Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to the sport, Amsterdam and its surrounding area offer a wide number of running events throughout the year. Female fitness specialist and running coach Maureen Freelink has compiled a list of races for you and your little ones to take part in.
There are few better ways to improve and maintain your fitness than running–requiring little other than a pair of properly fitted running shoes. (Of course, you can run the gamut of hi-tech gear for the serious runner!) There is no need for expensive gym memberships. It’s a sport that you can participate in according to your own schedule.
If you are entirely new to running, some classes can be very helpful to get you started and reduce the chance of injuries. Once you can run a certain distance, taking part in a race can be great fun and a greater motivator. Amsterdam and the surrounding areas offer many running events throughout the year for beginner and advanced runners alike, with races of different distances in which you can participate. Many also offer kids’ races too: get your little ones to catch the running bug early and start them off on a lifestyle of fitness!
Some Tips for Beginner Runners
- Invest in good running shoes.
- Join a running/training group. Believe it or not, there is a right posture for a runner–and conversely, there are bad postures for running.
- Remember that everyone can learn how to run.
- Build mileage gradually.
- Go for distance rather than speed.
- Build up muscle strength.
- For your first time 5km race: start slowly, don’t prioritize keeping with the crowd; run at your own pace!
- Believe in yourself. In the words of Bart Yasso, Runner’s World’s Chief Running Officer: “I often hear someone say ‘I’m not a real runner’. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I’ve never met a fake runner.”
I often hear someone say ‘I’m not a real runner’. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner. ~ Bart Yasso
Running Events for 2019
Year Round
Friday Night Run: At 19.30, every second Friday of the month you can join runners (beginners and advanced) for an hour’s run, departing from Olympic Stadium. It is organised by Phanos Athletic Club.
January
NN Egmond Half Marathon: 13 January 2019: 10.5 km and 21.5 km.
Vondelpark Loop: 19 January 2019, 10k “Light the Night” evening race; 20 January 2019 “Race the Day” 3.5k/6.7k/10k -great fun, but sign up early for this one!
February
Vechtstreek in Beweging from Maarsen: 24 February 2019, 2.5 k/5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 20 km and half marathon. One of a series of seven winter runs.
March
Trappenbergloop, 3 March 2019: 2.5 km, 5 km, 7 km and youth/kids runs.
Rokjesdagloop, 31 March 2019: 5 km and 10km. Running in a skirt is compulsory to raise money for MS.
April
Hilversum City Run, 14 April 2019: 1,5 km, 3 km, 5 km and 10 km and 10 English miles
May
Amsterdam Zwemloop, 15 May 2019: 5 km, 10 km to which you can also add a swim race!
Geinloop, 19 May 2019: 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, 21.5 km. There’s a kid’s run too.
June
Midzomernachtcross Amsterdamse Bos, Friday night closest to the solstice, 5 km, 10 km and 10 English miles and kid’s run.
July, August
Typically quiet months for running events.
September
Run For Kika, September and at other times of year: 5 and 10 km. Also a kids run.
Zuidas Run, September: 5 km and 10 km, individual and team events.
Dam tot Damloop, 21 and 22 September 2019, 8 km by night, September 16 km by day.
October
Sloterpasloop, 13 October 2019, 10 km
TCS Amsterdam Marathon, 20 October, 8 km, 21 km, full marathon & kids run.
November
Olympisch Stadionloop, 1 km, 5 km, 10 km.
Movember Run, 5 km for men and women! Raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer and male suicide.
December
Bosbaan Run, 7km.
Photo credit: Freepik
Maureen Freelink
Maureen Freelink is a qualified Personal Trainer and former international athlete. She is specialised in female fitness and the mother of three sons. She was born and raised in Amsterdam but lived internationally for many years before returning to Amsterdam three years ago.
