Overview
The Dresden Marathon attracts about 6,500 finishers each April through the restored baroque capital of Saxony. The course passes the Frauenkirche, the Semperoper, and the Elbe River embankment. April spring weather along the flat Elbe valley makes it eastern Germany's premier marathon.
Dresden Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Dresden Marathon 2027 race day
The next Dresden Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Dresden Marathon course route
The Dresden Marathon is a loop starting and finishing at Theaterplatz by the Semperoper, following the Elbe past the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger, and the Blaues Wunder bridge. It stays mostly flat aside from small rises off the riverbanks, and spectators line Theaterplatz and the Elbe meadows beneath the baroque skyline.
Dresden Marathon elevation profile
The Dresden Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Dresden Marathon uses open registration at dresden-marathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous autumn. The Elbe river course draws strong participation from across eastern Germany and early registration secures lower tier pricing.
Dresden Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Dresden-Marathon (ab 2016) - Streckenverlauf im 3D-Stadtmodell
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Dresden Marathon elevation profile?
- The Dresden Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Dresden Marathon?
- The Dresden Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing at the Theaterplatz near the Semperoper.
- What time does the Dresden Marathon start?
- The 2027 Dresden Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.dresden-marathon.com/en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Dresden Marathon finish?
- The finish is at Theaterplatz near the Semperoper opera house.
- Does the Dresden Marathon pass the Frauenkirche?
- Yes. The rebuilt Frauenkirche church is a centrepiece of the course through the baroque old town.
- When is the Dresden Marathon?
- The race is held in April. Registration is at https://www.dresden-marathon.com/en/.
- Is the Dresden Marathon flat?
- Largely yes along the Elbe valley.
- What does the Dresden course pass?
- Runners pass the Frauenkirche, Semperoper, Zwinger, and the Elbe's Blaues Wunder bridge.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Dresden.
Prague, Prague, Czech Republic· 117 km away
Prague Marathon
The Prague Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on a historic urban road in Prague, Czech Republic. The course starts and finishes on Old Town Square. The route crosses the Charles Bridge twice, passing Prague Castle, Wenceslas Square, and the Vltava embankment. Very flat along the river; cobblestones on Charles Bridge and in the Old Town.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany· 157 km away
Potsdam Marathon
The Potsdam Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April through the Prussian royal city of palaces and gardens. The course passes Sanssouci Palace, the Dutch Quarter, and the Havel River lakes on flat Brandenburg terrain. April's Brandenburg spring and the UNESCO palace gardens make it one of eastern Germany's most scenic marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
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