NN Marathon Rotterdam receives the World Athletics Heritage Plaque (© Golazo)
The NN Marathon Rotterdam has been officially recognised for its outstanding contribution to the history and development of international road running with the presentation of the World Athletics Heritage Plaque.
The unveiling took place on 12 April, marking the event’s 45th edition and celebrating a race that has been a cornerstone of the global marathon circuit since its inception in 1981. From its humble beginnings with just 200 participants in its first year, the Rotterdam Marathon has grown into a massive international event, becoming the 115th recipient of the plaque and the fourth in the Netherlands.
Renowned for its flat, lightning-fast course and enthusiastic crowds, Rotterdam has long been a stage for historic performances. The streets of the Dutch city have witnessed three world bests, including landmark runs by Carlos Lopes (2:07:12 in 1985) and Tegla Loroupe, who set a women’s world best of 2:20:47 in 1998.
Belayneh Dinsamo in Rotterdam (© Rotterdam Marathon)
Among these, the event was the site of the longest-standing world best in the history of the men's marathon. Belayneh Dinsamo’s stunning 2:06:50, achieved in 1988, remained unbeaten for more than a decade, a testament to the exceptional quality of the Rotterdam course and its place in athletics lore. While marathon world records were only officially ratified by World Athletics starting from 1 January 2004, these 'world best' performances in Rotterdam remain among the most iconic milestones in the sport's history.
Beyond the elite vanguard, the race is defined by its deep cultural roots and the legendary atmosphere at the finish line on the Coolsingel, in front of the historic City Hall. A unique tradition that captures the heart of the event is the pre-race performance of You'll Never Walk Alone, a ritual started by singer Lee Towers in 1995 that remains the emotional anthem for every runner standing on the start line.
NN Marathon Rotterdam (© Golazo)
"The World Athletics Heritage Plaque awarded to the Rotterdam Marathon is richly deserved, marking the event’s 45th edition and recognising its outstanding contribution to the history and development of road running since it was first organised in 1981," said World Athletics Council Member Sylvia Barlag, who made the presentation.
"The plaque celebrates not only Rotterdam’s stunning elite race, which has witnessed the world bests of Carlos Lopes, Belayneh Dinsamo and Tegla Loroupe, but that this internationally renowned event annually attracts tens of thousands of recreational runners who take part in the full marathon, kids’ races, the marathon walks and the city run."
Wim Nuyts, Business Unit Director, expressed the pride of the organising committee in receiving the prestigious award.
"We are extremely proud and honoured that the NN Marathon Rotterdam has been awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque," said Nuyts. "This recognition is a wonderful acknowledgment of the marathon’s long-standing contribution to the history and development of road running, both nationally and internationally. This award belongs to all those who have shaped the NN Marathon Rotterdam over the years: athletes, volunteers, partners, supporters and the city of Rotterdam itself. They created a memorable experience with a rich heritage and a strong future."
The World Athletics Heritage Plaque is a location-based recognition which highlights, celebrates and links together iconic and historic athletics competitions, careers, performances, cities, venues, landmarks and culture around the world.
Pierre-Jean Vazel for World Athletics Heritage
