42,2 km run
12th September 2026
A Unique Marathon Celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, a truly unique marathon will take place. During the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon, participants will run on the same course as the European Championship Long Distance Triathlon of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam.
Just like the triathletes, marathon runners will finish inside the vibrant stadium at the Esplanade – a spectacular location that runners will pass several times during the race and where thousands of spectators will cheer them on enthusiastically.
The marathon will start in multiple start waves, grouped by expected finishing time. The final allocation of start waves will be announced no later than two weeks before the event.
The first start wave starts at 5 p.m, making the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon a unique evening marathon, with part of the race taking place after dark. The entire course will be excellently illuminated. In addition, the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam course is renowned as one of the fastest running courses in the world.
Start waves
Start wave 1: 5 p.m.
Start wave 2: 5:05 p.m.
Start wave 3: 5:10 p.m.
Start wave 4: 5:15 p.m.
Start wave 5: 5:20 p.m.
A time limit applies to the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon. The last runner must finish by 11 p.m., which means a maximum time of 5 hours and 40 minutes after the start of the final wave.
There are a maximum of 1,000 starting slots available. Once full, registration will close.
Entry fees
| Entry fee | until March 1st | until May 1st | until July 1st | until September 1st |
| Only for the first 250 registrations |
250 – 500 registrations |
500 – 750 registrations |
750 – 1000 registrations |
|
| Marathon | €75,00 | €80,00 | €85,00 | €90,00 |
Entry fees
| Entry fee | Marathon |
| until March 1st Only for the first 250 registrations |
€75,00 |
| until May 1st 250 – 500 registrations |
€80,00 |
| until July 1st 500 – 750 registrations |
€85,00 |
| until September 1st 750 – 1000 registrations |
€90,00 |
Registration & Bib Pick-Up
Two weeks prior to the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon, bib numbers will be released. Participants will receive a QR code, which can be used to collect their bib at the expo area on the Esplanade during race weekend.
The expo area is located directly next to the start and finish area and features approximately forty exhibitor stands with leading brands, as well as ten food trucks.
The start of the Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon takes place at Het Forum, directly adjacent to the Esplanade and next to restaurant De Beren. Participants can drop off their (green) After Race bag here. After finishing, the bag can be collected at the theatre.
Aid Stations & Athlete Services
Along the 10.15-kilometre course — which is run four times, excluding a first extra loop of 1.6km — there are no fewer than six aid stations.
Near the stadium, after 1.6 kilometres, there is an aid station providing water only. The remaining aid stations are spaced approximately two kilometres apart. Each aid station offers water, Powerbar sports drink and cola. In addition, Powerbar gels (Black Line), crackers and fruit are available at every station.
After finishing, the first post-finish recovery area is located in the Schouwburg (theatre). A dedicated athlete buffet is available here, offering both hot options (pasta, hamburgers, fries) and cold options (salads and sandwiches).
The Schouwburg also provides changing rooms and shower facilities. A massage team will be available for participants as well.
Marathon Run Course
-1.6-kilometer approach to the stadium.
-4 laps of 10.15 kilometers.
-4 laps of 10.15 kilometers.
The Challenge Almere-Amsterdam Marathon starts at the Forum, directly adjacent to the Esplanade and next to restaurant De Beren. An initial loop of 1.6 kilometres leads runners on a short loop around the hospital, before joining the main course via a cycle path alongside the Hospitaaldreef and Stadsweteringpad, reaching the hospital bridge.
After passing through the stadium for the first time, runners complete four laps of 10.15 kilometres around the Weerwater and across the Hortus. The run course of Challenge Almere-Amsterdam is one of the fastest in the world.
