Cologne Marathon
The Lowdown
The Cologne Marathon (Generali Köln Marathon) has been a fixture on the German running calendar since the late 1990s and attracts a strong international and domestic field every October. Held in the historic and vibrant city of Cologne, the race has grown into one of Germany’s major autumn marathons, known for its reliable organization, lively expo, and reputation as a fast, well-supported city course. The event routinely draws both competitive athletes chasing fast times and recreational runners enjoying a scenic urban tour. The course highlights include sweeping stretches along the Rhine River, iconic views of the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), passages over the Hohenzollern Bridge and through the atmospheric Old Town and Rheinauhafen harbor district. Runners experience a mostly flat, fast route that mixes modern waterfront architecture with historic cityscapes and frequent crowd support—live music, bands, and cheering sections are typical along the route, creating a festive atmosphere. The race is AIMS-certified and World Athletics-certified, and the course is eligible for Boston Marathon qualification, making it attractive to athletes targeting qualifying times.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Registration opens for 2026 Generali Cologne Marathon
Oct 1, 2025Organizers opened online registration for the 2026 Generali Cologne Marathon, confirming the race date of 4 October 2026 and early-bird pricing tiers. The event website also provides updated information on wave starts and time limits.
Cologne Marathon implements new sustainability and spectator measures
Nov 20, 2024The Generali Cologne Marathon announced a series of sustainability initiatives for future editions, including reduced single-use plastics, expanded recycling stations, and incentives for public-transport arrivals. Organizers also unveiled a revised finish area layout to improve spectator flow and athlete recovery services.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
Iconic UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral forming a dramatic backdrop as runners pass through the city center
Hohenzollern Bridge
Famous rail and pedestrian bridge with love locks that runners cross offering skyline views of the cathedral
Rhine Promenade (Rheinboulevard)
Scenic riverside walkway along the Rhine providing flat, spectator-packed stretches
Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum)
Popular riverside museum near the course where runners pass by media and fan zones
RheinEnergieSTADION
Major sports stadium used as start/finish area and race hub for the marathon
Rheinpark
Large riverside park with tree-lined sections and cheering crowds along the route
KölnTriangle
Modern high-rise viewing platform on the Deutz side offering panoramic views of the city skyline and race course
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Cologne, Germany
DE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 on race day for the full marathon
- Valid race entry and bib are required; entries are non-transferable
- Participants must comply with the official race rules and time limits (full marathon cutoff typically 6:00 hours)
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with known health issues; participants start at their own risk
- Photo ID required for bib collection
- Wheelchairs or other wheeled devices permitted only in authorized wheelchair race categories
- Minors (under 18) need written parental/guardian consent to participate in any accompanying events
- Anti-doping regulations apply and participants must comply with any testing requests
- No animals (dogs) allowed on the course
- Participants must follow start-wave/seed time assignments and marshal instructions
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID)
- Medical certificate/physician's note (recommended/required for marathon distance)
- Proof of registration/confirmation email
- Proof of age (if age-category verification is required)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- Club/Team Entry
- Elite/Invitation
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds for cancellations by the participant
Registrations may be transferred to another participant until 14 days before the race (administration fee may apply)
Deferral to the next edition is possible until 30 September 2026 for an administration fee (typically €10–€20)
If the event is cancelled by the organisers for reasons within their control, participants will be offered a deferral or voucher for the full entry fee; cash refunds are at the organiser's discretion or as required by law
If the event is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances (force majeure, public health orders), the organiser will communicate options (voucher, deferral or partial refund) as soon as practicable
The course runs along the Rhine and through Cologne’s historic center, passing landmarks such as the Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) and the Hohenzollern Bridge, offering many scenic and photogenic sections.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical race shirt, and the finish area typically features ample post-race food, beverage options and a beer garden.
The race weekend includes a runners' expo with bib pickup, a pre-race pasta party and a popular mini/children’s run, plus elite fields historically dominated by strong Kenyan and East African performances.
Aid stations are placed roughly every 3–5 km with water and sports drink, pacers are provided for common target times, and organizers strongly recommend using Cologne’s efficient public transport for race-day access due to limited parking near the start/finish.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.