Enschede

The Enschede Marathon is the oldest marathon in the Netherlands and the oldest in Western Europe, first held in 1947. The race follows a fast and largely flat 42.195 km course through the city of Enschede and its surrounding areas. The course starts in Enschede city centre at an elevation of approximately 50 m and finishes in the city centre at around 50 m, creating a loop that returns runners to the heart of the event. Along the route, participants run across the campus of the University of Twente, along the F35 cycle highway, and through the scenic H.J. van Heekpark before the final kilometres back into the lively centre. Known for its excellent organization and enthusiastic crowds, often reaching around 80,000 spectators, the race offers a supportive atmosphere and a course designed for fast finishing times.