New date for anniversary NN Marathon Rotterdam
11/9/2020
23th and 24th of October 2021
The NN Marathon Rotterdam, traditionally organized in the spring, will move to the autumn in 2021. Due to the corona pandemic, the 40th edition of #demooiste has been rescheduled to October 24 after consultation with the municipality of Rotterdam and main sponsor Nationale-Nederlanden.
‘’We do not want to give runners false hope, but clarity.’’, emphasizes organizer Mario Kadiks. ‘’Public health always comes first. And the chance that a massive, festive event like the NN Marathon Rotterdam can continue in a safe way is much greater in October than in April.’’
Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb: ‘’Both participants and visitors enjoy the NN Marathon Rotterdam immensely. It would be fantastic if we could turn it into a wonderful anniversary in October 2021.’’ Remco Barbier, Head of Branding of NN Group agrees: ‘’It is wise to make this decision now. With the clarity about the date of the event, participants can prepare themselves better.’’
The 17.000 bib numbers of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, originally planned this year on April 5, will remain valid until October 24 2021. This also applies to the AA Drink ¼ Marathon Rotterdam (also on Sunday) and the City Run Rotterdam and the NN Kids Runs (both on Saturday).
For runners who are unable to participate on the new date, there is a supply and demand platform. On that platform, a bib number can be transferred to someone else under certain conditions. The service is free.
The marathon weekend has almost 50.000 participants and hundreds of thousands of spectators. ‘’Unfortunately, it will take some time but hopefully next October you will hear Lee Towers’ Ýou’ll never walk alone’ again at the start at the foot of the Erasmus Bridge. More than ever, that will be a very special moment,’’ said Kadiks who has been involved in the NN Marathon Rotterdam for the 35th time as an organizer. ‘’We will do everything we can to live up to our reputation as ‘the most beautiful’ marathon.’’
The NN Marathon Rotterdam is not the only spring marathon that chooses for an autumn edition in 2021. The marathons of London (October 3) and Tokyo (October 17) have also been moved.
Kadiks: ‘’Of course everyone is looking forward to a physical event, but in our estimation they will not be there soon. We live in a time when such activities cannot be organized. We expect that smaller events may be held again first. This is why we rescheduled our marathon.’’
Especially in these days it is important to keep moving, Kadiks explains. ‘’The realization that health is crucial has grown because of COVID-19.’’ That is why Golazo, organizer of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, is working on an agenda of old and new virtual runs with the MyTrace experience app. During NN Running Day in October, this specially developed app, which simulates the atmosphere of an event was received with great enthusiasm. The countdown, starting shot, the applause of the spectators, performance updates, the atmospheric finish – all sounds, music and information bring virtual runs to life in a very unique way. And the possibilities of the app are limitless.
Kadiks: ‘’As an organization we keep moving, literally and figuratively. Our mission is and remains – especially now – to stimulate people to exercise for at least thirty minutes a day. That is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Keep moving, stay healthy.’’