Silver jubilee of Münster Marathon

The association can proudly look back on a remarkable 25 years. Initiated by an idea in 2000, the organizing association was founded in 2001, and the first Volksbank Münster Marathon took place in 2002, attracting 5,000 marathon runners. Such a large number of runners registered for a marathon premiere was unique in Germany. The association is also proud to have managed this event for 25 years with a largely volunteer organizing team.

The Volksbank Münster Marathon was launched at a time when marathon events were springing up like mushrooms across Germany. Just three years later, participation in Münster had plummeted to below 4,000. A relay marathon successfully offset this decline. The Volksbank Münster Marathon benefited from its unique features: a race by runners for runners, an ideal blend of city and countryside, affordable entry fees, and a very special supporting program and entertainment, which earned the marathon the nickname: “An Experience Marathon with a Special Flair.” Add to that the wonderful finish line nestled among the historic gabled houses in Münster’s “living-room”, the Prinzipalmarkt, where runners are still cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.

The marathon’s appeal remains undeniable. “During this time, we are particularly reflecting on our origins, as Volksbank Münster had the courage and confidence to launch this event, not knowing what it would become,” said Michael Brinkmann, then head of the board division that initiated the race in Münster. Financial viability is one pillar, but the expertise and involvement of passionate volunteers are the other pillar of a successful event. “And here I would especially like to thank the Münster running clubs, who all championed this race after an initial meeting at Volksbank Münster. Ultimately, this led to the recruitment of the first organizing team, with specialists in website development, suitable route planning in Münster, IT, and so on,” recalls Michael Brinkmann.

Initially, Münster-Marathon e.V. maintained an office at the Volksbank. However, after just one year, they rented an office in the Kreuzviertel district. After about five years, the event moved to a location very close to the Prinzipalmarkt, before settling at its current location at Windthorststraße 32 in a mixed-use building with three rooms, a position it has held for over 15 years. Currently, four full-time employees, in addition to the 13-member organizing team, manage the marathon. With its now-expanded program of events—a relay, a 28 km race, a 10 km charity run, a 6.2 km health run, a children’s run, and an inclusive run—more than 12,000 people from 47 nations come to Münster on marathon day. This makes the Volksbank Münster Marathon one of the top ten largest and most successful marathon events in Germany.

Throughout the year, other events are also held, such as the Urban Run, an inclusive run, the “Run for Children to Help Children,” and a running course for complete beginners.

The organizing team is currently working intensively on the 24th edition of its marathon, as the event had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, which also had a significant financial impact on the club. The budget for hosting such an event, with all the added safety measures, has increased sevenfold since its inception. Therefore, the anniversary celebration will be postponed until after the marathon. “Next year, however, we want to celebrate our 25th marathon anniversary with all our runners and also express our special thanks to our supporters,” said Helmar Winkler, the club’s second chairman. The organizing team was also deeply affected just a few months ago by the death of its managing director, Ludger Fliß, who played a leading role in shaping the marathon. Amrit Marx-Radivojevic has since taken over the position of managing director. “It’s wonderful that the marathon organizing team sticks together so well and that volunteers are always willing to take on responsibility,” the organizing team stated in its press release.