PWN Egmond Half Marathon

PWN Egmond Half Marathon is one of the Netherlands’ classic winter races and one of those events runners often describe as a must-do at least once. Scheduled for 10 January 2027 in Egmond aan Zee, it is known less for easy personal bests and more for its raw character: North Sea beach, exposed coastal weather, rolling dunes, and a course that feels like a battle against both the terrain and the elements. The event has been staged since 1973 and remains closely associated with the start of the Dutch running season.

What makes the race stand out is the route itself. The half marathon starts on Boulevard North in Egmond aan Zee, sends runners onto the beach for the first seven kilometres on sand, then climbs near Castricum aan Zee into the North Holland Dune Reserve, where the course continues over dirt paths before returning on asphalt and the steep Bloedweg climb toward the finish near the Van Speijk Lighthouse. That mix of beach, dunes, village roads, wind, and cold is exactly why the race has such a strong reputation: it is scenic, distinctive, and significantly tougher than a standard road half marathon.

The wider event adds to its appeal. Alongside the half marathon, the programme also includes a quarter marathon and mini marathons, making the weekend accessible beyond experienced runners, while the atmosphere around Egmond aan Zee gives it the feel of a true local tradition rather than just another race on the calendar. For participants considering it for the first time, PWN Egmond Half Marathon is best thought of as a rugged coastal running experience: beautiful, memorable, and proudly demanding.