On the 9th of November, our running club had an incredible City Run through the vibrant streets of Amsterdam. Led by our energetic host, Jack Donnellan, we covered an iconic 7 km route that showcased some of the most beautiful and lively parts of the city. Despite the chilly November morning, the excitement was palpable as our group of 11 enthusiastic members gathered, ready to take on the run and experience Amsterdam in a whole new way.

Starting Strong in Vondelpark 

We kicked off our City Run at the entrance of Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam's most beloved green spaces. The fresh morning air and the golden autumn leaves set the scene perfectly. As we ran along the winding paths, we spotted locals cycling, people walking their dogs, and other runners getting their weekend workout in.

Vondelpark is known for its tranquil beauty, and it served as the ideal warm-up stretch for our group. The park's wide, tree-lined paths allowed us to get into a comfortable rhythm, and the energy of running together as a club made every step feel effortless. The sounds of the city slowly faded away, replaced by the rustling leaves and the occasional splash of water from the park’s ponds.

Through the Fashion Hub: PC Hooftstraat 

After a solid start in Vondelpark, we made our way to PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam's luxury shopping street. It was a change of pace from the peaceful park to the bustling, stylish avenue lined with high-end boutiques and designer stores. As we ran, we caught glimpses of window displays featuring the latest fashion trends — a nice distraction for some and a visual treat for others.

Jack kept the group motivated, weaving us through the morning crowd. Running through this part of the city gave us a taste of Amsterdam’s chic side, where history meets modern luxury. The wide sidewalks and elegant storefronts made it a unique section of our City Run, blending the urban feel with our fitness journey.

The Iconic Museumplein 

Next up was the Museumplein, the cultural heart of Amsterdam. Surrounded by some of the most famous museums in the world — the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum — this area was buzzing with life. Tourists and locals alike were out exploring, adding a lively atmosphere to our run.

Running through Museumplein felt like a mini-tour of Amsterdam’s rich artistic heritage. We took a brief pause here, not just to catch our breath but to take in the impressive surroundings. The iconic “I amsterdam” sign may be gone, but the energy of the square remains, making it one of the highlights of our City Run.

The Final Stretch: De Pijp and NØLSON Store Finish Line 

Our City Run ended in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods. Known for its diverse culture and lively atmosphere, De Pijp is a hotspot for food, drinks, and unique boutiques. We made our way down the bustling streets, passing by the famous Albert Cuyp Market as vendors were setting up for the day.

The run concluded at the NØLSON store, where we were welcomed with smiles and a well-deserved chance to cool down. It was the perfect spot to end our journey, as the store provided a relaxed environment for everyone to chat about the run, share highlights, and make plans for future runs.

Reflections on Our City Run 

This City Run was more than just a workout; it was an opportunity to explore Amsterdam in a fun, active way and bond with fellow club members. Whether you were taking in the serene beauty of Vondelpark, the luxury of PC Hooftstraat, the cultural vibe of Museumplein, or the vibrant streets of De Pijp, every moment was filled with energy and camaraderie.

A big thank you to our running club host, Jack Donnellan, for guiding us through this unforgettable experience. His enthusiasm and local knowledge made the run not only enjoyable but also a mini tour of some of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations.

If you missed out on this City Run, don't worry! We have many more runs planned as we continue to explore different parts of the city together. So, lace up your running shoes, and join us next time for another exciting adventure.