The 20 van Alphen, which began in 1953, is a sign of spring for runners in The Netherlands. Alphen aan den Rijn is situated in the "Randstad", an area of the country near Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht that is known as the Green Heart. This region is full of quaint villages and classic Dutch canals. The 20 km course of the 20 van Alphen is officially measured and certified by the Dutch Athletics Union, so participants can trust it to be the correct distance. This run takes runners through the picturesque Green Heart on fully paved roads.