ADAC Marathon Hannover

More than three decades of marathon tradition

The Hannover Marathon was launched in 1991 and has evolved over the decades into one of Germany's most important running events. With the World Athletics Label, it is among the internationally recognized marathons and offers conditions suitable for personal best times: a largely flat profile, good course conditions, and a motivating atmosphere. The event is organized by eichels. Event GmbH in cooperation with ADAC Niedersachsen.

Five distances for every athlete

The competition program includes five disciplines. The marathon (42.195 km) is the premier distance, aimed at endurance athletes with the appropriate training level. The half marathon (21.1 km) is a popular alternative for ambitious runners. The 10 km race is suitable for hobby runners and beginners. The handbike race allows athletes with disabilities to participate. The walking and Nordic walking distance finally opens the event to everyone who wants to participate in the running experience, even if they don't run.

Route through Hannover

The start is at the New Town Hall on Trammplatz. From there, the route leads around Maschsee, through the Eilenriede (Hannover's large city forest), through Linden with its vibrant districts, through the Zoo district, List, and back to the city center for the finish at the New Town Hall. The route is dotted with numerous Hannover highlights: Marktkirche, Aegidienkirche, Niedersachsenstadion (Heinz-von-Heiden-Arena), Herrenhäuser Gärten (in sight), Maschpark.

Atmosphere along the route

Bands play at several stations along the route, cheerleader groups perform, and loudspeakers blast motivational music. Spectators with signs, clapping stations, and creative costumes line the route. Families, school classes, and clubs turn Marathon Sunday into a Volksfest. The atmosphere carries many runners through the notorious low point around kilometer 30.

Expected 33,000 participants

With around 33,000 participants across all distances, the Hannover Marathon is one of the largest running events in Northern Germany. The city closes off large parts of the city center to car traffic for the day, tram lines are rerouted, and a large number of police, paramedics, helpers, and security personnel are deployed. Despite its size, the marathon remains a familiar Hannover experience — many runners return every year.

Registration and preparation

Registration is done online via marathon-hannover.de. Early bird prices reward timely registrations, and places are limited. A marathon expo the day before at the HCC offers bib pickup, exhibitors, talks on running training, nutrition, and equipment, as well as a pasta party for the carbo-loading phase.