14th Marathon Deutsche Weinstraße

Marathon with a Bottle of Wine Instead of a Medal

Anyone who has ever run a classic city marathon knows the atmosphere: asphalt, skyscrapers, gas stations, often an industrial or urban backdrop. The Marathon Deutsche Weinstraße is the complete opposite: the course leads through gentle Palatinate wine hills, past medieval city walls, through romantic wine villages, always with a view of the vineyards and the Pfälzerwald forest behind. Instead of a medal, finishers receive a bottle of Palatinate wine – a symbol of the enjoyment run concept.

Course Description

The start and finish are in Bockenheim at the Haus der Deutschen Weinstraße – the famous architectural entrance to the German Wine Route in the north of the Palatinate. The route leads south through the Leiningerland, through Grünstadt, Freinsheim, and other wine villages of the northern Mittelhaardt to the turning point in Bad Dürkheim at the Giant Barrel – the largest wine barrel in the world. From there, it's back to the start. The total distance is 42 kilometers (marathon) or 21 km (half marathon).

Format and Disciplines

Several disciplines are offered: Marathon (42 km), Half Marathon (21 km), Duo Marathon (relay for two, 21 km each), as well as children's and youth runs for the younger participants. In 2026, the marathon for adults is already fully booked – registrations for children's and youth runs are still possible.

Palatinate Atmosphere Along the Route

What makes the marathon special is the atmosphere along the route: in every Palatinate wine village that the runners pass, locals cheer them on from the roadside. Clubs offer refreshment stands with 'Schoppen' (a traditional measure of wine), music bands provide the mood, and in some places, winemakers distribute small tasting samples – a variation of the classic aid station with Palatinate character.