TCS Amsterdam Marathon and Mizuno Half Marathon: A Runner’s Guide to Running Amsterdam with Marathon Tours & Travel

A Singapore Runner’s Honest Review of One of Europe’s Fastest and Most Underrated Half Marathons

For Singapore-based and Southeast Asian runners dreaming of their first (or next) overseas race in a cooler climate, the TCS Amsterdam Marathon or Mizuno Half Marathon (Amsterdam) is one of Europe’s most underrated gems.

I ran the 2025 edition and came away convinced that this race deserves a permanent spot on every travel runner’s bucket list — especially when paired with a Marathon Tours & Travel package.

Here’s my honest, runner-to-runner editorial guide, written with Singapore runners planning overseas marathons and half marathons firmly in mind.

Why the TCS Amsterdam Half Marathon Is Perfect for Singapore Runners

Coming from Singapore’s tropical heat and humidity, Europe’s autumn races feel almost unfair — in the best way.

Ideal Race-Day Conditions

Amsterdam delivered near-perfect running weather, hovering around 10–14°C. For runners used to 28–32°C mornings back home, this alone can unlock unexpected PBs.

Fast, Scenic & Varied Course

The course strikes a sweet balance:

• Flat and fast overall

• Gentle rolling sections to keep things engaging

• Iconic scenery through Vondelpark, along the Amstel River, and finishing inside the legendary Olympic Stadium

The half marathon and 7.5K share the same race-day energy, making it feel like a true city-wide celebration.

Crowd Support: Quietly World-Class

This isn’t Berlin or London-level hype — but that’s exactly the charm. The crowd support felt authentic, local, and constant, easily on par (and at times better) than races like Gold Coast.

Plenty of music, clapping, and encouraging shouts that genuinely lift you in the final kilometres.

Minor gripe: a few narrow sections early on where I got boxed in — totally on me for starting in a slower pen. Faster runners and elites won’t have this issue.

Experiencing Amsterdam’s Run Culture

One highlight of the weekend was joining the Amsterdam Coffee Run x ASICS Running shakeout at Vondelpark. For Singapore runners used to Park Connector loops and Saturday morning kopi stops, this was a brilliant way to experience local run crew culture in one of Europe’s most beautiful parks.

Why Book Through Marathon Tours & Travel from Singapore

For runners travelling from Singapore, logistics can make or break an overseas race. This is where Marathon Tours & Travel really shines.

What’s Included (and Why It Matters)

• For roughly SGD $800–900 per pax (4D3N), the value is excellent:

• Guaranteed race entry (half marathon, marathon, or 7.5K)

• Minimum 3 nights hotel accommodation

• Daily breakfasts

• Welcome meet & greet

• Orientation run/walk to the start & finish area

• Escorted trip to the Marathon Expo

• Shakeout run

• Optional VIP pre-race pasta dinner finish line experience (inclusive)

• Post-race celebration

• On-ground guidance and support throughout

For first-time overseas racers, this removes the stress of:

• Ballot uncertainty

• Transport planning

• Race-week logistics

• Language barriers

You focus on running — they handle the rest.

Hotel Spotlight: Comfort Meets Convenience

Many of the Marathon Tours & Travel packages are based at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam South, which proved to be a reliable and runner-friendly choice.

The hotel offers comfortable rooms, consistently good breakfasts to fuel race morning, and convenient transport links into the city and race venues. Just as importantly, it’s located in a quieter area, making it ideal for quality rest and uninterrupted sleep in the crucial days leading up to race day.

Amsterdam: The Perfect Runner’s City Break

Beyond race day, Amsterdam is exceptionally runner- and tourist-friendly, making it an ideal destination for a running holiday. The city is highly walkable, safe, and famously cyclist-first, with world-class museums, charming cafés, scenic canals, and picturesque cobbled streets at every turn.

Getting around is effortless thanks to an efficient public transport network of trams, buses, and trains, and it’s one of those rare cities where non-running companions can enjoy the trip just as much as the runner themselves.

Looking Ahead: Amsterdam Marathon & Mizuno Half Marathon 2026

The event has deep history — first held in 1975 — and continues to grow in global prestige. The TCS Amsterdam Marathon is also an AbbottWMM Marathon Tours & Travel World Age Group Qualifying Race, known as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.

With a start and finish at the Olympic Stadium, iconic landmarks like the Rijksmuseum and Heineken Experience, Flat, PB-friendly terrain; It’s easy to see why so many runners return year after year.

Final Verdict: Should Singapore Runners Do This Race?

Absolutely. 10/10 — would run again.

If you’re a Singapore-based runner looking for:

• Your first European race

• A cool-weather PB opportunity

• A stress-free overseas running holiday

• Excellent value via a trusted tour provider

…the TCS Amsterdam Half Marathon with Marathon Tours & Travel is one of the smartest choices you can make.

It may not shout the loudest on social media, but once you run it — you’ll wonder why it isn’t talked about more. #TCSAmsterdamMarathon #MizunoHalfMarathon