Marathon Dates in Germany: Running Calendar 2026

Are you looking for the ultimate challenge and want to participate in a marathon in Germany in 2026? Our marathon calendar gives you an overview of all the events.

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Marathon Calendar in Germany 2026

Taking part in a marathon motivates runners to train intensively over a longer period of time. For many, the marathon is considered the ultimate challenge. And not without reason. Over the 42.195 kilometers, physical and mental demands come together. Enduring them requires, among other things, concentration, discipline, and willpower.

None of this puts you off? In the list below, you can find out where you can take part in a marathon. We continuously optimize and update the list.

Why is a marathon exactly 42.195 km long?

The distance of 42.195 kilometers, which is considered the official length of a marathon today, was first run at the Olympic Games in London in 1908. Until that historic day, the length of a marathon had varied depending on the venue and was always between 40 and 43 kilometers. But that was about to change. At the London Games, the distance was originally intended to be set at 42 kilometers, covering the route from Windsor Castle to the Olympic Stadium. However, Queen Alexandra is said to have insisted that the race should not finish inside the Olympic Stadium, but directly in front of her royal box. This route resulted in an exact distance of 42.195 kilometers. 

Subsequently, the international athletics federation (IAAF) officially established the distance of 42.195 kilometers as the standard course length for a marathon.

Marathons in Germany in January 2026

Marathons in February 2026 in Germany

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Marathons in March 2026 in Germany

Marathons in April 2026 in Germany

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Marathons in May 2026 in Germany

Marathons in June 2026 in Germany

Half Marathon instead of Marathon

Not only is the marathon distance still booming, but the half marathon distance is also a popular challenge. 

Do you want to run 21.0975 kilometers instead of 42.195 kilometers? Then we have just the thing for you: a training plan for advanced runners. This half marathon training plan prepares you perfectly for your run in 16 weeks. 

You can find an overview of all half marathons in Germany in 2026 here.

Marathons in July 2026 in Germany

Marathons in August 2026 in Germany

Marathons in September 2026 in Germany

Marathon World Record: The Fastest Men and Women

The men's world record holder is Sabastian Sawe. At the 2026 London Marathon, the Kenyan became the first runner to break the two-hour barrier. His incredible world record time: 1:59:30. That was a full 65 seconds faster than the previous world record, set by Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023 (2:00:35). 

Remarkable: In London, Yomif Kejelcha finished in 1:59:41, just eleven seconds behind Sawe. Even the third-place finisher, Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, stayed below the previous world record with a time of 2:00:28. 

In the women’s race, Ruth Chepngetich holds the world record. The Kenyan made history at the Chicago Marathon (2024): with a time of 2:09:56, she became the first woman to complete the 42.195-kilometer distance in under 2 hours and 10 minutes. Chepngetich took over the record from Tigst Assefa, who had run 2:11:53 at the Berlin Marathon in 2023.

Marathons in October 2026 in Germany

Marathons in November 2026 in Germany

Marathons in December 2026 in Germany

  • As soon as a running event is confirmed, we will add it.

The largest marathon in Germany is the Berlin Marathon. Around 50,000 to 60,000 runners participate each year. In the record-breaking year of 2024, 54,280 finishers crossed the finish line. It is not only the largest marathon in Germany by number of participants, but also one of the largest and most prestigious marathon events in the world. 

The largest marathons in Germany are: 

  1. Berlin Marathon
  2. Frankfurt Marathon
  3. Hamburg Marathon
  4. Cologne Marathon
  5. Munich Marathon
For well-known marathons such as Berlin, Cologne, or Munich, it is recommended to register several months in advance. Many events sell out early or have participant limits.

For beginners, 16 to 20 weeks of focused preparation are usually recommended. Those with little running experience should first build a solid endurance base and plan for a total preparation period of six to nine months.

Entry fees vary depending on the event. Smaller marathons often start at around 40 to 60 euros, while large city marathons can cost significantly more, depending on the registration date.

Yes. Many marathon events also offer a half marathon, relay races, or shorter distances. This allows beginners and recreational runners to take part as well.

This depends on the individual event organizer. Many marathons allow registration changes or the transfer of a race entry for a fee, while others do not offer this option.
Yes. Most marathons have an official time limit of between five and six hours. The exact requirements vary depending on the event.

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