Essen Marathon

EssenNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany

Next race

Sunday, 25 April 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Flat · 50 m gain

50 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Essen Marathon (Westenergie Marathon) draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April through the Ruhrgebiet's former coal and steel capital now transformed into a cultural city. The course passes the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex — a UNESCO World Heritage site — Baldeneysee lake, and the Grugapark on flat Ruhr valley terrain. April's Ruhr spring makes it a symbol of Germany's industrial reinvention.

Essen Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,200 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid spring
8–13°C · humidity 65–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Essen Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Essen Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Zollverein UNESCO site or the Grugapark. The loop passes the Zollverein coking plant, Baldeneysee lake, and the Essen city centre. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather at the start-finish festival and at organised cheer zones through the city centre and along the main boulevards.

Essen Marathon route map

Registration

Essen Marathon entry requirements

For the Essen Marathon, the Westenergie Marathon Essen is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://westenergie-marathon.de/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Essen Marathon elevation profile?: The Essen Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Essen Marathon route map?: This page includes a Essen Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes the Zollverein coking plant, Baldeneysee lake, and the Essen city centre.
How long is the Essen Marathon?: The Essen Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Zollverein UNESCO site or the Grugapark.
What time does the Essen Marathon start?: The 2027 Essen Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Essen Marathon pass Zollverein?: Yes. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most iconic landmark on the course through the Ruhrgebiet.
When is the Essen Marathon?: The Westenergie Marathon Essen is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday.
Is the Essen marathon flat?: Yes. The Ruhr valley course is flat, reflecting the industrial plain geography of the region.
What is Baldeneysee?: Baldeneysee is a reservoir lake on the Ruhr River in southern Essen, providing a scenic green section of the marathon route.
What weather should I expect in Essen in April?: April in the Ruhrgebiet is mild spring weather, often 10–16 °C (50–61 °F).

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Essen.

DuisburgNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 17 km away

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The Rhein-Ruhr Marathon attracts approximately 1,144 finishers each May through Duisburg at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. The course passes the Inner Harbour (Innenhafen), the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, and the Rheinpark on flat industrial-heritage terrain. May's Ruhr spring and the transformed industrial landscape make it a unique marathon in Germany's largest urban agglomeration.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

DüsseldorfNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 31 km away

Düsseldorf Marathon

The Düsseldorf Marathon attracts about 5,000 finishers each April on a flat Rhine riverfront loop through the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia. The course passes the Rheinturm TV tower, Königsallee shopping boulevard, and MedienHafen harbour district. Düsseldorf's spring marathon is a fast, scenic tour of one of Germany's most prosperous cities.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

CologneNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 58 km away

Cologne Marathon

The Cologne Marathon (Generali Köln Marathon) attracts about 8,000 finishers each October on a fast loop through Germany's cathedral city. The course passes Cologne Cathedral, crosses the Rhine on the Deutzer Brücke, and finishes on the Rheinauhafen waterfront. October running weather and a flat profile make it one of Germany's premier autumn marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

MünsterNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 70 km away

Münster Marathon

The Münster Marathon draws about 4,500 finishers each October through the bicycle capital of Germany. The course passes the Prinzipalmarkt arcades, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Aasee lake on flat Westphalian terrain. October autumn weather and the historic Prinzipalmarkt finish make it a charming western German marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 16 May 2027

BonnNorth Rhine-WestphaliaGermany· 81 km away

Bonn Marathon

The Bonn Marathon attracts approximately 1,200 finishers each April through the former West German capital on the Rhine. The course passes Beethoven's birthplace, the Post Tower, and the Rhine meadows (Rheinaue) on flat Bonn terrain. April's Rhine spring and the Beethovenstadt cultural heritage make it a charming Rhineland marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 11 April 2027

EnschedeOverijsselNetherlands· 85 km away

Enschede Marathon

The Enschede Marathon is the Netherlands' oldest marathon, drawing about 4,500 finishers each April through the eastern city near the German border. The flat course passes the University of Twente campus and the city centre on wide Dutch roads. April spring weather and dead-flat terrain make it a fast eastern Netherlands marathon.

Next race: Friday, 9 April 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Essen Marathon

Overview

Essen Marathon course

Essen Marathon route map

Essen Marathon entry requirements

Essen Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Essen Marathon links

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