Course profile
Flat canal-side course through central Amsterdam — minimal elevation change makes it a reliable PB course in typical October conditions.
Recommended training plan
Based on the Amsterdam Half Marathon course profile and typical October conditions, we recommend starting with the Sub 2:00 plan and adjusting after your first long run.
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Build my Amsterdam plan →Common questions
When should I start training for the Amsterdam Half Marathon?
For an October race, a 12-week plan starting in mid-July works well. European summer training is warm — run easy days genuinely easy to account for heat, and don't judge your fitness by summer training paces. Your race-day paces in cooler October conditions will be significantly faster than the same effort in July heat.
Is the Amsterdam Half Marathon course flat?
Yes — Amsterdam's geography (built on a delta) means the course is essentially flat throughout. This makes it an excellent PB course, but it also means there's nowhere to hide if you go out too fast. Even pacing is rewarded more here than on courses with natural rhythm breaks from hills.
What are typical race conditions in October in Amsterdam?
October in Amsterdam averages 8–14°C (46–57°F) with some risk of rain. These are near-optimal conditions for half marathon racing. Cool, slightly overcast weather produces faster average times than warm and sunny conditions. A light long-sleeve warm-up layer that you discard at the start line is usually sufficient.
How do I get a start corral at Amsterdam that matches my ability?
Amsterdam typically assigns corrals by submitted predicted finish time. Use your Riegel-calculated prediction from a recent race — not your goal time — as the basis for your submission. An accurate corral assignment avoids weaving through slower runners in the first kilometre, which adds unnecessary distance and disrupts pacing.
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