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Marathon Details - Koeln (Cologne) Marathon

International Marathons > Germany > Koeln (Cologne) > Koeln (Cologne) Marathon

Koeln (Cologne) Marathon

Generali Koeln (Cologne) Marathon & Half Marathon, Marathon Relay

Koeln (Cologne), Germany

October 5, 2025

http://www.koeln-marathon.de/en

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Race Details

Your Cologne. Your Aim. A top level organisation of the race and a high-end catering village round off a perfect marathon weekend. The variety of the city is also found in the range of the offered competitions. Besides marathon and half-marathon a relay marathon took place, in which four runners share the 42 km. It does not have to be a marathon to get a good picture of this pleasant city at the river Rhine.

Contact Information

Name:
Address:	Köln Marathon Veranstaltungs- und Werbe GmbH Sportpark Müngersdorf/Radstadion Peter-Günther-Weg 50933 Köln (Cologne) GERMANY
Phone Number:	+49 221 / 33 77 73 11
Fax Number:	+49 221 / 33 77 73 10
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (24)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.7

Spectators 4.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 24 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

C. M. from London, England (10/2/2017) "Nice medium sized race" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thought this was a solid marathon on all fronts. The organisation was very smooth. It was easy to pick up my number at the Expo and to get to the start. I don't speak a word of German but that wasn't a problem. The course was OK. It was flat and/or mildly undulating. There were no hills per se, but a few inclines here and there. Cologne isn't the most exciting city, and the course didn't take in anything particularly exciting, but it was a nice sunny day and so that didn't bother me. The fans were incredible - crowds were pretty thick most of the way and especially at the end at the hardest spots, which was much appreciated. I wish they didn't smoke so much or at least not when they're supporting a marathon, but that was a minor point. Drinks and refreshments along the course were plentiful. I really appreciated the Coca Cola available towards the end. Given the size of the course there was a good amount of entertainment along the way. The medal and buffet at the finish were fantastic. I didn't partake of the meat or beer but pretzels and Coca Cola went down perfectly! Very easy to get home from. All in all a solid race.
r. r. from grimsby england (10/18/2016) "wonderful run" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 this was my first time running koln marathon & I loved it. out of 133 marathons that I have taken part in. I would go back again, which there is only about 10 in my list that I could say this. very good course for a fast time, easy to travel round the city. good finish location. family and friends can travel all over the route to see you at lots of different locations. music on route is a very big plus ,drummers where fab. if your family likes shopping koln is one of the very best areas I have seen.
Jens Sudmeier from Rotterdam, Netherlands (German/American) (12/25/2015) "Great Race, Beautiful City and excellent Atmospher" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have lived nearly all my life in the beautiful city of Cologne. The scenery and especially finishing in the shadows of the mighty Cologne Cathedral made me proud to be part of that city. The track is very flat and fast. Since it was my first marathon, I cannot compare it to others but the atmosphere was exceptionally good. Supporters were cheering and bands were playing. The only part of the race that could be improved is around kilometers 36-38 - there were not that many supporters and the scenery was not the best at this part of the race. One could improve this by putting up sound systems/music/bands next to the track! The organization was great (including the 'bag delivery' and running EXPO), the only thing to improve regarding the organization would be the waiting time to get the chip/running bag the day before. LOVE THE CITY AND THE RACE!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
S. D. from Kevelaer, Germany (10/23/2015) "Simple, well run, nice and flat!" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon so I have nothing to compare it to but I was very happy with Cologne. The expo was fun and well organized. The free public transport was very useful! It was a big marathon but there were no delays, plenty of toilet facilities available. Aid stations had bananas, energy drinks, cola and water. Lots of nice people cheering along the course. Lovely medal and a great variety of free food and drink after the finish line. Cologne has set a high standard for my first race!
K. C. from Holland (10/29/2013) "Very well organised marathon" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The race was very well organised. No problems before, during and after the race. Free tickets for public transport on the day of the race. Nice medaille, lots of drinks and food after the finish. Especially , the alcohol free beer was great. When you finish after 4 hours, there aren't many spectators. Minus point: The relay race for scholars startet right behind the marathon. A lot of them where zigzagging through the crowd.
Westley Forsythe from Baltimore, USA (9/12/2011) "Excellent race!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I echo many of the comments already posted. An excellently organised race, and fast flat course. The spectators were especially friendly and supportive. I have done Boston and would compare Koln spectators very favourably with the famed Boston support. The course was also more aesthetically pleasing than expected. The range of free food and drink at the end was the best I have ever seen. Post-race shower and change facilities are also included. General atmosphere was excellent and achieved without recourse to the annoying gimmickry you increasingly see at many events.
Eugene Nyunt from London, England. (10/4/2010) "Little this town may be, but mighty is this race" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Firstly, the course - it's not nearly as flat as Berlin, but the profile's level enough for a decent time with adequate training. The course was really quite nice as well, and nowhere nearly as bad as some have suggested. Yes, it does have its quiet parts, but unless you want to have your eardrums blown away as in London, you won't feel dispirited. Plus, running past the cathedral was amazing - not quite like climbing the tower, but still a blast anyhow. Cologne's such a small and pretty place that I walked to the expo from where I was staying, and there wasn't any of the hassle with having your rental chip registered - it was already done for you and placed in your packet. The atmosphere was electric, with drummers and sound systems, but what I really loved were the locals and supporters hemmed close to the runners along various parts of the course. There weren't any barriers as such, but everyone just seemed to have lots of consideration for the runners out on a warm day, all the while cheering us on. Compared to Berlin, Edinburgh, and London, the food provision in Cologne at the finish was amazing. Included - as in "help yourself" after several hours of struggle - were bananas, crisps, plain bread, meaty sandwiches, cheesy sandwiches, deep fried dough balls, waffles, apples, fruit medley, muesli bars, cola, beer, and probably a few more I didn't get around to. Frankly, this is the real thing if you want a pleasant running experience.
P. C. from Limerick, Ireland (2/2/2010) "Will Be Back" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first time in Germany and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cologne is such a lovely city. It was a great cultural experience for me. The cathedral is magnificent. The race is really well organized. I really enjoyed all of the bananas, and even some Coke. It made such a difference to me and gave me lots of energy. It was great at the start to see the Kenyans warming up. The spectators are magnificent, especially around halfway, where the atmosphere was incredible and inspiring. I ran my quickest ever time in Cologne this year 3:39. I could not fault this race, especially since you can relax after the finish with a few beers! Well done, Cologne.
R. B. from Rotterdam, The Netherlands (10/23/2009) "Great Marathon!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Plus: Very flat course with elevation only at the beginning and end (Rhein Bridge), so very fine for a PR. The start is well organized, with several starting blocks. Lots of drinks along the way. Finish area is fine with a lot of food and beverage stands. But most of all, GREAT spectators! Minus: City is a bit boring. Only nice scenery near Rhein River and the Dom Cathedral. Collecting of the starting number in the Messe is too crowded and warm, and could be better organized. After the finish, the rental chip must be returned at the Messe and this is quite a distance from the finish. There are also more exits at the finish, so be prepared for where you're going to meet your friends/family. I missed mine and we searched each other for over half an hour. But total up the pluses and the minuses, and I would surely recommend this marathon to everyone!
Eran Lande from Tel Aviv, Israel (11/23/2008) "Great Marathon. Magnificent Atmosphere." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon, and besides not being used to a rainy cold weather, it was a wonderful experience. It was well organized and the course was almost totally flat, but the amazing crowd is something to remember. There was plenty of water, and near the end, they also had Coke and Red Bull. I do not regret traveling all the way to Germany.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]



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C. M. from London, England (10/2/2017) "Nice medium sized race" (about: 2017) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I thought this was a solid marathon on all fronts. The organisation was very smooth. It was easy to pick up my number at the Expo and to get to the start. I don't speak a word of German but that wasn't a problem. The course was OK. It was flat and/or mildly undulating. There were no hills per se, but a few inclines here and there. Cologne isn't the most exciting city, and the course didn't take in anything particularly exciting, but it was a nice sunny day and so that didn't bother me. The fans were incredible - crowds were pretty thick most of the way and especially at the end at the hardest spots, which was much appreciated. I wish they didn't smoke so much or at least not when they're supporting a marathon, but that was a minor point. Drinks and refreshments along the course were plentiful. I really appreciated the Coca Cola available towards the end. Given the size of the course there was a good amount of entertainment along the way. The medal and buffet at the finish were fantastic. I didn't partake of the meat or beer but pretzels and Coca Cola went down perfectly! Very easy to get home from. All in all a solid race.
r. r. from grimsby england (10/18/2016) "wonderful run" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 this was my first time running koln marathon & I loved it. out of 133 marathons that I have taken part in. I would go back again, which there is only about 10 in my list that I could say this. very good course for a fast time, easy to travel round the city. good finish location. family and friends can travel all over the route to see you at lots of different locations. music on route is a very big plus ,drummers where fab. if your family likes shopping koln is one of the very best areas I have seen.
Jens Sudmeier from Rotterdam, Netherlands (German/American) (12/25/2015) "Great Race, Beautiful City and excellent Atmospher" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have lived nearly all my life in the beautiful city of Cologne. The scenery and especially finishing in the shadows of the mighty Cologne Cathedral made me proud to be part of that city. The track is very flat and fast. Since it was my first marathon, I cannot compare it to others but the atmosphere was exceptionally good. Supporters were cheering and bands were playing. The only part of the race that could be improved is around kilometers 36-38 - there were not that many supporters and the scenery was not the best at this part of the race. One could improve this by putting up sound systems/music/bands next to the track! The organization was great (including the 'bag delivery' and running EXPO), the only thing to improve regarding the organization would be the waiting time to get the chip/running bag the day before. LOVE THE CITY AND THE RACE!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!
S. D. from Kevelaer, Germany (10/23/2015) "Simple, well run, nice and flat!" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon so I have nothing to compare it to but I was very happy with Cologne. The expo was fun and well organized. The free public transport was very useful! It was a big marathon but there were no delays, plenty of toilet facilities available. Aid stations had bananas, energy drinks, cola and water. Lots of nice people cheering along the course. Lovely medal and a great variety of free food and drink after the finish line. Cologne has set a high standard for my first race!
K. C. from Holland (10/29/2013) "Very well organised marathon" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The race was very well organised. No problems before, during and after the race. Free tickets for public transport on the day of the race. Nice medaille, lots of drinks and food after the finish. Especially , the alcohol free beer was great. When you finish after 4 hours, there aren't many spectators. Minus point: The relay race for scholars startet right behind the marathon. A lot of them where zigzagging through the crowd.
Westley Forsythe from Baltimore, USA (9/12/2011) "Excellent race!" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I echo many of the comments already posted. An excellently organised race, and fast flat course. The spectators were especially friendly and supportive. I have done Boston and would compare Koln spectators very favourably with the famed Boston support. The course was also more aesthetically pleasing than expected. The range of free food and drink at the end was the best I have ever seen. Post-race shower and change facilities are also included. General atmosphere was excellent and achieved without recourse to the annoying gimmickry you increasingly see at many events.
Eugene Nyunt from London, England. (10/4/2010) "Little this town may be, but mighty is this race" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Firstly, the course - it's not nearly as flat as Berlin, but the profile's level enough for a decent time with adequate training. The course was really quite nice as well, and nowhere nearly as bad as some have suggested. Yes, it does have its quiet parts, but unless you want to have your eardrums blown away as in London, you won't feel dispirited. Plus, running past the cathedral was amazing - not quite like climbing the tower, but still a blast anyhow. Cologne's such a small and pretty place that I walked to the expo from where I was staying, and there wasn't any of the hassle with having your rental chip registered - it was already done for you and placed in your packet. The atmosphere was electric, with drummers and sound systems, but what I really loved were the locals and supporters hemmed close to the runners along various parts of the course. There weren't any barriers as such, but everyone just seemed to have lots of consideration for the runners out on a warm day, all the while cheering us on. Compared to Berlin, Edinburgh, and London, the food provision in Cologne at the finish was amazing. Included - as in "help yourself" after several hours of struggle - were bananas, crisps, plain bread, meaty sandwiches, cheesy sandwiches, deep fried dough balls, waffles, apples, fruit medley, muesli bars, cola, beer, and probably a few more I didn't get around to. Frankly, this is the real thing if you want a pleasant running experience.
P. C. from Limerick, Ireland (2/2/2010) "Will Be Back" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first time in Germany and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cologne is such a lovely city. It was a great cultural experience for me. The cathedral is magnificent. The race is really well organized. I really enjoyed all of the bananas, and even some Coke. It made such a difference to me and gave me lots of energy. It was great at the start to see the Kenyans warming up. The spectators are magnificent, especially around halfway, where the atmosphere was incredible and inspiring. I ran my quickest ever time in Cologne this year 3:39. I could not fault this race, especially since you can relax after the finish with a few beers! Well done, Cologne.
R. B. from Rotterdam, The Netherlands (10/23/2009) "Great Marathon!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Plus: Very flat course with elevation only at the beginning and end (Rhein Bridge), so very fine for a PR. The start is well organized, with several starting blocks. Lots of drinks along the way. Finish area is fine with a lot of food and beverage stands. But most of all, GREAT spectators! Minus: City is a bit boring. Only nice scenery near Rhein River and the Dom Cathedral. Collecting of the starting number in the Messe is too crowded and warm, and could be better organized. After the finish, the rental chip must be returned at the Messe and this is quite a distance from the finish. There are also more exits at the finish, so be prepared for where you're going to meet your friends/family. I missed mine and we searched each other for over half an hour. But total up the pluses and the minuses, and I would surely recommend this marathon to everyone!
Eran Lande from Tel Aviv, Israel (11/23/2008) "Great Marathon. Magnificent Atmosphere." (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Koeln (Cologne) Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon, and besides not being used to a rainy cold weather, it was a wonderful experience. It was well organized and the course was almost totally flat, but the amazing crowd is something to remember. There was plenty of water, and near the end, they also had Coke and Red Bull. I do not regret traveling all the way to Germany.

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Marathon Details - Koeln (Cologne) Marathon