FAQ's

The world is in an unprecedented situation grappling with a global pandemic of COVID-19. On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area. We understand our role in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials. In consideration of this, we have decided the NN Marathon Rotterdam cannot be held on Saturday the 4^th and Sunday the 5^th of April 2020 and will be postponed to Saturday the 24^th and Sunday the 25^th of October 2020.

The 40th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam will take place on Saturday the 24^th and Sunday the 25^th of October 2020

You don’t need to do anything. All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to defer (rollover) their registration to another person without any further payment.

There will be no refund of the registration. Please take a look at our general conditions for more information. All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to transfer their registration to another person without any further payment. Click here for a step-by-step guide for transferring your registration. You can transfer your starting permit until October 23, 2020.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to cancel your participation as the cancellation period has expired. Please take a look at the general conditions on our website for more information.

If you received your confirmation email, you automatically have a place in the 2020 NN Marathon Rotterdam, scheduled to take place on Saturday the 24^th and Sunday the 25^th of October 2020. To avoid emails being blocked or going to your junk folder, please add registration-noreply@mylaps.com and news@marathonrotterdam.nl to your contact or safe senders list.

If the NN Marathon Rotterdam cannot take place on the rescheduled date, we will consider how to appropriately accommodate our participants.

No, it’s not possible. All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to transfer their registration to another person without any further payment. Click here for a step-by-step guide for transferring your registration. You can transfer your registration until October 23, 2020.  

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to transfer their registration to another person without any further payment. Click here for a step-by-step guide for transferring your registration. You can transfer your starting permit until October 23, 2020.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

Yes, we have a special supply and demand platform. All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to transfer their registration to another person without any further payment. Click here for a step-by-step guide for transferring your registration. You can transfer your starting permit until October 23, 2020.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

No, currently not. If we reopen the races which aren’t sold out, we will announce this through our official channels.

Are you looking for a bib number?
Please take a look at our special supply and demand platform. Registered participants can offer their bib number (including any purchased additional products) via this platform. Check the platform to see if there is an ad that meets your needs and contact the provider.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

No, currently not. If we reopen the races which aren’t sold out, we will announce this through our official channels.

Are you looking for a bib number?
Please take a look at our special supply and demand platform. Registered participants can offer their bib number (including any purchased additional products) via this platform. Check the platform to see if there is an ad that meets your needs and contact the provider.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

All additional bought products will remain for the 40^th edition on the new date. If you transfer your registration, keep in mind that the additional products will remain for the new owner. Please let him or her know to avoid them to order twice.

You can pick up your ordered items on the rescheduled date. If you are unable to do so you will receive a full refund of your order. You have received an e-mail with further instructions.

We will send the confirmation of entries for the NN Marathon Rotterdam, AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam or the City Run Rotterdam by email. You can only pick up your bib number upon presentation of this printed unique confirmation. You can pick up your bib number on the rescheduled date. You will receive more information about the times and location by email as soon as possible. Dutch participants in the NN Kids Runs and TBI Business Runs will receive their bib number by post.

Once you are registered, you will receive an automatic e-mail confirmation. So please ensure that your e-mail address is entered correctly.

If you do not receive the confirmation message within 30 minutes, please check your spam folder just in case the confirmation email got delivered there instead of your inbox. If you haven't received our mail, please contact us.

Yes. Students get a discount when participating in the NN Marathon Rotterdam. The discount is €5,- for the NN Marathon Rotterdam and € 2,50 for AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam and the City Run Rotterdam.

Conditions Student Runs

• As a student, you are enrolled in full-time study at a Dutch university or a Dutch Higher Education institution, at least one year prior to the event.
• You are between 16 en 30 years old on the day of the event.
• When picking up your bib number, we ask you to show your student ID card.

For the age limits, the age on the day of the event applies.

• NN Marathon Rotterdam: 20 years
• AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam: 14 years
• City Run Rotterdam: 12 years
• NN Kids Run 2,5 km: 7-15 years
• NN Kids Run 1 km: 6-10 years

You can access and update your race information in your account. 

Please note: it's not possible to change your name, e-mail address, birthday or gender yourself. Please contact the organisation. 

Yes, you can change your race distance if the bib number for this distance aren't sold out yet. Please follow the next instructions. If you change your distance from the marathon to another distance, the free marathon shirt will be canceled. You only receive the free marathon shirt for the marathon distance.

Please contact the organisation to change your distance. 

All individual runners who have a place for the 2020 event and who choose not to take part (or are unable to do so) in the rescheduled event will be able to transfer their registration to another person without any further payment. Click here for a step-by-step guide for transferring your registration. You can transfer your starting permit until October 23, 2020.

Click here for the supply and demand platform of the NN Marathon Rotterdam.

If you are unable to participate in the 2020 NN Marathon Rotterdam (42,195 km) you will have the opportunity to cancel your 2020 entry. Please note, this opportunity will not be available to you if you haven't opted for a cancellation policy.

For more information about cancellation, please read the general conditions. Cancellation requests can only be submitted via the contact form until the 16th of February, 2020.

The registration closes as soon as all the bib numbers for a distance have been sold out.

Each finisher can download a free personal finish certificate on their personal result page.

Marathon-photos.com is appointed as the official photographers of the NN Rotterdam Marathon. All participants will be photographed on different places along the course and off course on the finish. So make sure your bib number is visible and smile to our camera.

Marathon-photos.com is appointed as the official photographers of the Rotterdam Marathon. All participants will be photographed on different places along the course and off course on the finish. So make sure your bib number is visible and smile to our camera.

Click here for the general conditions.

The organisation has postponed the 2020 NN Marathon Rotterdam, due to COVID-19. The 2020 NN Marathon Rotterdam is now scheduled to take place on October 24th and 25.

NN Kids Runs & City Run Rotterdam
- Start: Coolsingel, next to WTC
- Travel advice: get off at metro station Beurs or Blaak

AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam
- Start: Burgemeester van Walsumweg
- Travel advice: get off at metro station Blaak

NN Marathon Rotterdam
- Start: Schiedamsedijk
- Travel advice: get off at metro station Beurs

We highly recommend to arrive at the start in your running clothes. No backpacks will be permitted to bring to the start or run with on the course. Only camel bags are allowed. It is not allowed to leave luggage unattended around the event area or course. Due to safety requirements any unattended luggage will be removed and may be destroyed.

NN Marathon Rotterdam (42,195 km)

During the NN Marathon Rotterdam there will be drinks stations with sports drinks (AA Drink) and water on the following points: 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K, 35K and 40K. Besides there will be sponge stands on the following points; 12,5K, 17,5K, 22, K, 27,5K, 32,5K and 37,5K. Directly after the finish there will be AA Drink Smart recovery, water and fruit available. To avoid gastrointestinal complaints, no fruit is provided at the care stands on the course.

Running safely and responsibly
Not replacing fluids lost through sweating during endurance sports can lead to loss of performance. Not drinking sufficiently can ultimately lead to medical problems. Many athletes appear not to know that not only not drinking enough but also drinking too much endangers their health. Keeping the correct level of fluids and salts in the body is very important. When you run your body loses fluids and salts via your sweat through the skin and via your breath. These processes ensure you remain cool and that your body temperature is kept stable. Not replacing the correct amount of fluids on time can lead to dehydration (drinking too little) and hyponatremia (drinking too much and having too little sodium). This can affect your performance, your psyche and your physical state. The correct level of fluids and sodium in the body is an individual matter and is dependent on the environmental conditions (the weather), they type and intensity of the activity (speed) and personal factors such as level of training, body weight and clothing you wear. Athletes have a personal responsibility in this. Drinking the correct amount is a combination of knowing your body's needs and the way you drink while running.

AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam (10,55 km)

During the AA Drink ¼ Marathon Rotterdam there will be a drinks station at 5 K with sports drinks (AA Drink) and water. Directly after the finish there will be AA Drink sports drink, water and fruit available.

City Run Rotterdam (4,2 km) & NN Kids Runs (1 & 2,5 km)

Directly after the finish there will be AA Drink sports drink and water available.

The finish is in front of the Stadhuis (town hall) on the Coolsingel. After passing the finish line, you will be asked to carry on running to ensure that the stream of runners can flow smoothly. So do follow the organiser’s instructions strictly at the finish.

Depending on the temperature, at the care area after finish you will receive a plastic sheet, your medal and further care. There are tents in which you can obtain water, AA Drink Iso-Lemon, bananas and tea. The cordoned area behind the finish is only accessible for participants and organizers, and not for spectators or supporters.

No. There are no shower facilities in the marathon weekend.

Yes, you can personalize your medal immediately after you finish with your name and finish time. If you’d like this, tick the ‘engrave medal’ box on the registration form. On Saturday this costs € 5.00 for the City Run Rotterdam and the NN Kids Runs and costs € 7.00 on Sunday for the AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam and NN Marathon Rotterdam.

If you didn’t indicate this in advance during registration, you can have your medal engraved afterwards, but it will then cost € 8.00 for the NN Marathon Rotterdam and AA Drink ¼ Marathon Rotterdam. The City Run Rotterdam and NN Kids Runs will then cost € 6.50.

After crossing the finish line, all participants will receive a medal as a souvenir of the event. You can also have your medal engraved with your name and finishing time.

• NN Marathon Rotterdam: 5 hours and 30 minutes (21,1K within 2 hrs and 45 minutes, 28K within 3 hrs and 40 minutes)
• AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam: 1 hour and 20 minutes (6K within 50 minutes, 9K within 1 hour and 10 minutes)
• City Run Rotterdam: 45 minutes

Participants finishing after the deadlines will no longer be included in the competition results and won't receive a medal.

The MYLAPS BibTag system will be used to register your time in all divisions of the Marathon Rotterdam. Behind your running number (Bib) there is an electronic chip (Tag) and a plastic spacer. BibTag makes it very simple to register your times; the only thing you need to do is wear your race bib correctly.

Tips to guarantee good time-keeping

• Make sure that your running number is displayed clearly on your chest. Do not cover it with a jacket or your hands when crossing the mats at the starting and finishing line. These mats pick up the signal from your BibTag. (Also be careful with operating your own stopwatch at the starting and finishing line).
• Do not fold or crease your race bib. Certainly not where the Tag is located.
• Use four pins at the corners of the bib, making sure that you do not pierce the Tag.
• Do not remove the plastic spacer.
• The BibTag uses different technology from the MYLAPS ChampionChip. This means that you cannot use your yellow or green MYLAPS ChampionChip during this event. However, you may leave your MYLAPS ChampionChip on your shoe, as this will not interfere with the BibTag system.
• The Tags do not need to be collected after the race, so you can keep the bib (with Tag) as a souvenir or simply throw it away with normal waste (plastic).

What is the official time?
The gross time is the official time. This starts as soon as the starting shot has been fired and stops as soon as you cross the finish. The net time is the time that starts as soon as you cross the mat at the starting line and stops when you cross the finish. This net time is announced as an extra service.

The MYLAPS BibTag system will be used to register your time in all divisions of the Marathon Rotterdam. Behind your running number there is an electronic chip. Make sure that your running number is displayed clearly on your chest. Do not cover your running number with a jacket or your hands when crossing the mats at the starting and finishing line. And do not operate your own stopwatch, in the vicinity of your race bib.

Toilets can be found in the changing rooms, at the start and every 2.5K along the course.

All race results will be pulished online on our website immediately after the event. The gross time is the official time. You can find the results of previous editions here.

Atletiekunie and IAAF race regulations apply to our event.

If your results are incorrect, please send an e-mail to Mylaps Event Timing including you bib number and your clocked times.

Yes. This anniversary year the NN Marathon Rotterdam has chosen to support The Dutch Cancer Society (KWF Kankerbestrijding). The organisation asks all participants to contribute to revolutionary cancer research.

NN Marathon Rotterdam

The age category you are allocated to for the marathon will be determined by your age on the day of the event.

Just as in previous years, there are monetary prizes for the first three men and women of each age category.

Other distances
There are no age categories for the City Run and the AA Drink 1/4 Marathon Rotterdam. These runs are only subdivided into men and women. Only first prizes are awarded for these distances.

Yes. Lost and founds item will be collected. Please contact the organisation afterwards.

No. There is no half marathon option for individual runners. However, you can run a half marathon by signing up for the TBI Business Duo Marathon.

Rotterdam.info provides a good overview of trendy hostels, luxury hotels and everything in between: there is a suitable options for everyone’s taste and budget.

The NN Marathon Rotterdam is organised by a big group of enthusiastic people. More than 1.800 volunteers are involved in the event, among other things; to provide runners with drinks, to distribute medals to the runners and to greet participants at the finish.

You can volunteer for various activities at the Marathon Rotterdam; from a committee that comes together several times before the event to activities that only take place on the day. Is there something for you here? Click here for more information.

Advice for the preparation and before the run:

1. If you have issues with your health, which results in high risk of heart / vascular disease, such as overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, earlier occurrences of heart /vascular disease, or it is prevalent in your family, or if you have injuries, we advise you to get yourself checked out by a sports medical specialist. In the Netherlands, that would be the Sport Medisch Adviesbureau (S.M.A.) or a sports policlinic. On the website www.sportzorg.nl you will find more information on check-ups, testing methods and a questionnaire (incl. A cardio vascular questionnaire) that you can fill in. After filling in the questionnaire you can determine whether it makes sense to have a cardio vascular check-up.

2. Clothing and weather:

• Above 15 degrees and especially 20 degrees you must wear light ventilating clothing. Otherwise the body can't dispel the heat causing it to build up. (do not wear cotton; it retains moisture)
• A thermal vest is best on the skin in cold weather (5 degrees and for slow runners 10 degrees). Wear a thin ventilated layer (no nylon) on top. A hat is recommended in wind and low wind chill factor.
• Tie your laces well (dubble loop) and make sure they don't become loose during the race.

Note: The slower you run the more clothing you will need (except at around 20 degrees).  The body cools down quickly when walking.  The wind chill factor is determined by the wind and humidity.  For example: When the temperature is +10°C with average wind (wind-force 5) it will feel like +4.  However, if it is 5°C with average wind, it will feel like -4°C. In Rotterdam the afternoon temperature often falls by 5 or 6°C, which means among the slower runners we often see cold runners.

3. Make a training plan. This will of course depend on the event you are taking part in.

4. Run only on well-worn shoes (never new!) and socks and keep an eye on the road surface during your training. Change from left to right while running and go off road whenever possible. Please don't wear brand new shoes and socks for the race.

5. If you have or have had high temperature (>38 degrees Celsius) prior to the event (approximately two weeks), do not run.

Advice for directly before and after the run

1. How much you drink is dependent on the weather and how much you transpire (this is very personal). Drink up to 45 minutes before the start. The stop drinking and go to the toilet. Take a bottle (ca. 300 ml) with you to the starting pen and drink all of it 5-10 minutes before the start. This way you'll avoid having to go to the toilet during the race. Feeling thirsty is never a good measure. If you are not used to drinking, only drink water (100-200 ml) every 15 minutes. Drinks containing carbohydrates are also suitable. Make sure you consume about 70 grams of carbohydrates during the entire race. Bottles with measured amounts of sports drinks (that you carry with you in your belt) can help. If the weather is cool or if you are not a fast runner, consume energy drinks rather than solid food or fruit. The latter stays too long in the stomach. Remember: the difference in your weight before and after the race of 1 kg or more is the amount of liquid you have drunk too little. Try this out when you are training.
Click here for more information about drinking, individual liquid requirements and the drinking system during the ABN AMRO Marathon Rotterdam.

2. Listen to your body! If you don't feel well, stop running. The first signs of dehydration are: goose pimples on your chest and upper arms, shivers, pressure in the head, dizziness, later muscle cramp, vomiting and dry skin. These symptoms can quickly lead to disorientation and confusion. If you have experienced dehydration and/or high temperature then there is a high probability that you will experience it again, especially in warm weather. Do not run; there is no shame in dropping out!

3. If you have calf cramps run slowly or walk, do light stretches; don't stop but drink extra! Look out for dehydration.

4. Start slowly. Check your pace, every kilometre too fast at the beginning of the race can mean the loss of minutes per kilometre at the end of the race. Run at your own pace; avoid increasing your tempo or sprinting in the final kilometres.

5. STOP if you experience chest pain, abnormal shortness of breath or dizziness.

6. Keep an eye on the road surface and other situations around you.

7. Apply Vaseline to your nipples, thighs and other areas likely to chafe.

8. You are expected to carry medical information relating to illnesses (e.g. diabetes, medicines) with you -preferably written on the reverse of your bib number. Write also the telephone number of a person who can be contacted during the race. Also write your name, address and telephone number on the reverse of your bib number.

Advice for after the run

1.Drink a lot and warm down or cool down (depending on what you call it). Drink first and then eat a light meal (bread banana etc.)

2. Also in the days that follow walk regularly and drink more also consume more carbohydrates. Give yourself enough time to recover!

3. If the weather is cold, change your clothing immediately after the race and drink thee or broth. Do not drink any alcohol or coffee.

4. Directly after the finish it is sensible to drink lots and to consume enough carbohydrates. This will help you replenish the liquids and energy lost during the race. Recommended are sports drinks with carbohydrates, lots of water (>1/2 litre) and ripe bananas.

Urgent questions just before the race

If despite preparing well and reading the medical information you still have urgent questions, on the day before a running event, relating to training, injuries, nutrition etc. Please contact your local doctor.

We wish you all the best with your preparation!

The Medical Committee Marathon Rotterdam
J.M. van Ochten, arts