Top 8 places to watch the marathon

3/14/2019

Watching the marathon on television just isn’t the same – if you want to absorb the electric atmosphere, and cheer on the runners you need to find a good point. Here's where to get the best views along the NN Marathon Rotterdam route.

1) Erasmusbrug
Metro: Wilhelminaplein

The city and the NN Marathon Rotterdam’s icon. Just before 10 o’clock the runners gather full of high expectations at the foot of the Erasmusbrug. The countdown begins. There’s the sound of the gunshot. Rotterdam’s heroes take off. After 25 km, the marathon runners turn around head back here, so you have more than one chance to show your runner some support.

2) Spinozaweg (10 km)
NS: Lombardijen

The runners are still fairly fresh in IJsselmonde and wave back if you call out their name. Every minute there are around 500 participants running past, because the field has not spread out yet.

Top 8 places to watch the marathon

3) Zuiderparkweg – Slinge (15 km)
Metro: Slinge
At this beautiful point at Zuid, next to the metro station, you can see the runners pass by twice. It’s busy, with a great atmosphere and a cacophony of sounds.

4) Boezemstraat (31 and 39 km)
Metro: Oostplein
A folk festival from the past. It is not just this street, but it also the whole Kralingen/Crooswijk part that gives this marathon it’s typical Rotterdam character.

5) Boszoom – Kralingseweg (35 km)
Metro: Kralingse Zoom
In this street there are video screens with videos from family or friends for the runners. Runners are having a hard time, but they are glad that they have made it past the Kralingse Bos.

6) Kralingse Plaslaan (37 km)
Metro: Voorschoterlaan

If you are looking for a great atmosphere, this is the place to be. Glasses of sherry are already popped open in the morning. When it is sunny, benches are put up outside and the volume is turned up. Party time!

7) Churchillplein, Westblaak corner (last 500 meters)
Metro: Beurs
On the Churchillplein, on the Westblaak corner, you get a great view of the race. The marathon runners pass by here three times. Here you can see what a marathon does to someone. From suspense and euphoria to suffering extreme pain.

8) Coolsingel (42.195 km)
Metro: Stadhuis
The moment when the heroes are worn out hours later but turn around on the Coolsingel feeling fulfilled. It’s magical.