch port city. Belayneh Dinsamo set a marathon world record of 2:06:50 there in 1988, cementing its reputation for speed. From its founding it grew into a premier record and personal-best destination. Held each April, it draws a large field to the fast, modern city.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Rotterdam The Hague (RTM), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
- Best area to stay
- The city centre for proximity to the route and modern hotels, Kop van Zuid for stays near the Erasmus Bridge, and Delfshaven for characterful, quieter options.
- Getting to the start
- The start is on the Coolsingel in the centre; take the metro or tram to a central stop and walk to the start.