Overview
The Leipzig Marathon draws about 7,500 finishers each April through the city of Bach and the peaceful revolution of 1989. The course passes the Völkerschlachtdenkmal (Battle of Nations Monument), the Thomaskirche, and the Clara-Zetkin Park on flat Saxon terrain. April spring weather and a fast profile make it one of eastern Germany's largest marathons.
Leipzig Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Leipzig Marathon 2027 race day
The next Leipzig Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 25 April 2027 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.
Leipzig Marathon course route
The Leipzig Marathon is a flat city loop that starts and finishes at Augustusplatz and passes the Voelkerschlachtdenkmal, Thomaskirche, the Red Bull Arena, and Clara-Zetkin Park. The park and boulevard miles are the easiest to settle into, the many urban transitions are tougher than any real climbing, and spectator support is strongest at Augustusplatz, near Thomaskirche and the arena, and through the busier park-edge sections.
Leipzig Marathon elevation profile
The Leipzig 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.
Entry requirements
The Leipzig Marathon uses open registration at leipzig-marathon.de with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous autumn. With around 7,500 finishers, it is one of eastern Germany's largest marathons and early registration is advisable.
Leipzig Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Running the Leipzig Marathon Course
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Leipzig Marathon elevation profile?
- The Leipzig Marathon has 50 metres of total climbing and 50 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Leipzig Marathon?
- The Leipzig Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Augustusplatz in the city centre.
- What time does the Leipzig Marathon start?
- The 2027 Leipzig Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 25 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.leipzig-marathon.de/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Leipzig Marathon finish?
- The finish is at Augustusplatz in central Leipzig.
- Does the Leipzig Marathon pass the Battle of Nations Monument?
- Yes. The Völkerschlachtdenkmal is one of the course's most distinctive landmarks.
- When is the Leipzig Marathon?
- The race is held in April. Registration is at https://www.leipzig-marathon.de/.
- Is the Leipzig Marathon flat?
- Yes. Leipzig sits on the flat Saxon plain.
- What is Leipzig weather in April?
- April mornings are cool, typically 6–12 °C (43–54 °F).
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Leipzig.
Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany· 102 km away
Magdeburg Marathon
The Magdeburg Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each October on an urban road in Magdeburg, Germany. Its flatness makes it one of Germany's more under-the-radar fast autumn marathons. The course passes Elbe-adjacent roads, parks, and broad former East German boulevards. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Neuhaus am Rennweg, Thuringia, Germany· 126 km away
Rennsteiglauf Marathon
The Rennsteiglauf Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each May on a mountain road and trail in Neuhaus am Rennweg, Germany. The Rennsteig name carries enormous tradition in German endurance sport. The route passes forest ridgelines, classic Rennsteig segments, and long climbing sections through central Germany's highlands. Expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027
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