ROTTERDAM, 1 April 2025 – A new fanzone will be set up at Ahoyplein in Rotterdam-Zuid to celebrate the NN Marathon Rotterdam. Locals and visitors will be treated to free activities, music, and a brunch on Sunday 13 April.
Ahoyplein to host marathon fanzone during Rotterdam event
Rotterdam-Zuid will play host to a new fanzone during the 44th edition of the NN Marathon Rotterdam, scheduled for Sunday 13 April. The fanzone will be located at Ahoyplein and will be open from 10:00 to 14:00. It will offer a variety of free activities for all ages, including live music, games, workshops, and a spring castle for children.
The initiative has been organised by ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, in collaboration with several local partners including Hart van Zuid, Rotterdam Ahoy, Sportbedrijf Rotterdam, winkelcentrum Zuidplein, and Theater Zuidplein. The aim is to provide a festive environment to cheer on the marathon runners as they pass through Rotterdam-Zuid, while also encouraging greater participation from the local community.
From left to right: Denise Jacobs (winkelcentrum Zuidplein), Daniëlle Everling (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam), Loes van der Weerd (Hart van Zuid), Natalja Benjamin (Rotterdam Ahoy), Paul Dirksen (ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy), and Edwin de Koning (Sportbedrijf Rotterdam) during a planning meeting for the Ahoyplein fanzone.
Community-driven celebration in Zuid
Paul Dirksen, General Manager at ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy, expressed a desire to see the marathon grow even more inclusive of Zuid in the future. “It is encouraging to see how the marathon manifests itself here on Zuid. I secretly hope we will one day host the start or finish line of this beautiful running event. For now, the fanzone is our way of contributing and showing that something is always happening on Zuid,” he said.
The event also aims to reduce crowding along the traditional route and create a more even distribution of spectators across the city. According to Dirksen, the event has been designed to offer something for everyone, from cultural activities to sport and food. “We want to involve residents and let them enjoy this happening. Everyone is welcome.”
Activities and attractions
Visitors to the fanzone can expect a wide range of attractions, including a DJ, live music, children’s crafts, and a football activity known as ‘Panna Knock Out’. A brunch will be provided by ibis Styles, while the atmosphere is intended to reflect both cultural diversity and community spirit.
Local outreach through flyers
To inform residents, flyers are being distributed door-to-door in the Hart van Zuid area in the lead-up to the event. The organisers hope this will encourage as many locals as possible to attend and take part in the day’s programme.
Updates and further information are available via the Instagram account @HartvanZuid010.
How to get to Ahoyplein
Ahoyplein is located in the Hart van Zuid area of Rotterdam, near Rotterdam Ahoy and Zuidplein. It is easily accessible by metro (Zuidplein station), bus and car. The area is known for its shopping centre, theatres and proximity to the Zuiderpark.
.jpg)
