WHY THIS CHORE
SHOW UP READY.
One of the largest and most popular marathons in Germany — Cologne charm, a finish at the cathedral, and a route that mixes sightseeing with race pace.
WHAT TO EXPECT
VERIFIED EVENT DETAILS · DAILY CHORE EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
The Route
Start at Ottoplatz in Deutz, crossing the Deutzer Brücke towards Cologne Cathedral. The route passes the Sport & Olympia Museum, the Kranhäuser, the Bismarck Column and runs through Severinstraße. Rudolfplatz is crossed three times, with further landmarks including Sülz, Dürener Straße, Aachener Weiher, Ehrenfeld and Neusser Straße in Nippes — finishing at Cologne Cathedral.
Races & Start Times
- Marathon — 42.2 km, start 10:30, minimum age 18, up to 12,000 participants
- Half Marathon — 21.1 km, start 09:00, minimum age 16, up to 20,000 participants
- Relay Marathon — 42.2 km as a team, parallel to the marathon at 10:30
Time Limit
6 hours net to the finish at Cologne Cathedral. After that, sections of the course reopen to traffic.
Registration
Registration deadline 20 September 2026, subject to the participant cap not being reached earlier. A Generali entry-fee insurance option can be added at registration. Downgrading from the marathon to the half marathon is not possible.
Bib Pickup
Collect your bib at the Running.EXPO at MOTORWORLD Köln, Friday 2 October (12:00–20:00) and Saturday 3 October (9:00–18:00). Mail delivery is available for a fee.
History
Founded in 1997, the Cologne Marathon has since become one of Germany's largest running events.
WHO IT'S FOR
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SIGNING UP FOR.
- DIFFICULTY
- Intermediate
- FIRST-TIMERS
- Suitable for a first attempt at this format.
- BEGINNER FIT
- 4/5
DAILY CHORE TAKE
OUR TAKE, OUT OF 10.
THESE ARE OUR OWN EDITORIAL ASSESSMENTS, NOT OFFICIAL RATINGS.
