Runners on their marks for Amsterdam Marathon

Thousands of runners will be heading to Amsterdam this weekend for the 31st ING Amsterdam Marathon.

Famed for its flat terrain, runners should not be fooled into thinking the course is not a challenge. The race will take place on Sunday October 21st and visitors are expected to line the streets to offer their support.

Runners and observers will be taken past some of Amsterdam's finest architecture and sights. These include the Olympic stadium, the Rijksmuseum on Museumplien, Vondelpark and the Arnstel River. The route also passes various traditional windmills and stately mansions and runners will also get some great panoramic views of the city.

Last year's event was won by Soloman Bushendich from Kenya in a time of two hours, eight minutes and 53 seconds, with the women's winner - Rose Cheruiyot - also hailing from Kenya.

Some 22,000 recreational runners also took part last year, raising money for charity and fulfilling lifelong goals of completing the famous race.