Rotterdam blocks plans for an increase in participants in the city marathon

The Rotterdam Marathon will not be able to increase its number of starting spots from 17,000 in the 2025 edition. The organization for the marathon had applied to increase the number of starting spots to 30,000 but their request was not approved by the municipality.

The 17,000 available starting certificates for the marathon were sold out in two and a half hours at the beginning of August. The organization is hoping to have the number of starting spots increased to 30,000 and hopes to be able to distribute a substantial number of starting places later.

However, conversations with the municipality have not led to the growth for the 2025 edition. Due to the NATO summit on 24 and 25 June 2025 in The Hague, there is insufficient capacity at municipal services and the police to facilitate the growth of the marathon, the organization reported.

“It is a huge disappointment for us as an organization, but especially for the many runners who were on the waiting list and had indicated that they want to participate,” said marathon director Wilbert Lek. “The limitation in 2025 is a setback, but our ambition to realize this is still there. Our goal is to increase to 30,000 participants in 2026. Regarding organization, this is possible with the necessary adjustments, while ensuring safety for runners and spectators."

The marathon will take place on April 13.