From the castle to the countryside

Runners start directly in front of Münster Castle and the first part of the course goes through the historic city centre, the green belt and alongside Lake Aa. The urban districts of Nienberge and a scenic passage towards Roxel and Gievenbeck follow. In the final kilometres runners pass back through the city centre to the Prinzipalmarkt, festooned with flags. The finish line, directly in front of the town hall, is one of the most attractive in Germany.

First held in 2002 the event now attracts up to 2300 marathon runners and 5600 relay runners (42.195km between four runners); 300 children run the Kids-Marathon (1500m) and there are 350 health runners (non-timed 6.2km) and 100 charity runners (non-timed 10km). Runners come from a total of 40 different countries.

Possibly a record number of students participate in the DZ HYP-Student Cup. With about 230 runners in 2019 it is the biggest student marathon in Germany. Münster is known as a student city with 60,000 of them living in the city among a total population of 300,000.

Over 300 performers line the route to give the Volksbank-Münster-Marathon a unique flavour. “A huge sport-and-cultural event with an unmatched historical finish line at the Prinzipalmarkt” was what won the race the title of “most popular marathon within North Rhine-Westphalia” every year from 2012–2017 and again in 2019.

Münster’s reconstructed historical city centre impresses with its imposing gabled houses. The city is surrounded by a 5km-long green belt – also known as the Promenade – which is very popular with runners. Münster’s Lake Aa is close to the city centre and ideal for walking, running or a sailing tour. It is a well-known meeting place among all generations with a harbour area including renowned bars, nightclubs and leisure activities.

The city centre with the Prinzipalmarkt, Lambertikirche (church) and historic town hall is very inviting for pedestrians. The Friedenssaal (Hall of Peace) in the town hall provided the backdrop to the invocation of the Spanish-Dutch Peace, which formed part of the Peace of Westphalia.

With its wide variety of shops, theatrical and artistic shows, live concerts, museums, cinemas, readings Münster has something to offer for all ages and tastes.

The Marathon experience and the festive atmosphere make the Volksbank Münster Marathon a noteworthy race. A 59 EUR entry fee (for registrations up until 15 May), includes a technical finishers’ T-shirt, a specially-designed medal and a finisher’s certificate.

Professionally-taken photographs are available for sale. The organisers take great care in providing medical attention during the race and runners are supplied with fruit, electrolyte drinks, cola and water along the route.

Course records of 2:09:28 hours for men and 2:29:12 hours for women were set by elite runners but Münster is especially suitable for first-time marathoners. Prize money ranges from 300–3000 EUR for the open category and 500–2000 EUR for German citizens.

The 19th edition of the Volksbank-Münster-Marathon promises to be unforgettable for all participants, reflected our slogan: “Unique. Eventful.”