Three kits.One start line.
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Hotels for runners,not tourists.
Curated for proximity to start, finish, and Vondelpark shakeouts. All bookable via Booking.com.
Nothing leftto chance.
Tick off every phase, from expo pick-up to the start line. The things runners most often forget, not the generic stuff.
What needs to happen
Carbs, caffeine,cadence.
A complete race-day fuel timeline, built around Maurten and tuned for an October start.
Local partners,actually visited.
We hand-pick the best spots for race week. Runner-selected, not advertiser-selected.
Bib, bag, breakfast.
Skip the queues. Here's everything you need before the gun on Sunday.
Metro 52 → Europaplein · 8 min from Centraal
Expo opens Thursday — pick up early to avoid Saturday crowds.
- →Photo ID + confirmation email
- →Patience (peak: Sat 13:00–17:00)
Quick answersfor race week.
What time does the Amsterdam Marathon start?
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon starts at 09:00 on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from the Olympic Stadium. The 8K fun run starts earlier at 07:45.
Where do I pick up my bib?
Bib pickup is at the RAI Amsterdam (Europaplein 24) during the Marathon Expo: Thursday Oct 15 (12:00–20:00), Friday Oct 16 (10:00–20:00), Saturday Oct 17 (10:00–18:00). Bring photo ID and your confirmation email.
Where is the start and finish?
Both start and finish are at the Olympic Stadium (Olympisch Stadion). The flat course takes you through Amsterdam's parks, canals, and historic streets before returning to the stadium.
What should I wear for October weather?
Expect 8–14 °C with a light NE wind. A short-sleeve top with optional arm warmers (to be discarded at km 10) works well for most runners. Carbon-plate racers stay warm in a singlet with throwaway gloves at the start.
Is this kit guide independent?
Yes. Saffrun curates gear editorially based on real testing. We may earn a small affiliate commission via trusted EU retailers (Awin, Daisycon, Odyssey) at no extra cost to you.
The Locker tracks your gear.
We do the math.
Sign in once. Log each shoe with its start date + weekly km. We calculate lifespan, alert you at 600 km, and keep your race-week checklist in your Locker.