The Final Countdown: Preparing for the 45th NN Marathon Rotterdam

The energy in Rotterdam is reaching a fever pitch as the city prepares for the 45th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Scheduled for Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026, the event is more than just a race; it is a massive urban festival that transforms the city into a global hub for distance running.

For the thousands of athletes currently entering their final week of preparation, the focus has shifted from grueling mileage to the delicate art of the taper. With a flat course that consistently ranks among the fastest in the world, the stakes are high—not only for those chasing personal records but for the elite field battling for the Dutch national titles.

The Stakes: A New Era for the NK Marathon

This year’s marathon distance likewise serves as the NK Marathon (Dutch Championship). The battle for the national titles is expected to be particularly wide open, and thrilling. Due to the fact that the winners from the previous year will not be appearing at the start line, the 45th edition is guaranteed to crown at least two new champions.

The race remains a magnet for both the absolute world top and tens of thousands of amateur runners from across the globe. All paths lead to the “heroic” Coolsingel, where the finish line awaits amidst the cheers of hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The Final Week: Tapering and Tuning

As runners hit the home stretch, the conversation has shifted toward the critical “do’s and don’ts” of the final seven days. According to recent analysis from runners.nl, the primary focus for athletes this week is tapering—the process of reducing training volume to allow the body to recover and peak for race day.

Beyond mileage, three key pillars of preparation are dominating the pre-race discourse:

• Nutrition and Fueling: There is significant debate regarding the leverage of energy gels. Even as some experts emphasize the necessity of gels to maintain glycogen levels, others caution against over-reliance or introducing new products too close to the race to avoid intestinal distress.
• Gear Selection: The science of footwear has become a focal point, with runners analyzing which shoes provide the optimal balance of energy return and stability for the specific demands of the Rotterdam course.
• Injury Prevention: The goal for the final week is simple: arrive at the start line healthy. Experts are urging runners to avoid “hero” workouts in the final days to ensure they don’t end up in the first-aid tent.

For many, like stewardess Micky Keetels, who is aiming to improve her personal best after a spontaneous debut last year, this final week is about mental fortitude and physical preservation.

Logistics and City Impact

Rotterdam will be exceptionally crowded on April 11 and 12. Organizers have issued warnings that multiple roads will be closed to accommodate the course. Both participants and spectators are strongly advised to plan their travel in advance to avoid delays.

The event kicks off on Saturday, April 11, with a program featuring various distances for all ages. The main international marathon follows on Sunday, April 12. For those heading to the start, the action begins in the start boxes located on the Schiedamsedijk.

Note for travelers: Because of the scale of the event, expect significant congestion around the city center and potential wait times at metro stations.

A Milestone Celebration

The 45th anniversary is being marked with several special initiatives. To commemorate the milestone, a jubilee magazine is being released, featuring nearly 200 pages of iconic imagery and history from the race’s four-and-a-half-decade legacy.

The event is also pushing for a more sustainable future. In partnership with CIRCULR and Climpex, the NN Marathon Rotterdam has implemented a clothing recycling initiative. Runners can now recycle clothing directly within the start boxes on the Schiedamsedijk, moving the event closer to a circular and sustainable model.

Quick Facts: NN Marathon Rotterdam 2026

With pre-registration already closed, the field is set. The combination of a rapid course, a celebratory atmosphere, and the hunt for new national champions makes the 2026 edition a must-watch event for the global running community.

The next major milestone is race day on Sunday, April 12, 2026. Stay tuned for live updates and results from the Coolsingel.

Are you running in the 45th edition or cheering from the sidelines? Share your goals and tips in the comments below.