Enschede Marathon

Location: Enschede
Country: Netherlands
Website: https://www.enschedemarathon.nl/en/afstanden/enschede-marathon
2025 Marathon Date: 13/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 12/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:09:34
% Sub-3s: 5–10%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Enschede Marathon takes place every spring in the Dutch city of Enschede, close to the German border. It is the oldest marathon in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe, with a history dating back over 75 years. While it may not have the scale of Amsterdam or Rotterdam, Enschede has long been favoured by experienced runners looking for a flat, fast course with minimal fuss.

The route is well engineered for speed, featuring a single loop course that goes through the city and surrounding areas. Road surfaces are smooth, turns are manageable, and elevation change is virtually non-existent. The marathon starts and finishes in the city centre with seeded waves for smooth pacing.

Conditions in mid-April are typically ideal for distance running, with temperatures at the start generally hovering around 10°C and little wind. Rain is possible but rarely disruptive. The Dutch spring climate contributes to the race’s strong reputation as a PB-friendly event.

Although not a mass-participation spectacle, the Enschede Marathon offers professional-level organisation. Aid stations are well spaced, signage is clear, and support crews are experienced. The atmosphere is relatively low-key, but this suits many sub-3 aspirants who prefer a focused, time-oriented race over an entertainment-heavy event.

Enschede also benefits from its accessibility. It’s well connected by rail and road, and accommodation is affordable and easy to book. With a strong domestic field and an increasing number of international entrants, there’s usually a solid cohort of sub-3 calibre runners to share the road with.

For those seeking a serious spring marathon with fast conditions and minimal distractions, the Enschede Marathon stands out as a smart, efficient choice. It’s not a headline-grabber, but it delivers where it counts: on the stopwatch.