The TCS Amsterdam Marathon will be held in the city again next Sunday. The more than 42 kilometers long course runs largely through the city. This means that many streets are closed from 07:00 in the morning. Which streets are involved and what logistics is involved in such a large event, explains Nienke Slobbe, organization TCS Amsterdam Marathon. Traffic.
AT5
Organizing the TCS Amsterdam Marathon is a major logistical operation, according to Nienke Slobbe. The marathon route is 42 kilometers and 195 meters long and runs right through the city. “We put around 11,000 fences on the course. We have around 600 traffic controllers and between 200 and 300 volunteers to set it up as well as possible. But of course also for good accessibility for all Amsterdammers.”
“There are still plenty of other roads to take as shortcuts”
Many roads are closed on Sundays and there are also many diversions. “The most important closures are of course around the Olympic Stadium towards the Vondelpark,” says Slobbe. “Other important roads that are also closed on the route are: the Molukkenstraat, the Zeeburgerdijk, the Mauritskade and
the Stadhouderskade to the Vondelpark. Those closures are from 7 a.m
until 6 p.m..”
Rest in the city
The opinions of passers-by about the traffic nuisance are divided.
“Aren’t there still plenty of other roads to take as a shortcut?”, someone says laconically.
“I don’t like it,” responds another passer-by. “But you have to make a sacrifice. It’s only once a year.”
“I think it’s fantastic because then there is peace in the city. Everyone is exercising and doing something good for their body and the community. That is important,” says a sports enthusiast.
