Stadtwerke Lübeck Marathon

A Marathon through UNESCO World Heritage

Few marathon routes in Europe lead as spectacularly through a historic old town as the Stadtwerke Lübeck Marathon. The start and finish are at Kohlmarkt, directly by the Gothic Lübeck Town Hall — one of Northern Germany's most important landmarks. The marathon route leads through the medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, past the Holstentor (the Hanseatic city's second most famous landmark) and along the Trave river. The race then opens up towards Travemünde, one of Germany's most popular Baltic Sea resorts, where the marathon turn-around point is located on the promenade next to the lighthouse.

Five Distances for 4,000 Runners

The event format offers five distances: 2 km for children, 4 km for beginners, 10 km for hobby athletes, 21.1 km half marathon, and 42.2 km marathon. This range makes the run a family event as well as a competition hotspot. Over 4,000 participants from 20 nations start annually — from amateur runners from Kiel to top Kenyan athletes who shape the course.

Route and Schedule

The start is at 9:30 AM at Kohlmarkt. The marathon route first leads through the historic old town: Holstentor, An der Untertrave, Beckergrube. Then the route opens northwards towards Travemünde — along the Trave through the industrial and port city to the Baltic Sea beaches. Turn-around at the Travemünde lighthouse, return on the same route. The half marathon and shorter distances have their own turn-around points. The finish line is back at Kohlmarkt with the full city backdrop.

Early Bird Benefits and Sponsors

Registration opens on October 21, 2025. Early birds (MEGA Early Bird until 31.10.2025) receive free medal engraving and choice of bib number. The SUPER Early Bird (until 31.12.2025) offers a choice of bib number. The general registration deadline is September 30, 2026 — those who want their first name on their bib number must register by then. Main sponsors are Stadtwerke Lübeck, Sparkasse zu Lübeck, EUROIMMUN, and AEROBEE. Media partners: Lübeck Nachrichten, Radio Lübeck, HL-SPORTS. Health partner: DAK Gesundheit.

Lübeck — Hanseatic City with Running Culture

In the Middle Ages, Lübeck was the most powerful city of the Hanseatic League, and its old town island — framed by the Trave and Wakenitz rivers — continues to shape Northern Germany's cultural identity today. With around 217,000 inhabitants, it is Schleswig-Holstein's second-largest city. The marathon is part of its modern identity: sport, internationality, tourism. The state of Schleswig-Holstein and the Hanseatic city support the run as an important promotional event.