You maybe ask yourselves why of all things you should start at the Cologne Marathon?

It is impossible and also not necessary to compare all big city marathons. Each of them has its own attractions – and this is how it should be! None of the organisers can handle the thousands of active marathoners at once! Even the Cologne Marathon cannot …!

But what makes the Cologne Marathon unique and outstanding?

We offer all of you the adequate competition! It does not matter whether you are a running amateur or experienced marathoner, an offspring talent or competitive athlete, an individualist or member of a team. When you would like to be part of our event, come and join us – we care about you!

The youngsters may already participate in the kids competitions on the day before. Race day starts with the half marathon. And the day's highlight is of course the marathon.

This ultimate competition also has a distance of 42.195km in Cologne.

However, nonetheless it is something special and exquisite: Here not only arouse the top athletes cheering enthusiam among the spectators. Spread along the entire course and particularily at the numerous hot spots the several hundred thousands of motivated spectators let explicitly the slower and "more comfortable" runners feel being in the focus of a marathon day in Cologne.

It is not only the records and peak performances that are fully celebrated by the viewers with body and soul, but also the more emotional scenes with legs sometimes twitching and people fighting with themselves to overcome the symptoms of endurance running.

Just try it, register, and experience how Cologne really is – fast and charming!

Foto: © KölnTourismus GmbH Dieter Jacobi

Cologne (Köln) – The lively city on the Rhine offers a wealth of cultural activities, international trade fairs and conferences, and numerous major events. Attractions such as Cologne Cathedral, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city’s 12 large Romanesque churches create an unforgettable impression on visitors. The cathedral city of Cologne is home to many museums and galleries that present top-class art treasures of all styles and from all epochs. Cologne is considered an insider tip as one of Germany’s greatest cities for shopping and let us not forget the excellent and exciting night life. Over 3,000 bars, cafes and restaurants invite the visitors to enjoy a cool Kölsch beer.

The Cologne Tourist Board (KölnTourismus) is the official tourism organisation of the city of Cologne and thus the first point of contact for visitors from all over the world, whether they are coming here on business or to spend their leisure time.

The Cologne Tourist Board will make your visit to Cologne an unforgettable experience. The friendly staff members at the Service-Center across from the cathedral will be happy to advise you and give you valuable tips and information about organised tours, museums, theatre opening hours, current event calendar or public transport for an interesting stay.

Opening hours:

Mondays – Saturdays: 09:00 a.m. – 08:00 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 05:00 p.m.

Discover Cologne inexpensively and conveniently with the KölnCard.
Free travel on public transport gives you mobility 24 or 48 hours a day; you also receive reductions of up to 50% from numerous partners.
The KölnCard is available for individuals or groups up to five persons regardless of age and valid for 24 or 48 hours.
You will receive the KölnCard at Cologne Tourist Board, at KölnShop, from numerous travel agents, at many Cologne hotels as well as at the customer service centres and many ticket vending machines of Cologne‘s public transport (Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe – KVB).