Megamarsch 50/12 Mönchengladbach

More than hiking, less than a marathon

The Megamarsch 50/12 is arguably the most popular hiking sports format in Germany: 50 kilometers in a maximum of 12 hours, without a competitive character, but with a clear time limit. Mönchengladbach is one of the now 20+ German cities where the series stops — on the Lower Rhine, between Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the Dutch border. The 7th edition will take place in 2026 on Saturday, March 21st.

Start at Borussia-Park

The meeting point is Borussia-Park, Hennes-Weisweiler-Allee 1 — the stadium of Borussia Mönchengladbach, named after the legendary coach of the "Fohlenelf" of the 1970s. Check-in begins here early in the morning; the starting gun fires at 07:30 AM. Then the caravan sets off in loose groups, individually combinable depending on pace.

The Route — 50 Kilometers of Lower Rhine

The exact route changes slightly each year, but it always leads around Mönchengladbach: through the city districts, past Schmölderpark and Bunten Garten, through the fields towards Schwalmtal, and back via the colorful world of the Dahler Heide. The route is predominantly flat (typical for the Lower Rhine), but alternates between asphalt, gravel, and forest paths — good hiking boots are mandatory.

Four Aid Stations Along the Route

At four points, there will be water, isotonic drinks, fruit, bars, and hearty snacks. Those who need more should bring a daypack with granola bars, bandages, and sunscreen. At the finish — back at Borussia-Park — the finisher medal and a warm meal await.

Why Mönchengladbach?

Mönchengladbach, with its approximately 270,000 inhabitants, is located in the far west of North Rhine-Westphalia and is primarily known to football fans as the "City of Borussia." But the surrounding area is excellently suited for long hikes: lots of greenery, the Schwalmtal valley, and the Lower Rhine agricultural landscape, with hardly any elevation changes, but open views and small streams. The Megamarsch consistently utilizes this potential — and concludes with a big party in the stadium surroundings.