Mein Freiburg Marathon

21 Years of Mein Freiburg Marathon

When around 18,500 runners from all over the world step up to the starting blocks at Messe Freiburg in early April, it's Marathon Weekend in the Breisgau metropolis. From April 10 to 12, 2026, the 21st edition of the Mein Freiburg Marathon will take place – one of the most important running events in Southern Germany, organized by FWTM Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH and a firm fixture in Freiburg's sports calendar since 2004.

Five Courses for All Levels

The program is significantly broader than a classic marathon. Five competitions are available in 2026:

• Marathon — 42.195 km, the classic distance
• Super Sparrow Half Marathon — 21.0975 km
• Marathon Relay — Marathon distance, divided into several stages for teams
• AOK Health Run — 10 km, for beginners and hobby runners
• badenova Student Marathon — Half marathon relay with seven students, approx. 3 km each

For children, the Badeparadies Mini-Marathon will take place the day before (Saturday, April 11) – three short distances from approx. 400 to 1,800 m, for children born between 2014 and 2023.

Start, Finish, and Course

The start and finish for all competitions are at Messe Freiburg in the west of the city. The course leads through the heart of Freiburg – past the Minster, through the historic old town, over the Dreisam river, through Wiehre, Stühlinger, and back via Sundgauallee to the exhibition grounds. The 21-km loop (half marathon turning point) features the most spectacular city center sections, carrying every runner through the charming mix of medieval cityscapes and student atmosphere.

37 Bands Along the Course

The hallmark of the Mein Freiburg Marathon: 37 bands play along the 21-km loop – Rock, Jazz, Brass, Pop, Folk Music, Latin. A new musical encounter awaits every 500 to 800 meters. What initially sounds like a detail makes the run an acoustic experience for many participants, transforming the classic marathon sound of breath and steps into a kind of "Music Run.".

FITNRUN, Maultaschen Party, and Kids' Program

Accompanying the marathon is the FITNRUN Sports Expo in Hall 3 of Messe Freiburg – featuring the latest trends from the running and sports scene, health tips, sports equipment, running shoes, and accessories. The BÜRGER-Maultaschen-Party on Saturday evening is the official carb-loading event – a Swabian-style pasta alternative. The Kinder(leicht)-bewegt-Programm at the exhibition grounds offers play and movement activities for the youngest visitors.

Registration Opens September 1, 2025

Registration for the 21st edition in 2026 opened on September 1, 2025 – those who want to participate promptly will benefit from early bird rates. Experience shows that half marathon and marathon spots fill up quickly.

Freiburg as a Running City

Freiburg is among the German cities with the highest running density per capita – its proximity to the Black Forest, the mild climate, and the university's sports culture attract active people. With the marathon in April, the Black Forest Marathon in summer, and numerous smaller running events, Freiburg is a running Eldorado in Southern Germany.