The Cologne Marathon is the fourth largest marathon in Germany after Berlin, Frankfurt and Hamburg. With a mixture of sporting event, carnival and folk festival, it is known for a particularly good atmosphere. Hundreds of thousands line the route in the cathedral city and cheer on the participants exuberantly. On October 1, the running event will take place for the 25th time.
This year, the starting signal will once again be given at Cologne Deutz's Ottoplatz. From there, the approximately 25,000 runners will cross the Bridge into the city center and make their way through the districts of Rodenkirchen, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld and Nippes, among others. The finish line is on Komödienstraße, in the shadow of the cathedral.
Running enthusiasts have the choice between the marathon, with 42.195 kilometers, the half marathon (21.1 kilometers) and the relay marathon, in which four runners form a relay team that splits the marathon distance. Each of them runs only one section of 6, 11.5, 12 or 12.7 kilometers.
In addition, a school marathon is held. Six children and teenagers from secondary schools (from grade 5) each form a relay team and run partial distances of between 4, 7 and 11.5 kilometers.
In 2023, there will be changed start times for the competitions. While the marathon and relay marathon will start at 10:30 a.m., participants in the half marathon will set off as early as 9 a.m.
For the first time, the Cologne Marathon will also host the German Marathon Championships, where the best German runners will compete against each other.
Driving services can be booked with Interline Cologne, phone 0221 - 29 23 22 86. You can find more information about the marathon at Koelnmarathon