The Rotterdam marathon route from kilometer to kilometer

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Having run the Rotterdam Marathon several times myself, I can confidently say that I know the route inside and out. It's not just any marathon: the course, the atmosphere, and the enthusiasm of the crowd make the Rotterdam Marathon a unique experience. If you're looking for information about the Rotterdam Marathon route, you're in the right place. In this article, I'll take you through the entire course, kilometer by kilometer.

Whether it's your first time at the start or you've participated before, knowing the route is essential to being well-prepared. From the spectacular start on the Coolsingel to the challenging stretches through the Kralingse Bos, I'll share my experiences and offer useful tips for along the way. Read on to discover what to expect from this iconic marathon course!

Would you like to view or download the map of the Rotterdam Marathon route? Click here to view the Rotterdam Marathon route map.

The start – Schiedamsedijk

Photo: Peter Mooney

There you are, on the Coolsingel. After months of training, this is the moment. You'll Never Walk Alone is playing through the speakers, and if you look closely, you can see Lee Towers. But most of all, you see the people around you. Runners, just like you. Some are staring ahead, others are listening to music, and a few are retying their shoelaces just to be sure. The starting gun sounds. Slowly, the crowd begins to move. The first few meters, you walk, but as soon as you cross the starting line, you pick up the pace. It's begun!

Kilometer 1 – Laan op Zuid

Goosebumps rise on your arms as the uplifting music blares from the speakers. People wave to the crowd, laugh, and chat. You try to conserve your energy. It's a bit of a challenge to find your spot in the crowd. Via the Erasmus Bridge, where the view is breathtaking, you end up on the Laan op Zuid. The first kilometer flies by, and you feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

Kilometer 2 – Laan op Zuid

Photo: Qsimple

Still on Laan op Zuid. You find your rhythm as you maneuver between the other runners. You smile at the enthusiastic spectators but stay focused on the road ahead. The marathon truly begins now. The wide road gives you the space to speed up or take it easy, depending on how you're feeling.

Kilometer 3 – Stadionweg

Now you've reached Stadionweg. The rhythm feels good, and you're enjoying the space around you. Ahead lies the long stretch through Rotterdam South, and you're starting to feel comfortable. The crowd remains enthusiastic, giving you that extra bit of energy every time.

Kilometer 4 – Stadionweg

Still on Stadionweg. Your legs still feel fresh, and the running feels effortless. Here and there, you see people standing with signs and banners. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you realize how special this event is.

Kilometer 5 – Adriaan Volkerlaan

Just before the 5-kilometer mark, you see the refreshment station. You quickly grab some water and sports drink (AA Drink Iso-Lemon). On your right, you see De Kuip stadium. For some, a highlight; for others, a place of painful memories. You still have plenty of energy and are enjoying every step.

Kilometer 6 – Olympiaweg

At Olympiaweg, you notice that the mass of runners is beginning to spread out. You have a bit more space to run and find yourself in a pleasant group. It feels good, and you think to yourself, I can keep this up for a while! You make a loop and see runners who are faster than you on the other side. As you loop back, you see the 'stragglers,' which gives you a small mental boost.

Kilometer 7 – Smeetslandseweg

Smeetslandseweg brings you to a new part of the city. Your rhythm is steady, and you're feeling strong. The running still feels smooth, and you glance around occasionally. The crowd continues to cheer you on, giving you that little extra push of energy.

Kilometer 8 – Spinozaweg

At kilometer 8, you pass Spinozaweg. The atmosphere remains lively, with music and spectators lining the streets. You notice that your body is beginning to adjust to the marathon pace. The feeling that you'll make it through is growing.

Kilometer 9 – Havenspoorpad

On Havenspoorpad, it gets a bit quieter, and you have space to stabilize your breathing. The kilometers fly by, and you're still feeling fresh. The marathon feels good, and you're enjoying the journey through the city.

Kilometer 10 – Havenspoorpad

Ten kilometers! This is a nice milestone. You pass the second refreshment station and quickly grab a drink. You check your watch and see that you're on schedule. You're feeling great, and your pace still feels comfortable.

Kilometer 11 – Havenspoorpad

You're still on Havenspoorpad, and it feels quieter here. The crowd is thinner, but your focus remains sharp. The marathon is now truly beginning, and you know there's still a long way to go. But you're still feeling good.

Kilometer 12 – Havenspoorpad

The kilometers on Havenspoorpad continue quietly. You feel strong, and your body is used to the rhythm. The refreshment station in the distance is getting closer, and you decide to grab a quick drink. Your legs still feel good, and you're ready for the next phase of the race.

Kilometer 13 – Zuiderparkweg

Photo: Peter van der Sluijs

Now that you're on Zuiderparkweg, you notice the crowd thickening again. The energy of the spectators helps you stay focused. You glance around and take in the atmosphere. It feels like the marathon has just begun, and that gives you courage.

Kilometer 14 – Slinge

Photo: Peter van der Sluijs

The long road of Slinge stretches out before you. Your legs feel a bit heavier, but you know this is normal at this point in the marathon. The crowd cheers you on, giving you that little extra strength. You stay focused and try to manage your energy wisely.

Kilometer 15 – Slinge

At the 15-kilometer mark, you feel like you're really in a rhythm. The crowd along the sidelines remains enthusiastic, and you decide to grab some water at the refreshment station. You're still feeling strong and know you can maintain this pace for a while longer.

Kilometer 16 – Oldegaarde

You're now on Oldegaarde, and although your legs are starting to feel heavier, you keep going. The crowd has thinned out, which helps you focus on your breathing and pace. The marathon is becoming a mental challenge, but you know you can handle it.

Kilometer 17 – Oldegaarde

Oldegaarde feels endless, but you maintain a steady pace. You see the runners around you, some speeding up, others slowing down. You stick to your plan and try to stay focused on your own race. It still feels good.

Kilometer 18 – Vaanweg

Photo: Dick Bos

At Vaanweg, you notice that the marathon is truly starting now. Your legs feel heavier, and you're glad that the next refreshment station is nearby. A sponge or some water sounds wonderful right now, and that gives you the motivation to keep going.

Kilometer 19 – Zuiderparkweg

On Zuiderparkweg, you notice that the crowd is getting closer again. The cheers help you keep going, even though your legs are starting to feel tired. You know you need to maintain your pace, and that's exactly what you're doing.

Kilometer 20 – Oldegaarde

Twenty kilometers, and you're still feeling good. The energy from the crowd and the other runners around you keeps you going. You pass a refreshment station, take a sip, and move on. Less than halfway to go!

Kilometer 21 – Dorpsweg

Photo: Dick Bos

At kilometer 21, you know you've reached the halfway point. It feels good to hit this milestone, but you know there's still a long way to go. Your legs feel heavier, but you still have enough strength to keep going.

Kilometer 22 – Brielselaan

On Brielselaan, you notice the fatigue starting to set in. Your legs feel heavier, but you stay focused on maintaining your pace. The crowd cheers you on, helping you push through.

Kilometer 23 – Brielselaan

Photo: Wouter Engler

Still on Brielselaan. Your pace begins to slow, but you keep moving. The cheers from the crowd are a welcome distraction from the pain in your legs. Hold on just a little longer, you're almost there.

Kilometer 24 – Putselaan

Putselaan brings you toward the 24-kilometer mark. Your legs feel heavy, but you know you can't give up. This is the moment where mental strength becomes more important than physical strength.

Kilometer 25 – Laan op Zuid

Back on Laan op Zuid. Your legs feel tired, but you keep going. You know the finish is still far away, but the crowd continues to cheer you on, helping you push through. You quickly grab a drink at the refreshment station and move forward.

Kilometer 26 – Laan op Zuid

Kilometer 26, and you know the marathon is really starting to get tough now. The aches in your legs and feet are starting to show, but you maintain your pace. Take a deep breath and keep going.

Kilometer 27 – Erasmus Bridge

Photo: Dick Bos

The Erasmus Bridge comes into view again, and this time it seems much steeper than before. The fatigue is really hitting you, but you push through. The finish seems far away, but you know you can do it. Just keep going a little longer!

Kilometer 28 – Westblaak

Photo: Dick Bos

Westblaak brings you closer to the center of Rotterdam. Your legs feel heavy, but you know the crowd lining the streets will help you through this tough kilometer. You keep moving, knowing the finish is getting closer with each step.

Kilometer 29 – Overblaak

At Overblaak, you feel the fatigue at its peak. You've already run so many kilometers, but it feels like there's no end in sight. Yet you keep going, knowing there's no other option.

Kilometer 30 – Warande

Photo: Dick Bos

Thirty kilometers! This is a true milestone, but now it’s starting to get really tough. You know you're entering the final phase of the marathon, and it's time to give it everything you've got.

Kilometer 31 – Boezemstraat

At kilometer 31, you start to feel the true difficulty of the marathon. You're running along Boezemstraat, and the sounds of the crowd keep you going. Your legs feel heavy, but your mind tells you to keep pushing. You've come so far already, it would be a shame to give up now.

Kilometer 32 – Bosdreef

You reach Bosdreef, and it feels like this road goes on forever. You notice the runners around you getting quieter. No one talks anymore; everyone is fully focused on finishing the race. You think of the finish line and how far you've come, and that gives you strength.

Kilometer 33 – Bosdreef

Bosdreef seems never-ending. You feel every step in your legs now, and the energy is slowly draining from your body. But the finish is in sight, at least in your mind, and that keeps you going. The crowd cheers you on, even though you can barely hear it through the fatigue.

Kilometer 34 – Boszoom

On Boszoom, the kilometers seem endless. The marathon becomes a mental battle. It's all about determination now. You've already run so much, but this kilometer feels like you're running a whole new marathon. Yet you keep going, because giving up is not an option.

Kilometer 35 – Boszoom

Kilometer 35 and another refreshment station. You're relieved to slow down a bit for a drink or perhaps a gel. Your legs feel heavy, but you know you're almost there. This is the point where you need to keep motivating yourself: every step brings you closer to the finish.

Kilometer 36 – Kralingseweg

Kralingseweg lies ahead of you, and your body is protesting strongly. Still, you keep going because you know you only have a few kilometers left. The crowd continues to cheer, helping you ignore the pain. It's now a battle between body and mind.

Kilometer 37 – Kralingse Plaslaan

Kralingse Plaslaan brings you a little closer to the center. It feels like this kilometer lasts forever. Your legs are heavy, but the finish isn't far away. You take a deep breath, and your focus is entirely on maintaining a steady pace.

Kilometer 38 – Kralingse Plaslaan

Another stretch along Kralingse Plas. The wind can be a bit harsh at times, but the fresh breeze helps keep your head cool. Every step now feels like a small victory, but you feel like the finish line is getting closer.

Kilometer 39 – Boezemstraat

Photo: Jarjan Fisher

Back on Boezemstraat, and the finish is finally within reach. The pain in your legs is now almost unbearable, but the thought of the finish line keeps you going. You know the crowd at Coolsingel is waiting to cheer you in, and that gives you the final push.

Kilometer 40 – Warande

Kilometer 40! You're almost there, but these last kilometers feel the hardest of all. Everything in your body is screaming for you to stop, but the finish line is so close now that you can't give up. The crowd cheers you on, and you feel that last bit of energy bubbling up.

Kilometer 41 – Overblaak

Photo: Jan van de Nobelen

On Overblaak, you feel the exhaustion to the fullest. Yet this is also the moment when excitement begins to rise. You know you only have a few hundred meters to go. The crowd continues to cheer, and you start imagining how it will feel to cross that finish line.

Kilometer 42 – Coolsingel

Photo: Wouter Engler

There it is, Coolsingel! The music grows louder, the crowd cheers harder, and the finish line finally comes into view. You gather all your remaining strength for a final sprint—or whatever you have left. With every step, the finish line gets closer. And then it's there: you cross the finish line! You've done it, the marathon is complete. The fatigue washes away and is replaced by pure relief and pride.

The Rotterdam Marathon route is much more than just running 42.195 kilometers. It's a special experience through the streets of Rotterdam, with countless spectators cheering you on and iconic landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge and Kralingse Bos along the way.

Whether it's your first marathon or you're coming back for a new challenge, the route is always impressive. With this article, I hope you now have a clear idea of what to expect, and you can approach the start with confidence. Good luck with your preparation, and maybe I'll see you at the next edition of the Rotterdam Marathon!