The Rotterdam Marathon started in 1981 with a very intense start. Heavy rain greeted fewer than 200 racers the first year and strong wind greeted the crowd the following year. Race planners changed the month of the race to April the third year, and it has remained in that month ever since.
Today, more than 20,000 runners from around the world line up in the Netherlands year after year to compete for this prestigious running title.
This is one of the most popular marathons in the world and it attracts serious competitors from around the world.
Three world records have been set at this running event, so that shows the level of competition that is associated with the race.
The Amsterdam Marathon is another famous marathon in The Netherlands.
World-class Marathon
There is no rule that eliminates first time marathon runners from participating in the Rotterdam Marathon, but the intense level of competition often makes the race too intimidating for those without considerable experience running long distances. Plus, the course changes from year to year so it is never known exactly what the terrain may be like, so beginners may not know how to properly train for the next year’s event.
The Rotterdam Marathon is more like the prestigious marathon that new runners keep their eye on as a goal for the future. It isn’t the marathon that a beginning runner who lacks confidence would want to enter.
Yet, those who have run a marathon or two and want something very competitive with intense energy will find it ideal for their next big race.
Thousands of Spectators
Besides the prestige of the marathon, many runners are attracted to the lively environment set up around the event. There are thousands of racers heading through the course each year, but there are also thousands of spectators screaming from the side of the course.
Racers are encouraged to keep going, to keep their pace, and to push harder by the crowd and the entertainment stationed along the course.
All of the roads are blocked off as well, so racers never have to worry about contending with vehicles trying to make their way down the road. Everything is roped off and dedicated completely to Rotterdam Marathon racers.
Marathon Package
Since this marathon is so popular and attracts thousands of runners from around the world, participants have to plan ahead for hotel reservations and flight arrangements. Many will register their accommodations before they even put their money down to enter the event. This ensures that they get the hotel rooms that they want and the flights that best fit their schedules.
The best way to enter the race and get the best accommodations is to use the ATP to get travel packages which include guaranteed entry into the marathon. These packages typically combine entry into the race with hotel accommodations, so airplane flights will still need to be arranged separately. Those arrangements should be made as soon as a decision is made to join the race, especially for racers from countries that send a lot of runners to the Netherlands every April.
The travel can be made much easier if racers fly in a bit earlier than the race and fly back out a few days after the race. This allows them to avoid the rush of the race crowd and makes time for a bit of vacation before the race and celebration after the race.
The last edition of Hal Higdon´s Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide
Rotterdam Marathon Course
Since the course for the marathon changes each year, racers should train for every imaginable situation. The races are almost always urban settings, but it doesn’t hurt to round the training schedule out with some hill training and off road adventures.
Due to the high level of competition guaranteed to come from the race every year, the top athletes typically come prepared for whatever the Netherlands can throw at them.
One thing is true of the Rotterdam Marathon: the pros show up to run hard and party hard. The course is often described as a party due to the hyped spectators and the high energy of the racers. Yet, those who cross the finish line see where the real party takes place.
The end of the race is extremely celebratory, not just for the winners but for everyone who makes it to the end. That is just another reason to train harder for this marathon.
Rotterdam Marathon Training Plan
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