The
Amsterdam marathon has become an increasingly popular international race, with
a famously flat and fast course where world-class athletes, such as Haile
Gebrselassie, have set records. 
Even
for those of us who are not elite runners, Amsterdam is a great location for a
race, the perfect way to experience Holland’s spectacular autumn and a fun way
to see many of the city’s most famous sights and attractions. 

Here
are 10 things to look for on the race route: 
1.
Olympic Stadium
The race begins and ends at the site of the 1928 Olympic games where spectators
have free access to the stadium to cheer runners on. 
2.
Historic canals Amsterdam
is known as the “Venice of the North because of the number of canals, including
the four main canals on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Singel, Keizersgracht,
Herengracht and Prinsengracht. 
3.
Vondelpark Located
in city’s museum quarter, it is Amsterdam’s most beloved park. In fact,
Vondelpark is so nice, you’ll get to run past it twice, during the first and
last kilometres of the race.  
4.
Museums Amsterdam
is said to have more museums per capita than any other city in Europe, and the
route will take you past a number of them, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh
Museum, NEMO and the Netherlands’ premiere modern and contemporary art and
design museum, Stedelijk Museum. 
5.
Heineken Building The
historic brewery built in 1867 and home to the “Heineken
Experience” brewery tour and visitor centre has become one of
Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions. 
6.
Rooftops Gables
are a recognizable feature of Dutch architecture and there are several
different types. Avoid hitting the wall by identifying whether a roof has a
bell, neck, clock or step gable.  
7.
The Amstel Enjoy
passing by the river that “runs” through Amsterdam and from which the city
derives its name. 
8.
Historic Hotels The
Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam is where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their famous
“Bed-In” to protest the Vietnam War and the Amstel Hotel, known as the “Grand
Dame” of Dutch hotels, first opened in 1867 and has since welcomed everyone
from rock stars to royalty. 
9.
Other Runners While
running in the nature reserve that sits on both sides of the Amstel River,
runners can catch sight of fellow participants running on the other
side.  
10.
Riekermolen This
windmill, which was built in 1636 and is located on the west side of the river
Amstel, is sometimes referred to as “Rembrandt’s Mill” because there is a
statue of the artist next to it. 

This post was originally published on Flying Blue Running