Elite & Sub-elite athletes
The NN Marathon Rotterdam is known worldwide as a stage for top-level running. Every year, international elite athletes, national champions and emerging talents line up at the start, ready to push their limits on a course built for speed, records and thrilling battles all the way to the Coolsingel.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the elite and sub-elite fields at the NN Marathon Rotterdam, from start lists and personal bests to athlete stories and practical information. Whether you’re a fan following the action at the front of the race or a runner who is part of the competitive heart of #demooiste, you’ll find all the relevant information here.
Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or lining up at the start yourself, this is where you can get to know the athletes who bring world-class racing, excitement and unforgettable performances to the NN Marathon Rotterdam.
Practical information sub-elite
The NN Marathon Rotterdam offers national and international sub-elite runners the opportunity to participate in the marathon free of charge. A limited number of race entries are available in this category.
Registration and selection
Time limits
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| National sub-elite | Faster than 2:25:00 | Faster than 2:53:00 |
| International sub-elite | Faster than 2:20:00 | Faster than 2:45:00 |
Personal bottles
Sub-elite runners may have the opportunity to provide personal bottles for use during the marathon. Eligible participants will receive further information a few weeks before the event.
Start list NN Marathon Rotterdam 2026
Check the course
Course Records NN Marathon Rotterdam
Bashir Abdi (M)
Mekides Shimeles (F)
NN Marathon Rotterdam anniversary edition promises an exciting race, fast times and a thrilling Dutch Championship
The 45th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam will see athletes chase course records as well as Dutch national titles. The international elite field has been carefully assembled with the expectation that, under ideal weather conditions, the winner could finish inside the European and course record of 2:03:36, set by Belgium’s Bashir Abdi in 2021. In the women’s race, the ambitious target is the 2:18:58 course record set by Ethiopia’s Tiki Gelana in 2012.