Hamburg Marathon 2026

We are in Hamburg, in the northern part of Germany 🇩🇪, close to the North Sea. Home to the country's largest port, the city was completely rebuilt after World War II ! Today, Hamburg is one of Germany's most vibrant cities, thanks to its growing population and significant economic activity (aerospace, naval, banking 😯). But Hamburg also serves as the country's "green lung." Indeed, the city boasts countless lakes, rivers, and forests 😍. In total, there are no less than 26 hectares of green spaces 🌿. In short, Hamburg is a fantastic playground for marathon runners! 🏃‍♀️ And speaking of which: it hosts the legendary Hamburg Marathon (or Haspa Marathon Hamburg)!

So, what about the marathon? 🤔 Held in April for almost 40 years, the Hamburg Marathon is Germany's largest spring marathon! It's highly popular among runners. Each year, no fewer than 30,000 runners participate, and the half-marathon sells out months in advance 🤯. Two courses are offered: a half-marathon (21.0975 km) and a full marathon (42.195 km) which can be run individually or in a four-person relay 🏃‍♂️. If you and your friends opt for the relay, you'll need to divide the 4 distances to run: 15.7 km, 11.4 km, 5.3 km , and 9.7 km! It's also worth noting that the half-marathon course initially overlaps with the marathon course (ideal if you're starting with a group of mixed abilities) ! 😉

But whatever you choose, if you take part in this event, you'll have the chance to run both in the city and amidst nature! 🍀 That's the beauty of the Hamburg Marathon! 💪 You'll see the Port of Hamburg, the historic city center, and the quaint town of Altona and its artists... 👨‍🎨 But above all, you'll discover absolutely fantastic natural spots like Stadtpark, a botanical park of 148 hectares! 🌲 You'll also have the chance to run alongside Hamburg's two largest artificial lakes 🏊‍♀️: the Binnenalster and the Außenalster (where Hamburgers frequently enjoy rowing, kayaking, and jogging). As for the weather, no promises can be made. However, it's generally quite dry in the region with temperatures ranging between 13°C and 15°C approximately! 🌥 It might be a bit chilly, but the lively atmosphere of the event will surely keep you warm! 😎

Eins, zwei, drei... Off we go! 🔫 The Hamburg Marathon covers all of the city's key points. A perfect opportunity to explore Germany's second-largest city! 😌 The race starts in the middle of the Hamburg Congress Center, in the St. Pauli district (famous for its bars, nightclubs, and second division football club). You'll then head south of the city, skirting the Große Wallanlagen, a vast park within the old city's ramparts. A few kilometers later, you'll move towards Altona, the city of artists 👨‍🎨. This little town is packed with boutiques, designer stores, and art galleries 🎨! Next, you'll experience the city's port ⚓️. You'll also run along the edges of the two major artificial lakes, the Binnenalster and the Außenalster, before reaching the Stadtpark - the city's lung - a park of 148 hectares with numerous gardens and a planetarium 🌟.

With proper preparation, the Hamburg Marathon is a race with minimal difficulty and almost no incline 👍. For evidence, look no further than the marathon's record of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 9 seconds ⏱️. How is such a performance possible? Firstly, the atmosphere of this marathon is absolutely unique 👌. The numerous spectators help runners push themselves from the start to the finish line! 🏁 Moreover, the organization is impeccable: Hamburg is easily accessible by train or plane, runner management is top-notch, refreshment points are abundant, and there's a wide variety of hotels... 👏 Everything is set for a great run! 😏

Running is great, but what else is there to do? First, an expo is organized on Friday and Saturday before the 42km race, at the Hamburg Messe & Congress (just steps from the starting line 🚩). The expo features nearly 80 exhibitors specializing in endurance, outdoor, and lifestyle products... Everything you need to gear up before the race! 😬 Moreover, a race for children, the "Das Zehntel", is organized the day before! FYI: it's Germany's largest kids' race as it welcomes 9,000 school children, aged 6 to 17 years old, who run 4.2195 km (a tenth of the marathon distance). Still not convinced? You can always extend the celebration and head to the city center to visit the Hamburg Dungeon, a museum that traces the dark history of the city! Or if you prefer nature, you can take a stroll along the Alster 💦, an ideal place for a walk with family or friends, or even to enjoy a fischbrötchen (a fish sandwich) 🥪, or a franzbrötchen (a cinnamon pastry) 😋.

Just what you need to spike your blood sugar before you dive into a Hamburg-er! 🍔