As a supporter, you naturally want to see as much of the marathon as possible and stand in the best spots along the course. Therefore, here are a few tips.

First: use public transport. Rotterdam is largely closed to car traffic throughout the marathon weekend. Many bus and tram lines are also rerouted. The city center and the start/finish are only accessible by metro. Are you coming by car? Then park it at a P+R. Link opens an external page and continue by metro. 

Avoid Busy Stations

At some metro stations, it is so crowded that you cannot immediately board a metro. Beurs, Blaak and Slinge can become very busy. Dont need to be here? Then avoid these stations. Also important to know: the stations Leuvehaven and Stadhuis are closed. No metros stop here during the marathon. 

The start at Chrurchillplein/Schiedamsedijk is not accessible to spectators. So say goodbye to your runner earlier. Shortly after the start, all runners cross the Erasmus Bridge. Want to see this? Then travel to metro station Wilhelminaplein. Later, after a big round on the South, all runners return over the Erasmus Bridge. Here you can see them twice! 

On the South, there are enough places to watch the marathon where it is relatively quiet, for example along the Havenspoorpad. The 15-km point has been changed on the South compared to previous years. Here the participants now run through the Pendrecht district.

Come to the Kralingse Plas

There are a number of metro stations you might not think of quickly, but from where you can experience the marathon well. Oostplein is considerably quieter and is only a few minutes walk from the course. 

From Gerdesiaweg or Voorschoterlaan you can easily walk to the Kralingse Plaslaan, a fantastic place with plenty of space to cheer on the runners. Both the ¼ marathon and the full marathon pass here.

Along the (relatively quiet) Boszoom and Bosdreef, there are more so-called cheer zones with music to give the runners a boost during the last kilometers. Around the 34-km point, runners are surprised with personal encouragement videos. View the full course here.

Traditionally, the Coolsingel is a popular place to encourage participants, but keep in mind that it can also be crowded here. Several stands have been placed at the finish. Want to welcome your own runner after the finish? Then travel to metro station Rotterdam Centraal. 

New: Meeting Points

To easily find each other as a spectator and participant after the finish, there are Meeting Points this year. After the finish, participants first receive their medal and necessary care. You cannot be here as a spectator. At the exit of the finish area on Karel Doormanstraat, colored flags are used. These are in the colors blue, green, red, and yellow. Agree before the marathon at which color Meeting Point you will meet each other again.

Drop Out = Free Metro Ride

Runners who drop out on the full marathon distance on Sunday can travel back to the start/finish for free by metro upon showing their starting number. Speak to an RET employee at the station to open the gate for you.
Note: bicycles are not allowed in the metro all day on Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13.

No Chilled Alcohol

Also good to know: supermarkets in the city center do not sell chilled alcoholic beverages during the marathon.

It promises to be a big party again with 50,000 participants throughout the marathon weekend. Make a plan in advance so you can cheer on your favorite(s)!

Want to know more? Go to the page rotterdam.nl/marathon. Link opens an external page