Aschaffenburger Sparkassen Half Marathon

The largest running event on the Bavarian Untermain

For over two decades, the Aschaffenburger Sparkassen Half Marathon has been the most important running date in the Bavarian Untermain region. The 23rd edition will take place in 2026 — together with the 6th Inclusion Run and with a special distinction: the status of the Bavarian Half Marathon Championship 2026. This makes the event a must-attend for ambitious hobby runners and club athletes beyond the region.

The Course: Start Ebertbrücke, Finish Johannisburg Castle

The start is at 10:30 AM at the Ebertbrücke over the Main river. The 21.0975 km half marathon distance is run in a characteristic format: one lap around the city, then five laps through Aschaffenburg city centre over the Adenauerbrücke and the inner-city ring road. The finish line is in front of the magnificent Johannisburg Castle — the former episcopal residence of Mainz and one of Bavaria's most important Renaissance castles. This five-lap city centre course makes the run particularly spectator-friendly: applause at every corner, multiple times.

Three Competition Formats

In addition to the classic individual start over 21.0975 km, there is a relay option (three runners share the half marathon distance, changeover zone at Johannisburg Castle) and the 3.5 km Inclusion Run, which starts at 9:30 AM at Johannisburg Castle and is deliberately designed to be inclusive — people with and without disabilities run together. The latter is free for people with disabilities and their companions.

Organisers and Significance

The organiser is TV Haibach Ausdauersport e.V., in close cooperation with the City of Aschaffenburg Sports Office. The main sponsor is Sparkasse Aschaffenburg Miltenberg — the event's namesake. With its classic disciplines and a strong inclusion programme, the half marathon combines top-level sport (Bavarian Championship) with mass sport and social engagement.

Aschaffenburg — the "Bavarian Nice"

Aschaffenburg, the administrative seat of the Bavarian Untermain region, is a city with the nickname "Bavarian Nice" — coined by King Ludwig I due to its mild climate and castle complexes. The historic city centre with Johannisburg Castle, Pompejanum, and Schönbusch Park offers a spectacular backdrop for the run. After crossing the finish line at the castle, Renaissance architecture awaits as the final image — a sporting event with a special visual flair.