Paris vs Amsterdam Marathon — Side-by-Side Guide
Compare the Paris and Amsterdam Marathons side by side — course profile, weather, field size, qualification, and atmosphere to help you choose your next race.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | 2027 Paris Marathon - Apr 11 | 2026 Amsterdam Marathon - Oct 18 |
|---|---|---|
| Country/Region | France | Netherlands |
| Month | April | October |
| Avg Temperature | 8-15°C | 8-14°C |
| Course Type | Mostly flat | Flat |
| Elevation | ~60m | ~5m |
| Field Size | 50,000 | 20,000 |
| Entry | Open | Open |
| World Major | No | No |
| BQ Course | Yes | Yes |
| Crowd Support | Excellent | Good |
Detailed Comparison
Paris and Amsterdam are two of Europe's most popular marathons with large fields and open registration — no lottery required for either race. Paris runs in April (8-15°C) with 57,000 runners on a mostly flat course (~60m elevation). Amsterdam runs in October (8-14°C) with 45,000 runners on one of Europe's flattest courses (~15m elevation). Both guarantee entry to any runner who registers in time.
For speed-focused runners, Amsterdam is the superior course. Its ~15m of elevation makes it nearly pancake-flat, compared to Paris's ~60m of gradual undulations through the Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne. The difference translates to roughly 1-3 minutes for most runners at the same effort. Amsterdam's cooler October temperatures also slightly favor performance over Paris's warmer April conditions. Use the Pace Calculator to set your target splits for either race.
Paris wins on spectacle and scenery. Running from the Champs-Elysees past the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine, and finishing at the Arc de Triomphe is a visual experience unmatched by Amsterdam's canal-side route through Vondelpark and the Amstel River. Paris also offers a larger field and more electric start-line energy. If you want the fastest possible open-entry European marathon, choose Amsterdam. If you want the most beautiful and iconic open-entry marathon in Europe, choose Paris.
Explore Each Marathon
2027 Paris Marathon - Apr 11
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →2026 Amsterdam Marathon - Oct 18
Live countdown, race info, and training tools.
View Countdown →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Paris or Amsterdam Marathon?
Paris features a mostly flat course while Amsterdam has a flat profile. The Amsterdam course is generally well-suited for fast times.
How do I enter the Paris Marathon vs Amsterdam Marathon?
Paris Marathon uses a Open entry system with a field of 50,000 runners. Amsterdam Marathon uses Open with 20,000 spots. Plan your entry strategy using our Marathon Lottery Calculator.
What is the best weather for running, Paris or Amsterdam?
Paris in April averages 8-15°C. Amsterdam in October 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 Paris or Amsterdam?
Both the Paris and Amsterdam Marathons are BQ-eligible courses. Use our Pace Calculator to determine your BQ target pace.
Which marathon has better crowd support?
Paris is known for excellent crowd support, while Amsterdam offers good spectator atmosphere. Both races create memorable experiences. Plan your spectator strategy with our Spectator Planner.
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