Sweat it out in Amsterdam

Travellers heading to Amsterdam in September will be able to experience one of the largest and most popular running events in the city.

Each year, up to 30,000 runners take to the streets to compete in the 16km Dam tot Damloop, including professional athletes.

Competitors battle it out for a slice of the €11,000 (£8,600) prize which is shared out between the first three runners to cross the finishing line.

Spectators are not only entertained by the determined participants but by a number of orchestras and bands which play music to spur them on their way.

Participants make their way from Dam Square, through to the centre of Zaandam and under the IJ-tunnel to the finishing line.

Noisy crowds which line the streets cheering on the competitors help to create a festive atmosphere in the city and the event, held this year on the 21st September, often proves popular with foreign visitors.

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