Last weekend, Newport & District Running Club’s David Clarke travelled to Amsterdam to take on the city’s annual marathon. David has been a prolific racer of late, and continued his excellent form on the continent, running a sub-3 hour marathon. After he returned, he was kind enough to send us a few words about his experience. 

The Marathon starts and ends at the Amsterdam Olympic stadium. The route is a relatively flat one and runs through Vondel park, the Rijks museum and follows alongside a large section of the Amstel River. Apparently there are plenty of windmills along this section but I must have been running with my head down. 

David Clarke (right) with his cousin, Chris, at the Amsterdam Marathon.

Conditions on the day were perfect for running and it was well supported with enthusiastic spectators. There was also the option of running an 8k or a half marathon on the day. I managed to complete it in 2 hours 57 which I am delighted with. I’d highly recommended the Amsterdam Marathon to anyone.