NN Dam tot Damloop 2027 – Netherlands

What to expect

The NN Dam tot Damloop is the most famous and largest running event in the Netherlands, a unique point-to-point race that connects two cities famous for their Dams. What started in 1981 as a wild idea from Cees Lansbergen of Le Champion to organize a running race through the IJtunnel between the Dammen of Zaandam and Amsterdam has grown into a massive folk festival with tens of thousands of runners and more than 250,000 spectators along the course.

You can expect much more than just a run. The event is famous for its atmosphere, its iconic passage through the IJtunnel that is only open to runners during this weekend, one of the largest Business Runs in the world, and a start and finish in two different cities. The course is divided into entertainment zones with live music at more than forty locations, transforming the 10 English Miles from Amsterdam to Zaandam into a moving party.

The weekend offers something for everyone, from elite athletes to recreational runners, walkers, children and cyclists. With Mini Dam tot Damlopen, Damloop by Night, Pink Ribbon Dam tot Dam Wandeltocht and Saxo Dam tot Dam FietsClassic, the entire weekend is dedicated to movement and celebration. Whether you come to chase a personal best, to run with colleagues, or to cheer, you will experience the unique Dam tot Dam atmosphere that makes this event so special.

Match/event dates

• Event Name: NN Dam tot Damloop 2027 – Netherlands
• Official Website: https://www.nndamloop.com/
• Location: Amsterdam to Zaandam, Start Prins Hendrikkade Amsterdam, Finish Burcht Zaandam
• Event Dates: September 18 – September 19, 2027
• Event Days: Saturday to Sunday, two-day main weekend
• Edition: 41st edition
• Main Distance: 10 English Miles, 16.1 km
• Organizer: Le Champion, powered by NN
• Programme Note: Damloop by Night and NN Dam tot Dam Run always held on penultimate weekend of September

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The venue for NN Dam tot Damloop is not a traditional stadium but a unique urban course that connects two cities. The start is at Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam, right outside Amsterdam Centraal Station, and the finish is at De Burcht in Zaandam along the Zaan River. This point-to-point concept is rare in road running and creates a special dynamic for both runners and supporters.

The absolute highlight is the IJtunnel. Shortly after the start, thousands of runners plunge into the tunnel that connects Amsterdam Centre with Amsterdam-Noord. This tunnel is closed to traffic for the event and is only open to runners during this weekend, creating an unforgettable acoustic experience with music inside for the first time in recent editions.

After the tunnel, the course continues via Buiksloterdijk, Landsmeerderdijk, Kadoelenweg, Stoombootweg, Appelweg through Molenwijkpark, then along the bike path to Coentunnel circuit and via bus lane along the A8 to Noorder IJ- and Zeedijk in Zaandam. The final kilometres follow the lively Zuiddijk to the finish at De Burcht. The course is flat, fast and ideal for personal bests, with five bridges over s116 Nieuwe Leeuwarderweg offering unique views over the runners.

Full fixture or event schedule

The Dam tot Dam weekend includes multiple events across two days, making it a complete running and walking festival.

• Saturday Programme: The day starts early with Pink Ribbon Dam tot Dam Wandeltocht from 07:00 to 17:00 hours, attracting 16,000 walkers. In late afternoon, Mini Dam tot Damloop Zaandam from 17:00 to 18:00 hours for children with 3,500 participants and children’s party at Burcht. In the evening, Damloop by Night from 19:45 to 22:30 hours, a 5 English Miles 8 km evening run through Zaandam with music and lights, attracting 15,000 participants. The Dam tot Dam Finish Festival runs from 08:00 to 00:30 hours.
• Sunday Programme: Morning starts with Saxo Dam tot Dam FietsClassic from 08:00 to 17:00 hours, with courses spanning 40 to 200 km through IJtunnel and past North Holland villages ending in Dam, including Schoorldam, Monnickendam and Volendam, attracting 4,000 cyclists. Mini Dam tot Damloop Amsterdam-Noord from 08:45 to 09:45 hours with 1,000 children. Main event NN Dam tot Damloop from 09:19 to 16:30 hours with 46,000 runners. Dam tot Dam Park open from 08:00 to 18:00 hours as central meeting place for business teams.

The programme also includes cheques presentation to charity funds like Fonds Gehandicaptensport and finish of first runner expected around 11:10 AM at Zaandam.

Teams, athletes & participants

NN Dam tot Damloop attracts a broad field from world-class elite to recreational and corporate teams.

• Elite Field: International elite men and women competing for overall victory and World Athletics ranking points. Previous editions featured top Dutch and East African runners chasing fast times on flat course. Live broadcast on NH and AT5 from 10:00 hours covers elite competition.
• Recreational Runners: Largest group with tens of thousands of runners across all ages and levels, including first-time 10-mile runners, charity runners and local club members.
• Business Teams: One of the largest Business Runs in the world, with thousands of corporate teams using the event for team building. Business teams gather at Dam tot Dam Park before and after race to share experiences and celebrate achievements.
• Damloop by Night Runners: 15,000 participants in 5-mile evening run, known for festive atmosphere with lights and costumes.
• Walkers and Cyclists: 16,000 participants in Pink Ribbon Wandeltocht and 4,000 cyclists in FietsClassic, showing diversity of event.
• Children: Mini Dam tot Damlopen in Zaandam and Amsterdam-Noord with thousands of children participating, plus lottery prizes.

In total, the weekend draws around 85,000 to 95,000 athletes across all events, making it the largest running event in the Netherlands.

Tournament format & competition structure

The event uses a wave start system and chip timing to manage large numbers and ensure fair competition.

• Distance Structure: Main distance 10 English Miles 16.1 km point-to-point. Secondary distance Damloop by Night 5 English Miles 8 km loop in Zaandam. Mini runs for children over short distances.
• Wave Start: Main 10-mile race starts in waves from 09:19 AM to 02:05 PM, with elite women starting first at 10:19 AM, elite men at 10:25 AM, and other categories following until 14:55 hours. This prevents overcrowding in IJtunnel and on narrow dikes.
• Timing: Chip timing for all runners with net and gross times. Live tracking via app.
• Team Competition: Business teams ranked by combined times of team members. Club teams also ranked separately.
• Age Categories: Standard age groups for men and women, plus overall classification and Dutch Championship classification when applicable.
• Course Format: Point-to-point with start and finish in different cities, requiring transport logistics for runners. Course marked every kilometre with entertainment stages between.

The format emphasizes participation and festival rather than pure competition, though elite race remains highly competitive.

Match/event times

Start and finish times are structured to allow supporters to see runners multiple times.

• Start Locations: NN Dam tot Damloop 10 English Miles at Prins Hendrikkade Amsterdam. Mini Dam tot Dam Runs Molenwijk at Molenwijk Amsterdam-Noord. Damloop by Night at Dam Zaandam.
• Finish Locations: 10 English Miles at Burcht Zaandam from 10:10 AM to 5:00 PM. Mini Dam tot Dam Runs Zaandam at Burcht Zaandam from 17:00 to 18:00 hours. Mini Molenwijk from 09:00 to 09:50 AM.
• Key Moments: First elite runner finishes around 11:10 AM in Zaandam. Overall podium ceremony at 11:45 AM in finish area. Last recreational runners finish around 16:30 hours.
• Supporter Logistics: After start, supporters have plenty of time to reach finish. Train from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandam NS takes only 12 minutes, plus 800-meter walk to course. This allows seeing favorite runner at both start and finish. Bridges over s116 between kilometre 2 and 3 offer unique views. Oostzanerdijk and Noorder-IJ en Zeedijk spots allow seeing all runners pass without missing anyone. Parking available at industrial zone Kolkweg-Noord or Sportcomplex Poelenburg Zaandam with free parking.

Live music at over forty locations along course provides continuous entertainment.

Ticket types

Registration fees for NN Dam tot Damloop are based on previous editions converted to USD, as new pricing is not yet open and entries are listed as TBC.

• NN Dam tot Damloop 10 Miles Individual: 43 USD early registration, 54 USD standard, includes medal, shirt, chip timing and transport ticket for shuttle buses.
• Damloop by Night 5 Miles Individual: 32 USD early, 38 USD standard, includes light-up shirt, medal and evening festival access.
• Business Team Package 10 Miles: 540 USD per team of up to 8 runners, includes team tent in Dam tot Dam Park, catering, team photo and business ranking.
• Pink Ribbon Wandeltocht: 22 USD, includes walking medal, route map and finish festival.
• Saxo Dam tot Dam FietsClassic Cycling: 38 USD to 65 USD depending on distance 40 km to 160 km, includes route support and medal.
• Mini Dam tot Damlopen Children: 11 USD, includes kids shirt, medal and lottery entry.

All registrations include free use of shuttle buses for runners and supporters between Amsterdam and Zaandam on event day.

Ticket release phases

Registration follows a phased release to manage high demand for sold-out event with 46,000 main race spots.

• Phase One – Priority Business Teams: Opens first for returning business teams and sponsors, with guaranteed entry and early bird pricing.
• Phase Two – General Early Bird: Opens several months in advance with lowest individual fees and best shirt size availability. Typically sells out quickly for main 10-mile distance.
• Phase Three – Standard Registration: Regular pricing until capacity reached. Many categories sell out months in advance.
• Phase Four – Late and Waiting List: When sold out, waiting list opens. Limited late entries may be available for charity entries or via official travel partners.

Entries for upcoming edition are not yet open, listed as TBC Entries Not Open Yet on European marathon calendars. Notification via newsletter recommended.

VIP & hospitality options

Hospitality is central to Dam tot Dam experience, especially for business teams.

• Dam tot Dam Park: Burgemeester in ‘t Veldpark is place to be during weekend. On Saturday, walking participants finish at park and afterparty for Damloop by Night takes place with live music from bands playing best dance, rock and hip hop tracks. On Sunday, park opens early for welcome of business teams. Whole day participants and supporters visit park to celebrate with drinks and bites and enjoy festival atmosphere. Winners from various competitions honoured at park.
• Business Team Tents: Private tents in Dam tot Dam Park for business teams where they can get together both before and after race, share experiences and celebrate achievements together. Includes catering, drinks and meeting facilities.
• VIP Finish Area: Hospitality at Burcht Zaandam with view of finish line, including food trucks and stage performances.
• Dam tot Dam Square: Square on Burcht perfect spot to cheer runners between 11:00 and 17:00 hours. Children’s party all day with table soccer, Athletics Arena, obstacle course, food trucks and stage performances.

Hospitality packages available via official website with options for companies to showcase brand.

Stadium & event rules

Rules ensure safety in unique tunnel and point-to-point course.

• Course Rules: Runners must stay on marked course. IJtunnel passage is only allowed during event, no stopping for photos inside tunnel due to safety. No headphones recommended due to traffic guidance.
• Start Rules: Wave start strictly enforced. Runners must start in assigned wave based on expected finish time. Jumping waves results in disqualification.
• Environmental Rules: No littering along dikes and nature areas. Cups at water points must be disposed in bins. Event follows sustainable practices.
• Spectator Rules: Spectators must stay behind barriers at start and finish. Dam in Zaandam can be very busy, especially H. Gerhardstraat behind finish. When too crowded, Dam can be closed temporary for extra public. Parents with young children advised not to visit Dam, instead use Dam tot Dam Fanplein near Dam. Fanplein perfect location to encourage runners and meet after run at Finish Festival.
• Transport Rules: Shuttle buses free for supporters, but bikes not allowed in buses. Runners must arrange transport back from Zaandam to Amsterdam after race or use free shuttle.
• Safety: Medical services along course and at finish. Live broadcast via NHnieuws.nl, AT5.nl and NOS Studio Sport covers elite competition.

How to get there

The event takes place between Amsterdam and Zaandam, both easily accessible.

• By Car: Amsterdam start area accessible via A10 ring road, exit Amsterdam Centre. Zaandam finish area via A8. Parking limited in Amsterdam Centre due to event road closures. Recommended to park at industrial zone Kolkweg-Noord or Sportcomplex Poelenburg Zaandam with free parking and shuttle to start.
• By Train: Amsterdam Centraal Station is 5 minutes walk to Prins Hendrikkade start. Zaandam NS station is 800 meters from finish at Burcht. Train connection between cities takes only 12 minutes, allowing supporters to see start and finish. NS runs extra trains on event day.
• By Air: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with train to Amsterdam Centraal in 15 minutes. From there to start area.
• By Bike: Bike routes from Amsterdam-Noord and Zaandam to course, with bike parking at start and finish areas.
• International: Amsterdam is major hub with excellent international connections, making event accessible for foreign runners.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is strongly recommended due to road closures and tunnel closure.

• Train: NS trains between Amsterdam Centraal and Zaandam run frequently with extra capacity. From Metrostation Noorderpark, possible to travel to finish in Zaandam. For course bridges over s116, metro Noorderpark ideal.
• Bus: Special event shuttle buses between Amsterdam and Zaandam free for runners and supporters. Also free for supporters to use.
• Metro: Metro line 52 to Noorderpark station for bridge viewing spots over s116.
• Parking: Free parking at Kolkweg-Noord and Poelenburg Zaandam. Paid parking at Dam tot Dam Park area limited. Parking at Amsterdam Centre strongly discouraged due to road closures around Prins Hendrikkade and IJtunnel.
• Accessibility: Public transport best option for accessibility, with low-floor buses and elevators at stations. Shuttle buses accessible.

Check 9292ov.nl for public transport planning to supporters spots.

Accommodation areas

Amsterdam and Zaandam offer wide range of accommodation for runners and supporters.

• Amsterdam Centre: Hotels near Central Station and Dam Square within walking distance to start, including NH Collection, Ibis and boutique hotels. Ideal for experiencing start atmosphere.
• Zaandam Centre: Hotels like Inntel Hotels Zaandam, Best Western and boutique hotels near Burcht finish, allowing easy walk to finish festival and afterparty.
• Amsterdam-Noord: Hotels near Buiksloterdijk and Overhoeks area close to course between kilometre 2 and 4, with views over bridges.
• Zaan Region: Hotels in Wormerveer, Koog aan de Zaan and surrounding villages offering quieter stay with easy bike access to course.
• Booking Tip: Weekend is one of busiest in Amsterdam with 46,000 runners plus supporters, hotels fill months in advance. Book via official travel partners linked on website for best rates.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and drink are central to folk festival character of Dam tot Damloop.

• Dam tot Dam Park: Food trucks and catering stands with drinks and bites throughout weekend, festival atmosphere with live music playing dance, rock and hip hop tracks.
• Burcht Finish Area: Food trucks, stage performances and children’s party with table soccer and obstacle course. Participants can celebrate achievement with drinks and snacks.
• Course Entertainment: More than fifty entertainment stages along course with music, but also local residents offering water and orange slices at Landsmeerderdijk, Kadoelenweg and other residential areas known for enthusiastic support.
• Business Tents: Catering for business teams in Dam tot Dam Park with buffet and drinks included in team package.
• Zaandam Centre: Numerous cafes and restaurants along Zuiddijk and Dam offering traditional Dutch snacks and meals.

The anniversary edition divides course into five decades with themed music: Back to 80’s with music in IJtunnel for first time, 90’s Party Playground, 00’s Millennium Madness, 10’s Festival Fever and 20’s Future Beats.

Accessibility

Event is designed to be accessible for runners and spectators despite point-to-point course.

• Wheelchair Access: Start and finish areas at Prins Hendrikkade and Burcht Zaandam accessible with temporary ramps. Dam tot Dam Park accessible via paved paths.
• Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets at start, finish and Dam tot Dam Park.
• Transport: Free shuttle buses accessible with low floors. Train stations Amsterdam Centraal and Zaandam fully accessible with elevators.
• Viewing: Fanplein near Dam offers accessible viewing area less crowded than Dam itself. Bridges over s116 accessible via elevators at Noorderpark metro station.
• Assistance: Volunteers available to guide runners with disabilities. For visually impaired runners, guide runners allowed upon request.
• Children: Mini runs and children’s party at Burcht with accessible activities including Athletics Arena and obstacle course.

For specific accessibility requests contact organizer via official website.

Best matches/events to attend

With multiple events across weekend, certain experiences are particularly recommended.

• NN Dam tot Damloop 10 Miles Main Race: Absolute highlight with 46,000 runners, passage through IJtunnel, live music on course divided into decades from 80’s to Future Beats, and finish along Zaan River. Best for personal best on flat course.
• Damloop by Night 5 Miles: Evening run through Zaandam with music and lights, festive atmosphere, ideal for those wanting party run without 10-mile challenge.
• Pink Ribbon Wandeltocht: Walking event with 16,000 participants, more relaxed way to experience course and support charity, finishing at Dam tot Dam Park with festival.
• Mini Dam tot Damlopen: Perfect for families with children, short distances in Zaandam and Amsterdam-Noord with lottery prizes and children’s party at Burcht.
• Saxo Dam tot Dam FietsClassic: Cycling event with routes from 40 to 200 km through IJtunnel and past villages ending in Dam like Schoorldam, Monnickendam and Volendam, for cyclists wanting to experience unique tunnel.

Arrive early at Prins Hendrikkade to experience start atmosphere and then take 12-minute train to Zaandam to see finish.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition, the 40th anniversary edition, took place over two days and was largest running event in Netherlands with around 95,000 runners covering 10 English miles from Dam in Amsterdam to Dam in Zaandam cheered by hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The anniversary edition was entirely dedicated to celebrating 40 years with course divided into five decades, including music in IJtunnel for very first time. Along the way participants experienced atmosphere, music and energy of each era from Back to 80’s pop hits to Future Beats. The event featured over fifty entertainment stages set along path to finish at Burcht.

The weekend included 16,000 walkers in Pink Ribbon Wandeltocht, 3,500 children in Mini Zaandam, 15,000 runners in Damloop by Night, 1,000 children in Mini Amsterdam-Noord, 4,000 cyclists in FietsClassic and 46,000 runners in main 10-mile race. Live broadcast on NH, AT5 and NOS Studio Sports covered elite competition for over 7 hours. The Dam tot Dam Park served as central meeting place for business teams to celebrate achievements together.

Official tickets

All tickets should be purchased via official channels to avoid unofficial resale.

• Official Website: https://www.nndamloop.com/
• Registration Status: TBC Entries Not Open Yet for upcoming edition, notification via newsletter
• Ticket Pricing Previous Edition: 10 Miles 43 USD early to 54 USD standard, Damloop by Night 32 USD to 38 USD, Business Team 540 USD per team, Wandeltocht 22 USD, FietsClassic 38 USD to 65 USD, Mini 11 USD
• Contact: Via official website, organizer Le Champion
• Location: Start Prins Hendrikkade Amsterdam, Finish Burcht Zaandam
• Extras: Includes medal, shirt, chip timing and free shuttle buses for supporters

Always verify you are on nndamloop.com domain before entering payment details.