Kustmarathon Zeeland

Kustmarathon Zeeland, a coastal running series, takes place around Zoutelande in Zeeland, southwest Netherlands, on the first weekend of October. The main event is a full 42.195-kilometer marathon, complemented by a Ladiesrun, Light Kustrun, Mini Marathon, Trailrun, Bike Tour, Beach Challenge, Canitrail, and Walking Marathon. Over 10,000 participants from the Netherlands and abroad attend, making it a comprehensive sports weekend beyond just a road marathon. The Walking Marathon is traditionally held on Sunday, with local broadcaster Omroep Zeeland providing kilometer-by-kilometer coverage. The marathon route incorporates the Zeeland coast as a primary challenge, featuring ascents and descents near the North Sea, accompanied by wind, sand, and sea spray. The course includes a 9-kilometer section across the Oosterscheldekering, a significant storm-surge barrier and one of the Netherlands' major waterworks. Participants also traverse the Veerse Gatdam, connecting Noord-Beveland and Walcheren, pass the coastal town of Domburg, and run along the Westkapelle Seadike. The Trailrun, a distinct 16-kilometer off-road course near Zoutelande, includes sand, forest, dunes, soft beach stretches, muddy sections, and short inclines.