Leiden Marathon

Location: Leiden
Country: Netherlands
Website: https://marathon.nl/en/
2025 Marathon Date: 11/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 10/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:12:50
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Leiden Marathon is a scenic and well-organised Dutch race held each May in the historic university city of Leiden. Known for its flat terrain and varied surroundings, the event combines urban atmosphere with wide-open landscapes, making it a popular choice for runners across the Netherlands and beyond.

The course is a single loop that begins in central Leiden and ventures into the surrounding countryside, passing through picturesque towns and tulip-lined roads before circling back to the city centre. The terrain is predominantly flat, with long, uninterrupted stretches and very few turns—perfect for maintaining steady effort and pacing.

Weather in the Netherlands in mid-May is typically cool and mild, and the early morning start ensures favourable temperatures for distance running. Rain and wind are possible but usually manageable, with much of the route relatively shielded by buildings or hedgerows.

Crowd support in the city centre is vocal and enthusiastic, while rural sections are quieter but peaceful. The event is known for its friendly, local feel, with strong support from volunteers and clear logistical planning. Aid stations are well placed and reliable, and course markings are straightforward.

For sub-3 runners, the Leiden Marathon offers an excellent blend of pace potential and low stress. The field size is moderate, providing enough company to work with but without the congestion of major-city races. The flat layout makes this a strong PB course, especially for those who prefer solo pacing over pack racing.

Leiden’s charm, combined with the smooth race-day execution, makes this an appealing spring marathon for serious amateur runners. Whether you’re chasing a time or just looking for a reliable, well-supported European race, the Leiden Marathon delivers on all fronts.