A spectacular celebration of sport

Whether marathon, half marathon or relay marathon – the event offers the right format for every performance level and impresses with a unique atmosphere, great organisation and an enthusiastic audience.

As a participant you can feel the special atmosphere in the city even before the start. On this day the cathedral city comes alive for the sport: crowds line the streets, music groups cheer on the runners and residents transform their neighbourhoods into small celebration miles. The run through Cologne is an emotional experience that will live long in the memory.

The title race is the classic marathon over 42.195 kilometres with 10,000 participants. The route leads past many of the city’s sights – over the Rhine past the Rheinauhafen harbour, Rudolfplatz and the imposing Cologne Cathedral, where the finish line is located. Ambitious runners can chase their best time here, while leisure runners can soak up the atmosphere along the route.

If the full marathon is too long for you, the half marathon is an excellent alternative. The 21.1 kilometres with 20,000 participants also run through the heart of the city and offer a great running experience at half the distance. The half marathon starts at Cologne-Deutz and – like all distances – finishes spectacularly in front of Cologne Cathedral.

A special highlight is the relay marathon in which four runners share the marathon distance. Whether with friends, colleagues or in a club – the relay marathon combines a sporting challenge with team spirit and provides plenty of shared emotions.

The Generali Cologne Marathon is a celebration of sport, an event for the whole city and a real highlight in the running calendar. Anyone who has taken part once usually comes back – as a participant, spectator or volunteer. On 5 October 2025, it’s that time again: Cologne is running – and you can be part of it.