Deutsche Post Marathon Bonn

22,222 Runners in the Former Federal Capital

When the starting gun fires precisely at 9 a.m. on April 19, 2026, at Belderberg, the limit will be reached: 22,222 participants have registered for the 23rd edition of the Deutsche Post Marathon Bonn — completely sold out, no late registrations possible. This makes the Bonn Marathon one of the four major spring marathons in Germany (after Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover) and the most important spring event for the West German running scene.

The Course — Rhine, Government District, and Carnival

The Bonn Marathon course is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany by runners: Start Am Belderberg (at the foot of the main university building), through the Bonn city center and across the Hofgarten, then along the Rheinaue, over the Kennedy Bridge to Beuel, through the former government district with the Kanzleramt (Chancellery) and Bundeshaus (Parliament building), past the Posttower (headquarters of title sponsor Deutsche Post DHL), and finally the finish line at Münsterplatz with the famous Beethoven monument in front of Bonn Minster.

Nine Disciplines — Something for Everyone

The Bonn Marathon is one of Germany's most inclusive running events. In addition to the classics, it offers:

1. Marathon (42.195 km) — the premier distance
2. Half Marathon (sold out)
3. Marathon Relay for teams of 4
4. 10-Kilometer Run
5. Company Half Marathon (sold out)
6. Half Marathon Inline Skating — a Bonn specialty
7. Deutsche Post School Marathon (free for students)
8. Half Marathon Handbike — accessible
9. Inclusive Running Program for people with disabilities

Motto 2026 — „Laufend jeck!“

The Bonn Marathon traditionally has an annual motto that embeds the run into Bonn's city culture. In 2026, it is „Laufend jeck!“ — a tribute to the 200th anniversary of organized Bonn Carnival (the first Bonn committee, "Allgemeines Lustig-Vergnüglich," was founded in 1826). Costumes are permitted, and many runners come dressed as 'Jecken' (carnival revelers), creating the most carnival-like marathon atmosphere in the country.

Refreshments and Atmosphere

Along the course, there are 15 refreshment points offering water, isotonic drinks, bananas, and energy bars. The atmosphere at the classic hotspots — Beethovenhalle, Rheinaue, Kennedy Bridge, Government District, Markt — is legendary: drum groups, carnival bands, samba crews, and neighborhood parties accompany the runners. The finish line at Münsterplatz is the emotional highlight.

Organizers and History

The Bonn Marathon has been held since 2002 and is part of the Deutsche Post DHL family of sports sponsorships. The corporate headquarters in the Posttower, directly on the course, is no coincidence — Bonn, as the former federal capital and current UN city, is a central location for Deutsche Post. With each edition, the number of participants has grown; since 2018, the event has been regularly sold out.