Leiden Marathon start moves to Koninginnelaan
The start of the running distances of the Leiden Marathon is moving from the Breestraat to the Koninginnelaan on Sunday 10 May 2026. The main reason for this adjustment is the safety of both participants and spectators.
By moving the start to the Koninginnelaan, the street connecting the Herenstraat and the Lammenschansweg, more space is created in the city centre for the flow of runners and spectators. The organisation is also relocating the bypass (the detour after the finish to manage crowds) and the medical care from the Nieuwe Rijn to the Breestraat.
Physical limitations
“The historic centre of Leiden is beautiful and provides an iconic backdrop for our marathon, but it has physical limitations,” says race director Tjeerd Scheffer about the relocation of the start to the Tuinstadwijk. “The number of participants and spectators increases every year. The large groups of runners at the start and finish increasingly get in each other’s way. This is amplified by the large crowds.”
“With a start on the Breestraat, situations that are too crowded or even dangerous can arise at certain points in the city,” Scheffer continues. “That absolutely must not happen. The Leiden Marathon must remain fun AND safe for everyone. With these measures, we preserve the charm of the historic centre while optimally ensuring safety.”
The organisation announced the news on Monday during the traditional sponsor evening. On Tuesday, an information evening was held with the residents of the Tuinstadwijk.
35th edition
The 35th edition of the Leiden Marathon is scheduled for the weekend of 9 and 10 May 2026. Saturday is dedicated to walking. Registration is open via this link. Interest is unprecedented: the number of registrations is well ahead of previous years.
