Germany is the land of fast marathons: flat courses, big crowds and clockwork organisation. Berlin is still the world’s benchmark for a PB, but Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne and Leipzig offer the same quality with smaller fields and easier entry. Here are the 9 best marathons in Germany to target in 2027, with dates, courses and how to get a bib.
The short answer
- For a PB: Berlin (26 September 2027), the course where 13 world records have fallen. Entry by ballot.
- In spring: Hamburg (25 April 2027, already sold out), or Hannover (11 April), Leipzig or Düsseldorf (18 April).
- In autumn: Cologne (3 October), Munich (October), Frankfurt and Dresden (31 October).
- For your first marathon abroad: Leipzig, Hannover or Dresden, quieter and cheaper than the big cities.
The 9 best marathons in Germany
1. Berlin Marathon: the fastest in the world
Eliud Kipchoge ran 2:01:09 on this course in 2022, and 13 world records have been set here since the first edition in 1974. In 2026, Tigst Assefa set the women’s course record in 2:11:04. The race starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate on a flat loop through the city centre.
- Date: Sunday 26 September 2027
- Entry: ballot open from 1 October to 12 November 2026, results on 3 December. The bib costs €215, charged only if you get a place.
- Qualifying times (fast-runner route, from a marathon run in 2025 or 2026): men born 1981–2009, 2:45:00; women in the same age group, 3:10:00. A qualifying time doesn’t guarantee a place.
- Best for: runners chasing a PB. Expect crowds in the first kilometres: around 56,000 runners started in 2026.
Read our full guide to the Berlin Marathon, and see how Margot ran under 3 hours in Berlin.
2. Hamburg Marathon: the big spring race
The Haspa Marathon Hamburg is Germany’s biggest spring marathon. In 2026, Othmane El Goumri won in 2:04:24 and Brillian Kipkoech set the women’s course record in 2:17:05. The course runs along the Alster lake and through the harbour.
- Date: Sunday 25 April 2027 (41st edition)
- Entry: all 20,000 marathon places for 2027 are gone. Your only option is to take over another runner’s bib through the official transfer (€21 fee in 2026). There are no charity places and no qualifying times for amateurs.
- Best for: a fast spring marathon with huge crowd support.
3. Frankfurt Marathon: finish inside the Festhalle
The Frankfurt Marathon finishes on a red carpet inside the Festhalle. The course has only 27 m of elevation gain, and the course record belongs to Wilson Kipsang in 2:03:42 (2011).
- Date: Sunday 31 October 2027
- Entry: 2027 registration is open on the official website (the bib cost €156 in 2026).
- Best for: a fast end-of-season marathon with a unique finish.
4. Cologne Marathon: finish beneath the cathedral
The race starts in Deutz, on the right bank of the Rhine. It crosses the Deutz bridge facing the cathedral, runs through the city’s neighbourhoods and finishes at the foot of the Dom. It’s flat, and the street atmosphere is among the best in Germany. Around 30,000 people take part across all races.
- Date: Sunday 3 October 2027
- Entry: marathon bib from €100 to €130 depending on when you register, on the official Generali Köln Marathon website.
- Best for: runners who put atmosphere before the clock.
5. Munich Marathon: right after Oktoberfest
Munich allows only one marathon a year, on a Sunday in October after Oktoberfest ends. The city chooses the organiser for the 2027 and 2028 editions, by lottery if several bids come in.
- Date: a Sunday in October 2027, not yet confirmed
- Entry: registration will open once the 2027 organiser is known. The race traditionally finishes in the Olympic Park.
- Best for: runners who want to combine a race with a weekend in Bavaria.
6. Hannover Marathon: the flattest spring option
Wide avenues, hardly any tight corners and just 20 m of elevation: the Hannover course, which starts in front of the New Town Hall, is made for even pacing. The field is big enough to find runners at your pace without congestion, and hotels and restaurants are often cheaper than in the big cities.
- Date: Sunday 11 April 2027
- Distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a first marathon or a spring PB without the stress of huge crowds.
7. Leipzig Marathon: simple and effective
A fast course (192 m of elevation gain) that passes the city’s landmarks and parks. The atmosphere is more low-key than at the big marathons and centred on the runners. After the race: visit the Monument to the Battle of the Nations or take a boat along the canals.
- Date: Sunday 18 April 2027
- Distances: 4K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: beginners and experienced runners alike.
8. Düsseldorf Marathon: along the Rhine
The course follows the Rhine and runs through the city centre. It’s very flat, and late-April weather is usually cool without being cold, which helps your time.
- Date: Sunday 18 April 2027
- Distances: half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a fast marathon followed by a party in the Old Town.
9. Dresden Marathon: along the Elbe
The course follows the Elbe, crosses several bridges and links the historic centre with the Großer Garten. It’s not one of Germany’s biggest marathons: you get support along the course without the crowds.
- Date: Sunday 31 October 2027
- Distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon
- Best for: a calm autumn marathon in a beautiful city.
Which German marathon should you choose?
| Marathon | 2027 date | Season | Main strength | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hannover | 11 April | Spring | Very flat, small crowds | Official website (€5 off for ADAC members) |
| Leipzig | 18 April | Spring | Ideal first marathon | Official website |
| Düsseldorf | 18 April | Spring | Along the Rhine, cool weather | Official website |
| Hamburg | 25 April | Spring | Biggest spring race | Sold out |
| Berlin | 26 September | Autumn | World-record course, fastest | Ballot |
| Cologne | 3 October | Autumn | Atmosphere, finish at the cathedral | €100 to €130 |
| Munich | October (not confirmed) | Autumn | Weekend in Bavaria | Opens once the organiser is named |
| Frankfurt | 31 October | Autumn | Finish inside the Festhalle | Open (€156 in 2026) |
| Dresden | 31 October | Autumn | Quiet, along the Elbe | Official website |
If you miss out in the Berlin ballot, Frankfurt and Dresden at the end of October give you an extra month of training, on courses that are just as flat.
How to prepare for a marathon in Germany
- Allow 16 to 20 weeks. For Berlin in late September, start training in early June. For Hamburg or Leipzig in April, start in early December, in the middle of winter.
- Work on your marathon pace. On these flat courses, consistency makes the time. Work out your split times and practise holding them.
- Arrive the day before at the latest. Bib pick-up is at the race expo, usually one or two days before.
- Check the aid stations. They are listed on each official website: train with the same drinks if you can.
A plan built around your race date
RunMotion Coach builds your marathon training plan from your level, your goal time and your race date, with personalised paces. Try it free for 7 days.
FAQ
What is the fastest marathon in Germany?
Berlin. The men’s course record, 2:01:09, was set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022, and 13 world records have been broken there.
How do I get a place in the 2027 Berlin Marathon?
Through the ballot, open from 1 October to 12 November 2026. You can also enter with a qualifying time, through a charity or with an official travel partner.
Which German marathon is best for a first marathon?
Leipzig, Hannover or Dresden: flat courses and smaller crowds than Berlin or Hamburg.
When should I register for the Hamburg Marathon?
Very early: all 20,000 places for the 2027 marathon were sold more than six months before race day.
Want to compare with other countries? See our top 10 flattest marathons and our guide to the 6 World Marathon Majors.
Ready to chase a PB in Germany? Start your 7-day free trial and let RunMotion Coach build your plan all the way to race day.
Updated 28 October 2026.
