Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
The Kiel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each September through Germany's sailing city on the Baltic Sea. The course passes the Kiel Fjord (Kieler Förde), the Kiellinie sailing promenade, and the naval harbour on flat Schleswig-Holstein coastal terrain. September's Baltic late summer and the windjammer atmosphere make it northern Germany's premier seaside marathon.
Kiel Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next Kiel Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 50 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
The Kiel Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts and finishes at the Kiellinie sailing promenade or the Kiel city hall. The loop follows the Kieler Förde waterfront, passes the naval harbour, and crosses the Holstenstraße. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
The Kiel Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 50 metres of climbing and 50 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
The Kiel Marathon is held in September, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.kiel-marathon.de/.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Other races closest to Kiel.
The Spreewald Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a canal-region road in Burg, Germany. The Spreewald setting gives the race a strong regional identity built around waterways and villages. The course passes canals, meadows, and low-lying roads through one of Germany's most distinctive wetland landscapes. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
The H.C. Andersen Marathon in Odense draws about 2,800 finishers each September through the fairy-tale author's hometown on Funen. The course passes the H.C. Andersen Museum, the Odense River, and the historic old town on flat Danish terrain. September autumn weather and literary heritage make it Denmark's signature marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 20 September 2026
The Rostock Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May through the Hanseatic port city on the Baltic Sea. The course passes the St. Mary's Church, the Warnemünde beach resort, and the harbour channel on flat northern German coastal terrain. May's Baltic spring and the seaside finish make it Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
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