Rotterdam Marathon 2017

Lostnfound · 05-10-2016 11:12am #1

I've just signed up, bought the flights to Amsterdam and now I start thinking about accomodation.

I'm flying in on the Friday and making a bit of a mini family break with the kids.

Has anyone done Rotterdam before, what's the city like to stay in, is it worth basing ourselves there and exploring Amsterdam or should we just stay there for the night before and night of, heading back to Amsterdam for a few more days?

Thanks

The Davestator · 05-10-2016 11:24am

Done it this year. Lovely marathon, nice and flat. Some boring parts but a nice finish.

100% get out of Rotterdam as soon as you can! There's nothing in it for anyone as far as I could tell. It's not a bad place, its just meh. (IMO)

We hopped on a train after the marathon and went to Amsterdam for 2 nights. Amsterdam is expensive though!

MacSwifty · 05-10-2016 11:52am

Did this in April also. Two nights and stayed in Rotterdam. The marathon was excellent lovely and flat did not find too boring but could see why it could be - ran with a mate who had bad experiences in previous marathons who was trying to break 3.30 and we came in 3.25. This helped to make a good weekend. Plenty bars and restaurants but I would not imagine a whole lot for kids. Trains back to Amsterdam are frequent and reasonable if you want to base your selves there. Weather was spot on this year.

The important question is would I do it again? Yes and maybe next year!

MacSwifty

Lostnfound · 05-10-2016 3:34pm

Thanks for that. I think I'll spend the minimum amount of time in Rotterdam, maybe Saturday and Sunday night and get back to Amsterdam for a couple of days of sightseeing.

I did Berlin last week and although I got a PB, I'm chasing another hence the entry to Rotterdam.

tang1 · 05-10-2016 3:44pm

Lostnfound wrote: »

Thanks for that. I think I'll spend the minimum amount of time in Rotterdam, maybe Saturday and Sunday night and get back to Amsterdam for a couple of days of sightseeing.

I did Berlin last week and although I got a PB, I'm chasing another hence the entry to Rotterdam.

Check out the Rotterdam 2016 thread, loads of info on that. Ran it myself, great marathon but I am going to say that as it was my first marathon. Support is sparse in one or two spots, not really a sightseers marathon not that I was looking for that. I didn't find congestion an issue at the start but some have in previous years. Plenty of water/aid stations and sponge stations that I made full use of. Weather can get hot but wasn't an issue this year. Murphys was the port of call post race this year with plenty of other Irish runners and Boardsies there after. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer.

Lostnfound · 05-10-2016 4:49pm

tang1 wrote: »

Check out the Rotterdam 2016 thread, loads of info on that. Ran it myself, great marathon but I am going to say that as it was my first marathon. Support is sparse in one or two spots, not really a sightseers marathon not that I was looking for that. I didn't find congestion an issue at the start but some have in previous years. Plenty of water/aid stations and sponge stations that I made full use of. Weather can get hot but wasn't an issue this year. Murphys was the port of call post race this year with plenty of other Irish runners and Boardsies there after. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer.

Thanks for that, greatly appreciate it. I'm looking at staying in the Ibis - seems to be close to the start and finish.

tang1 · 05-10-2016 4:53pm

Lostnfound wrote: »

Thanks for that, greatly appreciate it. I'm looking at staying in the Ibis - seems to be close to the start and finish.

Plenty of good hotel options just off the Coolsingel. Be aware if travelling by rail that carriages are broken into 1st and 2nd class, don't get on a 1st class carriage if you have a 2nd class ticket, liable to an on the spot fine if found. Carriages are marked 1 and 2 but you don't always look when in a rush.

ThebitterLemon · 05-10-2016 6:09pm

tang1 wrote: »

Check out the Rotterdam 2016 thread, loads of info on that. Ran it myself, great marathon but I am going to say that as it was my first marathon. Support is sparse in one or two spots, not really a sightseers marathon not that I was looking for that. I didn't find congestion an issue at the start but some have in previous years. Plenty of water/aid stations and sponge stations that I made full use of. Weather can get hot but wasn't an issue this year. Murphys was the port of call post race this year with plenty of other Irish runners and Boardsies there after. If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer.

Of course the support was sparse, didn't you finish in the dark

TbL

and still ricky villa · 05-10-2016 7:13pm

Does anyone know if this fills up early?

Doing Frankfurt at the end of the month and not aiming to run by anything other than HR

But looking at Rotterdam as my final tilt at sub 3.
I plan on seeing how the body handles Frankfurt first before committing.

tang1 · 05-10-2016 7:19pm

and still ricky villa wrote: »

Does anyone know if this fills up early?

Doing Frankfurt at the end of the month and not aiming to run by anything other than HR

But looking at Rotterdam as my final tilt at sub 3.
I plan on seeing how the body handles Frankfurt first before committing.

Didn't fill up early last year, was still entry available in Jan/Feb this year as far as I recall.

paulers06 · 06-10-2016 11:13am

Did the marathon this year and have fond memories. Flew into Amsterdam and stayed Sat & Sun in Rotterdam and Mon & Tue in Amsterdam. Very easy to get to from I quite liked Rotterdam myself, some interesting buildings and enjoyed what small bit of walking around I did the day before and day of the marathon. Thought the marathon was great, bit hot towards the end though and a bit of a boring stretch through a park. Got quite badly burnt. We stayed in CitizenM and my parents stayed in the Mainport - both worked out really well.

and still ricky villa · 06-10-2016 3:05pm

Facebook trumpeted 10,000 entrants so I've panicked and entered now. (Probably counting all races across the weekend)
Will have to hide that from the wife for a few weeks.......

martyboy48 · 07-10-2016 10:58pm

Ahhh Rotterdam.....

:D
Did it this year and liked it a lot. I stayed in Rotterdam(about 4 days in total I think), and liked it. If you take the time to explore a bit it's lovely. Between the
architecture, waterways/boats ect shopping, there's plenty to do/see.. Don't know about what would be available for kids, I'm sure there'd be something if you looked into it.

A trip up on the Euromast tower is recommended, brilliant views, especially on a nice day(took me a while to get the nerve to go right up to the top

)

Murphys was a grand spot, bingo on tuesday nights

I stayed in the Art hotel in Maashaven. Nice hotel and food was exceptional. It's a little further out but stlll on 5 mins on metro(station outside the hotel door).

Rotterdam as a Marathon I would recommend. If you want to see Amsterdam too, a 50/50 split would be a good compromise.

PS The water in the cups isn't hard to deal with. I was a bit worried going into it but was told bringing a short straw would be a good help. I ended up forgetting to bring a straw but managed fine. There's a sponge/foam top in the cups with 2 "V"s cup out. One large and one small. I had no problems drinking out od the large V with a gentle squeeze of cup...

Good times......

El Caballo · 17-11-2016 7:08pm

I lost my mind yesterday evening and registered. Hopefully the marathon that broke my last spell of consistency can get me going this time around. Made a ludicrous pen selection considering where I am right now but in for a penny...

Anymore boardsies targeting this?

Bunny Colvin · 20-11-2016 10:30pm

Considering this one too. Stayed in Rotterdam last year and liked the place. Have a mate working there so would be a good excuse to head over to see him and complete my second marathon.

Paddy Murphy's is a great spot too btw - I'd know, I basically spent the full week there

Edit. Registered. See you there boardsies

and still ricky villa · 21-11-2016 9:24pm

Bunny Colvin wrote: »

Considering this one too. Stayed in Rotterdam last year and liked the place. Have a mate working there so would be a good excuse to head over to see him and complete my second marathon.

Paddy Murphy's is a great spot too btw - I'd know, I basically spent the full week there

Edit. Registered. See you there boardsies

Excellent username btw

Bunny Colvin · 21-11-2016 10:17pm

and still ricky villa wrote: »

Excellent username btw

Who wouldn't run from the Western District

ASIMON0V · 25-11-2016 5:17pm

Just entered this, ran my PB there in 2012. I still live in fear of the park section, really tough going. Last time we have people over with water in bottles, as the cups aren't ideal. Trying to get less-fat and fitter before xmas before going into a marathon training programme in the new year - Sub 2:45 will be the target.

Polster · 09-02-2017 10:43am

Doing Rotterdam aye, looking forward to it. Done London twice and a Kent one so first trip abroad (based in London). Heard it is a quick course so weather permitting and injury free it should be a good one I hope. Just over 5 weeks to my taper, coming around quickly now.

and still ricky villa · 11-02-2017 11:04am

I've had 12 weeks of savage training. PBs falling all over the place. Optimistic Garmin telling me I can run 2:38 and then a cold struck. Laid up for the past week. I'm hoping to resume on Monday without too much loss

Polster · 11-02-2017 11:16am

and still ricky villa wrote: »

I've had 12 weeks of savage training. PBs falling all over the place. Optimistic Garmin telling me I can run 2:38 and then a cold struck. Laid up for the past week. I'm hoping to resume on Monday without too much loss

Some times an enforced rest can work really well in my experience. I had all sorts of injuries during January and Feb last year, PF, achilles etc etc, was with physio for about 8 weeks in a row, was just about fully right in time for London, felt fresh as a daisy and ran 12 minutes quicker than planned

I'd say you could well come back stronger Ricky

dublin runner · 11-02-2017 11:57am

and still ricky villa wrote:

I've had 12 weeks of savage training. PBs falling all over the place. Optimistic Garmin telling me I can run 2:38 and then a cold struck. Laid up for the past week. I'm hoping to resume on Monday without too much loss

No harm having a week off, particularly after a good spell (risking overdoing it etc.). Better to get cold out of the way now!

Great goal, best of luck with training. You will have a fair bit of company at that pace in Rotterdam so plenty of groups to work with.

and still ricky villa · 11-02-2017 12:26pm

To be honest I'm thrilled it's a cold rather than an injury. I must be feeling better cos I'm giving out about not running whereas I've not contemplated anything for the previous few days. Too miserable

The goal is actually 2:55 but the race predictor on the Garmin has translated training runs into a 2:38 finish. I'm smiling condescendingly at it and sticking to the plan

Mr Jinx · 14-02-2017 4:26pm

If anyone is unable to do Rotterdam and has a entry available, I would be interested. (I believe they allow transfers)

and still ricky villa · 18-02-2017 10:58pm

Back on the horse with a solid but cautious 90km this week

and still ricky villa · 19-03-2017 6:41pm

I was thinking of doing the AD City Run (4.2km) on the Saturday
Has anyone done this before?
I'm only doing this to kill a bit of time and shake out the legs but just want to make sure it's an adult run
I don't want to be the 'and finally' piece on Dutch news. 'Look at the idiot who joined in a kid's run in full racing kit....'

Slow_Runner · 21-03-2017 9:11am

and still ricky villa wrote: »

I was thinking of doing the AD City Run (4.2km) on the Saturday
Has anyone done this before?
I'm only doing this to kill a bit of time and shake out the legs but just want to make sure it's an adult run
I don't want to be the 'and finally' piece on Dutch news. 'Look at the idiot who joined in a kid's run in full racing kit....'

According to the website its for over 12s so you shouldn't be too embarrassed

. Not heading over until Sat afternoon so will not make it,

and still ricky villa · 21-03-2017 7:59pm

Slow_Runner wrote: »

According to the website its for over 12s so you shouldn't be too embarrassed . Not heading over until Sat afternoon so will not make it,

Entered it today. May as well make the most of the weekend

snailsong · 22-03-2017 8:02pm

I'll be there from Friday, maybe consider this for the craic.

How is everyone fixed? Just over 2 weeks to go, all getting real. Taper madness just setting in, I'm starting to worry about misshapen toe nails....

and still ricky villa · 22-03-2017 9:14pm

I think I'll be alright
I've missed a couple of weeks in total but I'll have over 100 miles at sub 3 pace in my legs and a couple of long 20 milers done come race day
Still cacking it though. I've never put this much effort into training

ThebitterLemon · 22-03-2017 9:29pm

and still ricky villa wrote: »

I think I'll be alright
I've missed a couple of weeks in total but I'll have over 100 miles at sub 3 pace in my legs and a couple of long 20 milers done come race day
Still cacking it though. I've never put this much effort into training

If I can give you any advise, it would be to relax. Seriously. Over stressing it will drive you mad, compromise your performance and burn up energy. Get to the start healthy, relax and give it bata

Good luck

TbL

and still ricky villa · 22-03-2017 9:44pm

ThebitterLemon wrote: »

If I can give you any advise, it would be to relax. Seriously. Over stressing it will drive you mad, compromise your performance and burn up energy. Get to the start healthy, relax and give it bata

Good luck

TbL

Ah no, you're dead right but I think I'm more excited than anything else. I've never been comfortable at pace until committing to the Hanson's plan I'm on.
I'll be like Buddha come race weekend

Slow_Runner · 23-03-2017 11:20am

100 miles at sub 3 pace is a good chunk of training ricky - you should be flying it come race day.

Only doing a 2 week taper this time, last tough 20 miler done in the Phoenix Park last week, a 17 miler this weekend and then tapering - hasn't stopped the taper madness tough

.
Training has gone unbelievable for this, no injuries or niggles (I'm putting this down to building up a decent base late last year as well as 8-10 mins S&C every morning and foam rolling every night) and have 5x 20 milers done. Mentally panicking that I've peaked too early or will get injured or go over on my ankle or get hit by an asteroid:'(
I didn't have a goal in mind for this but after a 71min 10 miler and 1:34:20 half this year I'm going go for the sub 3:30 (and 23 min pb) and see how I hold up.
My OH is coming over to support, for those who have done this before where are the best places to go to see runners in different sections, the metro seems to be pretty good for getting to multiple spots so was wondering what others have done.

and still ricky villa · 23-03-2017 11:35am

Sounds like you'll hit your goal Slow_Runner. 5 x 20 milers is some preparation.
I've been luckily injury free but have a couple of colds that disrupted things. The curse of sharing my house with a 3 year old disease magnet.
I'm planning 12 miles at MP today and 20 Long on Saturday and then begin the taper.
I had it in my head that I'd like to do 13 miles at MP before but I don't have enough time left and don't want to tempt fate.
Next week will be nothing over 10 miles and nothing over 6 the next week
Overall I'm feeling good and hoping I get a bit of luck on the day

Krusty_Clown · 23-03-2017 12:07pm

Can't believe this race is finally coming around. Just another two weeks of avoiding injury. Feels like I'm walking around on egg-shells these days.

Similar to Slow_Runners question: any quiet spots near the start/finish where the OH could easily hand me a sports drink? (also, seeing as my OH is running the 1/4 marathon, anyone care to provide a more caring OH, who is willing to hand me a sports drink?

)

The course seems to pass my hotel at the 17 mile (27km) mark (Mainport Hotel). Anyone happen to remember if that area is quiet enough?

tang1 · 23-03-2017 12:18pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Can't believe this race is finally coming around. Just another two weeks of avoiding injury. Feels like I'm walking around on egg-shells these days.

Similar to Slow_Runners question: any quiet spots near the start/finish where the OH could easily hand me a sports drink? (also, seeing as my OH is running the 1/4 marathon, anyone care to provide a more caring OH, who is willing to hand me a sports drink? )

The course seems to pass my hotel at the 17 mile (27km) mark (Mainport Hotel). Anyone happen to remember if that area is quiet enough?

Once you go back over the Eramusbridge the crowds are 9-10 deep for a while. My OH met me at 25km with a bottle of water last year before going over the bridge and still had plenty of time to walk back to Coolsingel to see me finish & it was very easy to spot her and crowd depth wasn't an issue. Once you go back over the Erasmusbridge back into the city the support is excellent and may make spotting OH's a problem.

dublin runner · 23-03-2017 6:29pm

The crowds from mile 15/16 really swell in size, far bigger than DCM, to use an Irish example. The only quiet area will be before the park and the start of the park loop. The bridge on the way back will be packed. This will be my 3rd time running this race and on previous outing have used the Citizen M hotel (to the right) as a drink pick up location. It's approximately 28km in, just after the underpass. In saying that, last year was very busy but still an advantageous meeting point.

-the drink stations are all excellent. Sponges, water and gels. Can be relied on.

tang1 · 23-03-2017 6:59pm

dublin runner wrote: »

-the drink stations are all excellent. Sponges, water and gels. Can be relied on.

+1 to this, aid stations are excellent.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 24-03-2017 5:23pm

Where is the best place to stop for a beer (during the marathon)

Krusty_Clown · 24-03-2017 5:32pm

Brayson Tight Magenta wrote: »

Where is the best place to stop for a beer (during the marathon)

New fueling strategy Brayson Tight Magenta?!

24-03-2017 5:40pm

dublin runner wrote: »

the drink stations are all excellent. Sponges, water and gels. Can be relied on.

Anybody know what gel brand? Are there gels at all the stations? There's no mention of them on the site (that I can see)

tang1 · 24-03-2017 5:47pm

28064212 wrote: »

Anybody know what gel brand? Are there gels at all the stations? There's no mention of them on the site (that I can see)

These bad boys were gels on offer, local Dutch brew:

dublin runner · 24-03-2017 10:02pm

The gels are ok, although one flavour was almost like syrup in texture! I got a bad one. I think it is always best not to 100% rely on gels in marathons, always having your own supply just in case.

Water is water and sponges are sponges so no problem there. The isotonic drink (lemon) is nice but I would recommend picking up a bottle the day previous to acclimatise!

and still ricky villa · 25-03-2017 9:08pm

Last long week finished off with a confidence building 20 miler
Now to get through the taper without being divorced/smothered in my sleep

hf4z6sqo7vjngi · 25-03-2017 9:32pm

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

New fueling strategy jackyback?!

Hey Gary, no have not been doing much since last October and had booked this last year. Plan to run a few miles pacing wifey and then find a beer stop along the way. A tourist marathon of sorts:)

You all set?

Krusty_Clown · 26-03-2017 7:53am

Brayson Tight Magenta wrote: »

Hey Gary, no have not been doing much since last October and had booked this last year. Plan to run a few miles pacing wifey and then find a beer stop along the way. A tourist marathon of sorts:)

You all set?

Well, the work is done anyway. A couple more shorter MP sessions this week and that's pretty much it. Just looking forward to being on the start- line. It's been too long (Oct 2015). I have a few good bars saved in Google maps but they wouldn't have a view of the course. I'm guessing you'll want to be watching on for your significant other? Hopefully catch up with you for a few beers afterwards.

Krusty_Clown · 27-03-2017 11:28am

So where are we going drinkin'?

<This is usually the point where I like to suggest lots of great pubs with great reputations and massive high quality beer selections, and then 25 posts later, someone suggests the Irish pub, and we all end up in the Irish pub anyway.>

snailsong · 27-03-2017 11:53am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

So where are we going drinkin'?

The Irish pub is grand.
It's called Paddy Murphy's and is close to the finish. Everybody seemed to call there at some point last year.

snailsong · 27-03-2017 11:54am

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

So where are we going drinkin'?

The Irish pub is grand.
It's called Paddy Murphy's and is close to the finish. Everybody seemed to call there at some point last year.

dublin runner · 27-03-2017 12:29pm

Paddy Murphy's. I'll be honest, the battle cruiser aint the best but I can confirm it sells alcohol and apparently some food of questionable and differing quality!

I'll be here at least twice over the weekend: http://www.restaurantmessina.nl/index-en.html

Owner is as mad as a brush but the food is very good and perfect for 'carb loading'! I should have a loyalty card for that restaurant by this stage.

and still ricky villa · 27-03-2017 4:07pm

Sounds like there's a few people who have been here before on here

I don't plan on walking if possible until after Sunday. Is the Rotterdam Welcome Card any good?
€20 for 3 days doesn't sound bad as I seriously will use the metro from one stop to another 300 yards up the road
I'm staying on the south side of the bridge

Rotterdam Marathon 2017

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