Preparing for the 2027 Rotterdam Marathon: the flat mid-April marathon
The Rotterdam Marathon is run in mid-April, starting and finishing on the Coolsingel, with the Erasmus Bridge as the only real climb. Flat, fast, carried by a warm crowd, it is the Dutch alternative to Paris and London the same week. Here is its preparation with a plan set on your Garmin data.
Last updated: 2026-09-19
A flat course with one bridge
The Erasmus Bridge, crossed at the 2nd kilometre and again around the 24th, is the only notable bump: about thirty metres each time. The rest is flat, through the southern districts then Kralingen park and its lake.
Wind can blow on the open southern stretches and by the lake. Instruction: low end of the pace range into the wind, never catching up.
Late-winter preparation
Mid-April: a 16-week plan from late December, or 12 weeks from late January. March carries the peak load in mild conditions, April the taper.
The AI coach reads your actual sessions every week on Garmin. It compares planned and completed, gives a decision for the following week and brings an assimilation week forward if the load climbs too fast.
Pacing strategy on the Coolsingel
The start on the Coolsingel is loud and fast. Instruction: first three kilometres at target pace plus 10 seconds, Erasmus Bridge included, target pace afterwards. The second bridge crossing, at the 24th, is taken at plus 10 seconds without making it up.
- Late December to January: volume, long run up to 2 h.
- February-March: marathon-pace blocks, 2 h 45 long runs.
- April: taper, fresh legs for the Coolsingel.
The finish returns to the Coolsingel between two walls of spectators: wait for the last kilometre to let go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Rotterdam Marathon?
Mid-April, traditionally on a Sunday. Check the official date before entering it in your plan.
Is Rotterdam as fast as Berlin?
Almost: flat, sheltered in town, temperate. Only the Erasmus Bridge and the southern wind separate it from the perfect courses.
Paris, London or Rotterdam the same week?
Rotterdam is the flattest of the three and the easiest to enter without a ballot. Paris has the crowd, London the crowds and the prestige.
Ready to prepare for your marathon?
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