Amsterdam vs London Marathon — How Do They Compare?
Compare the Amsterdam and London Marathons side by side — course profile, weather, field size, qualification, and atmosphere to help you choose your next race.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2026 Amsterdam Marathon - Oct 18 | 2027 TCS London Marathon - Apr 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Country/Region | Netherlands | UK |
| Month | October | April |
| Avg Temperature | 8-14°C | 8-14°C |
| Course Type | Flat | Flat |
| Elevation | ~5m | ~30m |
| Field Size | 20,000 | 45,000 |
| Entry | Open | Lottery/Charity |
| World Major | No | Yes |
| BQ Course | Yes | Yes |
| Crowd Support | Good | Excellent |
Detailed Comparison
Amsterdam and London are both major European marathons with large fields, but they serve different runner profiles. Amsterdam runs in October (8-14°C) on the flattest course in Europe (~15m elevation) with 45,000 runners and open registration. London runs in April (8-14°C) on a mostly flat course (~50m elevation) with 50,000 runners, World Marathon Major status, and a ballot entry system with roughly 10:1 odds.
Weather conditions are nearly identical — both enjoy cool temperatures in the 8-14°C range, ideal for marathon racing. The course difference matters: Amsterdam's canal-flat terrain makes it one of the fastest courses in the world, while London's route includes gentle undulations through Greenwich and along the Thames. For runners focused on setting a personal best or Boston qualifying time, Amsterdam's flatter profile and guaranteed entry make it the more practical choice.
What London offers that Amsterdam cannot match is atmosphere and prestige. London's 750,000+ spectators, iconic route past Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, and World Major status create a race experience that few marathons can rival. Amsterdam's crowd support is enthusiastic but more modest. If you want the fastest, most accessible flat marathon in Europe, run Amsterdam. If you win the London ballot, the atmosphere alone makes it one of the greatest marathon experiences in the world.
Explore Each Marathon
2026 Amsterdam Marathon - Oct 18
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →2027 TCS London Marathon - Apr 25
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Amsterdam or London Marathon?
Amsterdam features a flat course while London has a flat profile. The London course is generally well-suited for fast times.
How do I enter the Amsterdam Marathon vs London Marathon?
Amsterdam Marathon uses a Open entry system with a field of 20,000 runners. London Marathon uses Lottery/Charity with 45,000 spots. Plan your entry strategy using our Marathon Lottery Calculator.
What is the best weather for running, Amsterdam or London?
Amsterdam in October averages 8-14°C. London in April averages 8-14°C. Use our Dew Point Calculator and Heat Adjustment Calculator to plan for race-day conditions.
Can I qualify for Boston at Amsterdam or London?
Both the Amsterdam and London Marathons are BQ-eligible courses. Use our Pace Calculator to determine your BQ target pace.
Which marathon has better crowd support?
Amsterdam is known for good crowd support, while London offers excellent spectator atmosphere. Both races create memorable experiences. Plan your spectator strategy with our Spectator Planner.
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