Mitteldeutscher Marathon

Marathon between Two Cultural Cities

The Mitteldeutscher Marathon is a unique running format in Germany: It connects two federal states and two of the most important musical cities in Central Germany. The start is in Bach Town Leipzig at the Elsterflutbecken, the finish on the market square of Handel Town Halle (Saale). In between lie 42 kilometers through the meadow landscape of the Saale-Elster region, passing through villages like Schkeuditz, Großkugel, and Trotha — a course that is as scenically and culturally historically appealing as few other marathons in Eastern Germany.

The event has been held annually at the beginning of October since 2003 and celebrates its 23rd edition in 2026. The organizer is the Mitteldeutscher Marathon Verein e.V., which, with great volunteer commitment and the support of both cities, organizes the logistically demanding point-to-point format. At the finish line on the market square in Halle, runners can expect a festive atmosphere, music, and the city center's audience.

Six Distances for All Levels

The program includes six competition formats: the Marathon (42.195 km, start 9 a.m.), the Handel Half Marathon (21.1 km, start 11 a.m.), the 10 km race with a walking option, the Salzwirkerlauf (5 km), the AOK Fun Run (family run), and the Relay Marathon (4 × approx. 10.5 km). The distances are staggered so that every runner — from marathon specialists to hobby runners with children — can find their format.

Halle (Saale) and the Saalekreis as a Sports Location

Halle (Saale) is the second-largest city in the state of Saxony-Anhalt and the actual center of the marathon — the course ends here. The marathon was founded in 2003 when the city on the Saale and neighboring Leipzig wanted to celebrate their close connection through sports. Today, the Mitteldeutscher Marathon attracts several thousand participants — professionals, hobby runners, walking groups, school classes. It is one of Saxony-Anhalt's most important running events and a classic start to the autumn marathon calendar.