Cologne Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
48–64°F · Feels cool
Total elevation gain
Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +20 ft
Participants
Large field
Crowd Rating
Good crowd energy
The Lowdown
The Cologne Marathon (Generali Köln Marathon) is held in early October in Cologne, Germany, and is organised by Kölner AusdauerSport GmbH. The programme includes a marathon, a half marathon, a relay marathon and a school marathon, and the city closes streets along the route for most of the day. The marathon starts at 10:30, and the finish is on Komödienstraße at the foot of Cologne Cathedral. Demand for places is high. All 13,717 marathon starting slots were booked out ahead of the 2026 race, and more than 41,000 runners across all events made 2026 a participation record. Marathon slots are sold in numbered price tiers. Entrants must be at least 18 on race day and finish within six hours net. Entrants who cannot start can offer their slot on the official slot exchange. The elite field is strong. The course records are 2:06:10 for men and under 2:22 for women, both set in 2026 by the Kenyan winners Bernard Koech and Jackline Chepngeno.
Explore the course
2024 · Marathon
Questions about the Cologne Marathon 2027
When is the Cologne Marathon 2027?
Sunday, October 3, 2027.
Where is the Cologne Marathon?
Cologne, Germany.
What time does the Cologne Marathon start?
The race starts at 10:30 AM, local time.
What is the Cologne Marathon time limit?
6 hours.
How do I enter the Cologne Marathon 2027?
Registration has not opened yet. Ways in: Online Registration.
How much does the Cologne Marathon 2027 cost?
Marathon: €130. Half Marathon: €95. Relay Marathon (team): €199.
What is the Cologne Marathon elevation gain?
80 m (262 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +6 m (20 ft). Relatively flat course.
What is the Cologne Marathon course like?
It passes Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral). Course map
What is the weather like at the Cologne Marathon?
Race-day temperatures are usually 9–18 °C (48–64 °F). Feels cool.
How many runners does the Cologne Marathon have?
13,717 participants. Large field.
Where are the Cologne Marathon results?
The official 2026 results are on the organizer's site. Official results
Is the Cologne Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.
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