CURREX Alsterlauf Hamburg

Hamburg's Running Classic by the Water

The Alsterlauf is the "Hamburg 10k" – a route that is as much a part of Hamburg's running year as the Hamburg Marathon in spring. Start and finish at Ballindamm directly on the Binnenalster, then the course leads counter-clockwise once around the Außenalster. Seven kilometers of waterfront, about three kilometers through Eppendorf and Harvestehude. Flat, completely car-free during the race, and with a city panorama that makes timekeeping easy for every athlete.

Course and Distances

Three distances are offered: the classic 10-kilometer run starting at 9 a.m., the children's run (1 km) at 10:45 a.m., and the 5-kilometer run at 11:30 a.m. The 10-kilometer run is also the first scoring race of the Hamburger Laufcup, a series of several running events in the city.

R5K Series and Charity

Embedded within the Alsterlauf is the R5K series – a competition for young athletes between 18 and 22, who compete for prize money in five 5-kilometer races. The race's charity partner is Aidshilfe Hamburg e.V.; in 2025, over €4,100 was raised for HIV education.

Hamburg-Mitte and Hamburg-Nord Districts – Along the Alster

The run connects two districts: the start at Ballindamm is in the Hamburg-Mitte district, and the course around the Außenalster leads through Eppendorf, Harvestehude, and Winterhude (Hamburg-Nord district). Anyone who runs in Hamburg knows the Alster loop – many amateur runners train on this route all year round. The competition turns the training loop into an official race once a year.