GETTING THERE
By public transport:
9292 (also App available) https://9292.nl/
OV info (also App available) https://www.u-ov.info/
Google maps https://www.google.com/maps
Note that you finish at different location, so public transport is your best option.
The start at Amsterdam is very central. The finish line at Zaandam is further from train station, so free shuttle bus is provided. You can of course also walk if you prefer.
10km route starts and ends in Zaandam.
TRAIL NAVIGATION
Trail navigation is very easy and well-sign posted, just follow yellow sign with black arrow and with La Champion logo.
EVENT DETAILS
Dam to Dam is an event taking place on Saturday in the middle of September, the following Sunday there is running race on the same route. The Dam to Dam is walking/running event in support of breast cancer charity, that’s why the name Pink Ribbon. It is encouraged to wear pink and usually some bracelet or other item is sold where the profits are donated to charity. Of course not mandatory.
The event is organised by La Champion, which is large organisation in Netherlands, that hosts several sport events each year and is well organised. It is not difficult to register and participate in their events even if you do not speak Dutch. Their website is in English and provide all the information you might need. They have also App available with live tracking and useful information, but I find the App frequently not working properly for the live tracking option.
You need to register in advance, there are specific dates when registration is possible, so don’t miss out in case you wish to join. It is not difficult to complete registration in English. About week before the event, you will receive booklet called Stampelcard, the booklet is required for completion of the trail. If you live abroad, you can collect the booklet at the start, there is desk for this at the start location. The Stempelkaart is very useful because it often shows at which points checkpoints are available, so you can plan your breaks. Also as you can see on the pictures above, it includes information of the times at which the checkpoint is open. The card is folded large paper. Inside the card is often map with some further information, such as points of interests along the way.
At start, end and checkpoints, you need to present your booklet which will be stamped, this is very fast and easy process. Once you have completed booklet at the end, you will also receive a medal.
TRAIL DETAILS
The trail starts in central Amsterdam, the location is easy to enter, you just need to show the booklet or registration details. As soon as the starting time passes, you can proceed through the start point. That’s when you get the first stamp in booklet.
The trail depends on the route you select, but its mainly urban setting, through suburbs and villages. You do not walk on natural trails but sidewalks or roads.
It is nice route, but there are no major points of interest. This route might be nicer to do with a friend or mainly to soak up the atmosphere. I find other events organised by La Champion much nicer and interesting. It is still nice event with good atmosphere. Often villages or individual houses participate and decorate their house, stand outside with their own music and cheer the walkers.
The checkpoint have usually some music or other entertainment provided so many people stop for rest. Personally I just soak the energy as I quickly pass-by.
It is not difficult to complete this event even if you do not speak Dutch, the only thing you need to know is that you need to provide the booklet at the stamp posts. Many Dutch people speak English anyway.
FACILITIES
La Champion provides solid facilities at start, end and at checkpoints. Make sure to check the distance between checkpoints, they are not equal in distance and are sometimes very short or long apart.
There are Dixies available and they also place 1-2 sporadically along the trail for emergencies. Some houses also offer use of their toilet at payment of 0,5-1 EUR.
Water is not available at every checkpoint and in my view there was long section without sufficient water coverage, especially since I have done the hike on unusually warm September day and we didn’t have enough water.
Each checkpoint will offer small snack straight after you get stamp, this is free and included in your registration fee, so do not be shy. Other food offered along the way or within the checkpoint will be paid.
At the end there are many facilities, including music that you can enjoy while you relax and recover before you are ready to head off home. There are drinks and snack available for purchase, but note that they are offered at very high rate. You can pay by card. When I participated in September 2023 there was also free promotional ice cold drink offered at the exit of the area, which was nice surprise.
More details about the event and registration on official website HERE
