Kassel Marathon

Northern Hesse's Largest Sporting Event

The Kassel Marathon has been Northern Hesse's largest sporting event since 2007 and is one of Hesse's most prestigious running events. In 2026, the 20th Anniversary Edition will take place – a doubly symbolic date: 20 years of marathon tradition in the documenta city on the Fulda river, organized by AS Event GmbH based in Ahnatal, just outside Kassel.

Four Distances for Every Runner

Programmatically, the Kassel Marathon covers the entire spectrum:

• Main Marathon (42.195 km) – the classic distance, run twice over an approx. 21 km loop in Kassel
• Half Marathon (21.1 km) – the most popular distance, once over the marathon loop
• Relay Marathon (42 km) – in teams of 4, ideal for companies and clubs
• Mini Marathon (4.219 km) – for children and beginner runners
• 21 km Walking – for Nordic walkers and hiking enthusiasts

The Route Through Kassel

The Marathon Route winds through the Kassel city area and, with 257 meters of elevation gain, is classically hilly – a true city route, not a flat asphalt speedway. The start is at Damaschkestraße near the Auestadion. From there, the route leads through the districts of Waldau, Wesertor, and Nordholland, past the Rathaus, the Staatstheater, the Universität Kassel, and finally back to the Auestadion for the finish. Main marathon runners complete this loop twice.

Sunday as Race Day

The programmatic highlight is Sunday, September 20, 2026: At 9:30 AM, the main marathon and half marathon start together at Damaschkestraße. The relay format runs parallel on the same course. The Mini Marathon and Walking start at different times on Saturday or Sunday, depending on the discipline. The arrival of the fastest marathon runners is expected around 12 PM in the Auestadion, while the slower marathon runners will reach the finish by approximately 4 PM.

Three-Day Supporting Program

The Kassel Marathon is not just a race day, but a three-day weekend. Friday, September 18th, starts with the Marathon Expo (sports exhibitors, registrations, equipment tests) and bib collection. Saturday, September 19th, features the Children's Marathon, walking events, and supporting programs. Sunday is the main race day.

A Route That Showcases the City

What sets the Kassel Marathon apart from many big city marathons is its curated route design. The organizers have consistently laid out the route to showcase Kassel's diversity: the industrial history in Waldau, the residential districts of Wesertor and Nordholland, the ceremonial axis from the Rathaus to the Staatstheater, the university campus, and the Karlsaue park with the Auestadion. It's a marathon that is also a city tour – ideal for runners seeking the route experience.

Registration and Prices

Entry fees range from €14–€19 for walking to €51–€105 for the relay marathon (depending on the registration date – early registrants pay less). Registration is via the official website kassel-marathon.de. Those who want to be part of the 20th-anniversary celebration should book early – the anniversary edition is sure to be exceptionally well-attended.