Dresden Marathon
The Lowdown
The Dresden Marathon, first held in 1999, has grown into one of Germany’s most celebrated autumn road races, combining competitive marathon tradition with a festival-like city atmosphere. Set on 25 October 2026, the race draws both international runners and enthusiastic local crowds, celebrating Dresden’s post-reunification sporting and cultural revival. Over the years it has become known for its well-organized logistics, strong community support, and reliable October weather that often produces fast race conditions for those chasing personal bests or qualifying standards. The flat, fast course threads through Dresden’s historic heart and along the scenic Elbe River, passing icons such as the Frauenkirche, Semperoper, Zwinger and the baroque terraces of the Brühl’s Terrace, before offering long, tree-lined stretches on the Elbe meadows and views of the riverside palaces and bridges. Runners experience a mix of cobbled historic sections and smooth, wide boulevards, with numerous live music stations and cheering points that create a lively, supportive atmosphere. The event is AIMS-certified and German national federation (DLV) certified, and the course is routinely accepted for major marathon qualification purposes, making it a popular choice for runners seeking Boston-qualifying times.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Dresden Marathon 2024 completed with strong participation and scenic route praise
Oct 13, 2024The 2024 Dresden Marathon took place on 2024-10-13 with roughly 5,800 finishers across marathon, half-marathon and relay events. Runners and spectators praised the scenic Elbe river course and improved event logistics despite cool autumn conditions.
Organisers open registration and confirm date for 2026 Dresden Marathon
Jun 12, 2025The Dresden Marathon organisation opened registration for the 2026 race and confirmed the event date as 2026-10-25. Early-bird registrations and charity entries were announced, with organisers highlighting updates to participant services and sustainability measures for the 2026 edition.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Frauenkirche
Iconic Baroque church in the Old Town, a major landmark near the race center
Semperoper
The historic Semper Opera House along the route, notable for its ornate facade and cultural significance
Brühlsche Terrasse
Riverside terrace on the Elbe offering panoramic views of the city as runners pass by
Zwinger Palace
Baroque palace complex with museums and gardens situated close to the course
Augustusbrücke
Historic bridge across the Elbe connecting the Old Town and Neustadt, crossed by runners
Blaues Wunder (Loschwitzer Brücke)
Famous steel bridge over the Elbe in the Dresden suburbs, a scenic highlight of the course
Waldschlösschen Bridge
Modern bridge on the Elbe forming part of the marathon loop and providing river views
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Dresden, Germany
DE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day
- Complete online registration and pay the entry fee by the published deadline
- Race bib is non-transferable and must be collected in person or by an authorised representative with ID
- No qualifying time required for general entry (elite fields may have separate qualification criteria)
- Participants compete at their own risk; medical clearance recommended for those with pre-existing conditions
- Accept and comply with the event rules and code of conduct published by the organiser
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the appropriate category and contact organisers in advance to confirm course accessibility
- Photographic/video consent: entry implies consent to use of images for event promotion
Required Documents
- Photo ID (passport or national ID card)
- Proof of age (passport, ID card or birth certificate)
- Signed liability waiver/runner declaration
- Medical certificate or physician's note (if requested or for veteran categories)
- Emergency contact information
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Club/Association Entry
- Relay/Team Entry
- Tour Operator Entry
- Charity Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registrations are non-refundable
Transfer of registration to another runner permitted until 2026-09-25 with a €15 administration fee
Name/bib changes allowed until 2026-10-18 with a €10 processing fee and written authorization
If the organiser cancels the event, registrants will be offered either a full refund or a free deferral to the 2027 race
If the event is postponed, registrations will be automatically valid for the new date; those unable to attend may request a full refund
If the event takes place but with reduced services for safety/regulatory reasons, the organiser may issue a partial refund or voucher (up to 50%) at their discretion
The course runs along the Elbe and through Dresden’s historic center, passing landmarks such as the Frauenkirche, Semperoper, Zwinger and Brühl’s Terrace.
Finishers receive a custom finisher medal and a technical shirt, and a lively post-race festival offers local food and beer in the finish area.
Race weekend features an EXPO with bib pickup and vendors, a Saturday pasta party, and companion events including a Kids Run and shorter distance options (half/10K).
Aid stations are provided roughly every 3–5 km with water and sports drinks, pacers are usually available for common goal times, and organizers strongly recommend using Dresden’s public transport due to road closures and limited parking; the event typically operates on a roughly 6-hour course time limit.
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.