Germany's first beach marathon — exclusively on sand, no asphalt
The Usedom Beach Marathon is a premiere for German running. Until now, there was no marathon course in Germany that runs exclusively on sandy beach — Usedom Tourismus GmbH fills this gap with the inaugural event on June 6, 2026. The full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers will be covered on an out-and-back course between Zinnowitz and Ahlbeck — directly by the water, far from asphalt, without traffic nuisance.
The format is staggered and aimed at athletes of different levels:
The course reflects the diversity of the island of Usedom. Starting from Zinnowitz beach, you head south with the wind at your back, passing Trassenheide, Karlshagen, and Ückeritz, through the imperial spa Heringsdorf to Ahlbeck — on the eastern tip of the island, within sight of the Polish border. Three impressive piers — Heringsdorf (508 m, Germany's longest pier), Ahlbeck (historic landmark, Germany's oldest sea structure), Bansin, and Zinnowitz — mark the course like signposts to the hinterland.
Sand presents a special challenge for trained athletes and hobby runners — the soft ground demands a changed running technique and higher exertion. The course is not ITRA-accredited but is considered an attractive trail-like run and is expected to soon lead marathon best lists for sand runs. Bambini distances from 400 meters make the day a family event.
The organizer is Usedom Tourismus GmbH, based in the Baltic Sea resort of Koserow in the Vorpommern-Greifswald district. It is the umbrella organization for the tourist marketing of the entire island and uses the marathon as a plus-season event for spring, a phase that was traditionally weaker in tourism than midsummer.
The marathon starts at 9:00 AM at the Zinnowitz concert square, with a time limit of 7 hours. At 10:30 AM, the half marathon follows (time limit 5 hours), and at 11:00 AM, the pier run (10 km) and the Bambini distances (400 m, 800 m, 3 km). The relay marathon (minimum three runners per team) also starts at 9:00 AM.
The 42.195 km course runs on flat sandy beach from Zinnowitz towards Ahlbeck. No asphalt, no traffic — just water on one side and dunes on the other. Expected running times range from 4 to 8 hours depending on the level; the soft sand slows runners down by an average of 10 to 20 percent compared to classic road marathons.
On the day before, June 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM at the Ahlbeck concert square. On race day, June 6: on-site at the start until one hour before the start time.
Entry fees: Marathon 42 EUR, Half Marathon 21 EUR, 10 km Pier Run 10 EUR, Relay Marathon 99 EUR per team, Bambini 5 EUR. Late registration from May 25, 2026, with a surcharge of 10 EUR. Included in the entry fee: bib number, timing, refreshments, finisher medal. Registration online via my.raceresult.com.
Train: Usedomer Bäderbahn (UBB) from Züssow (DB connection) to Zinnowitz (start) or Ahlbeck (finish). An increased service will be scheduled during the marathon Saturday.
Car: Via the A20 (exit Anklam), then B109/B110. Parking at the concert square Zinnowitz (start) and on Ahlbeck beach (finish) — advance reservation via the organizer recommended.
On the day before, June 5, 2026, from 2:00 PM at the concert square Ahlbeck. Alternatively, on race morning up to 1 hour before the start. Registration via my.raceresult.com (search term: Usedom Beach Marathon).
Consider sand-specific shoe choice — trail shoes or classic beach running shoes are recommended. The organizer has considered potential high tide issues by adjusting the course.
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Strand Zinnowitz bis Ahlbeck (Start in Zinnowitz)
Hauptstraße 42, 17459 Koserow