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The NN Dam tot Damloop is the Netherlands’ largest and most iconic road race, a 10-mile point-to-point course from Amsterdam to Zaandam famous for its passage through the IJtunnel.
Course Highlights
The NN Dam tot Damloop is world-renowned for its unique point-to-point course that connects two distinct Dutch cities: Amsterdam and Zaandam. The absolute highlight of the race occurs shortly after the start on the Prins Hendrikkade, as thousands of runners plunge into the IJtunnel. This massive underwater tunnel, which connects Amsterdam’s city center with Amsterdam-Noord, is normally strictly closed to pedestrians and cyclists, making the race the only opportunity for the public to run through its echoing concrete chambers. Emerging from the tunnel into the daylight of Noord is a moment of pure adrenaline, fueled by the music and cheering crowds that await at the tunnel exit.
After leaving the tunnel, the path winds through the picturesque districts of Amsterdam-Noord and follows the scenic dikes and waterways toward the Zaan region. Along the way, runners pass through charming residential areas such as Buiksloterdijk and Landsmeer, where the local community creates a festival-like atmosphere. The course is famously flat, typical of the Dutch landscape, allowing for fast times despite the initial tunnel incline. The final stretch takes runners into the heart of Zaandam, culminating in an electric finish on the Peperstraat, where the support from the sidelines reaches a deafening crescendo.
Race Details
The 40th anniversary edition of the NN Dam tot Damloop is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026. The main event is the 10 English Mile (16.1 km) run, which starts on the Prins Hendrikkade near Amsterdam Central Station and finishes in Zaandam. For those looking for an evening challenge, the “Damloop by night” takes place on the preceding Saturday, September 19, offering a 5-mile (8 km) course through the beautifully illuminated streets of Zaandam. The weekend also features the Mini Dam tot Damloop for younger runners and a major walking event, solidifying its status as the largest sporting weekend in the Netherlands.
The race is a masterclass in logistics, with start waves beginning at approximately 09:19 AM on Sunday. Participants benefit from specialized services, including clothing transport from the start area at Stationsplein in Amsterdam to the finish festival in Zaandam. As a World Athletics Label road race, it attracts a field of elite international athletes while hosting over 45,000 recreational participants. Due to its immense popularity, the event consistently sells out months in advance, making early registration vital for anyone hoping to secure a bib number.
Why Runners Love It
What truly sets the Dam tot Damloop apart is the “unrivalled atmosphere” that permeates every meter of the 10-mile journey. From the starting gun in Amsterdam to the final steps in Zaandam, runners are buoyed by live bands, DJs, and more than 250,000 spectators who transform the entire route into a massive street party. The Dutch sense of “gezelligheid”—a unique blend of coziness and social connection—is on full display, as residents along the course often set up their own sound systems, unofficial water stations, and garden hoses to cheer on and cool down the passing field.
The point-to-point nature of the race adds a significant sense of achievement, as participants literally travel between municipalities, crossing the geographical barrier of the North Sea Canal via the iconic IJtunnel. For many in the Dutch running community and beyond, the race is a seasonal highlight and a cherished tradition. The celebration continues well past the finish line at the Dam tot Dam Finish Festival, where participants can enjoy live entertainment, food, and the shared camaraderie of completing one of Europe’s most beloved running events.
Ready to experience the magic of the IJtunnel and the incredible atmosphere of North Holland for yourself? Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic anniversary edition. Visit the official NN Dam tot Damloop website to register and secure your spot today!
At a Glance
- Location: Amsterdam, North Holland — Netherlands
- Next Date: 2026-09-20
- Distances: [’10 Miles’, ‘5 Miles’, ‘Mini Dam tot Damloop’]
- Start Time: 09:19
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.nndamloop.com/
Amsterdam, North Holland 1012 AB Netherlands
The NN Dam tot Damloop is the Netherlands’ largest and most iconic road race, a 10-mile point-to-point course from Amsterdam to Zaandam famous for its passage through the IJtunnel.
Course Highlights
The NN Dam tot Damloop is world-renowned for its unique point-to-point course that connects two distinct Dutch cities: Amsterdam and Zaandam. The absolute highlight of the race occurs shortly after the start on the Prins Hendrikkade, as thousands of runners plunge into the IJtunnel. This massive underwater tunnel, which connects Amsterdam’s city center with Amsterdam-Noord, is normally strictly closed to pedestrians and cyclists, making the race the only opportunity for the public to run through its echoing concrete chambers. Emerging from the tunnel into the daylight of Noord is a moment of pure adrenaline, fueled by the music and cheering crowds that await at the tunnel exit.
After leaving the tunnel, the path winds through the picturesque districts of Amsterdam-Noord and follows the scenic dikes and waterways toward the Zaan region. Along the way, runners pass through charming residential areas such as Buiksloterdijk and Landsmeer, where the local community creates a festival-like atmosphere. The course is famously flat, typical of the Dutch landscape, allowing for fast times despite the initial tunnel incline. The final stretch takes runners into the heart of Zaandam, culminating in an electric finish on the Peperstraat, where the support from the sidelines reaches a deafening crescendo.
Race Details
The 40th anniversary edition of the NN Dam tot Damloop is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, 2026. The main event is the 10 English Mile (16.1 km) run, which starts on the Prins Hendrikkade near Amsterdam Central Station and finishes in Zaandam. For those looking for an evening challenge, the “Damloop by night” takes place on the preceding Saturday, September 19, offering a 5-mile (8 km) course through the beautifully illuminated streets of Zaandam. The weekend also features the Mini Dam tot Damloop for younger runners and a major walking event, solidifying its status as the largest sporting weekend in the Netherlands.
The race is a masterclass in logistics, with start waves beginning at approximately 09:19 AM on Sunday. Participants benefit from specialized services, including clothing transport from the start area at Stationsplein in Amsterdam to the finish festival in Zaandam. As a World Athletics Label road race, it attracts a field of elite international athletes while hosting over 45,000 recreational participants. Due to its immense popularity, the event consistently sells out months in advance, making early registration vital for anyone hoping to secure a bib number.
Why Runners Love It
What truly sets the Dam tot Damloop apart is the “unrivalled atmosphere” that permeates every meter of the 10-mile journey. From the starting gun in Amsterdam to the final steps in Zaandam, runners are buoyed by live bands, DJs, and more than 250,000 spectators who transform the entire route into a massive street party. The Dutch sense of “gezelligheid”—a unique blend of coziness and social connection—is on full display, as residents along the course often set up their own sound systems, unofficial water stations, and garden hoses to cheer on and cool down the passing field.
The point-to-point nature of the race adds a significant sense of achievement, as participants literally travel between municipalities, crossing the geographical barrier of the North Sea Canal via the iconic IJtunnel. For many in the Dutch running community and beyond, the race is a seasonal highlight and a cherished tradition. The celebration continues well past the finish line at the Dam tot Dam Finish Festival, where participants can enjoy live entertainment, food, and the shared camaraderie of completing one of Europe’s most beloved running events.
Ready to experience the magic of the IJtunnel and the incredible atmosphere of North Holland for yourself? Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic anniversary edition. Visit the official NN Dam tot Damloop website to register and secure your spot today!
At a Glance
- Location: Amsterdam, North Holland — Netherlands
- Next Date: 2026-09-20
- Distances: [’10 Miles’, ‘5 Miles’, ‘Mini Dam tot Damloop’]
- Start Time: 09:19
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.nndamloop.com/