Mannheim Marathon

MannheimBaden-WürttembergGermany

Next race

Sunday, 23 May 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 Mannheim Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each May through the grid-planned city at the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar rivers. The course passes the Wasserturm water tower, the baroque Schloss Mannheim, and the grid-layout city blocks unique in Germany. May's Rhine spring and the flat river-plain terrain make it a fast southwest German marathon.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 2,000 finishers

Weather: Mild spring
13–18°C · humidity 60–75%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Mannheim Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Mannheim Marathon is an urban road that starts and finishes at the Wasserturm or Paradeplatz in central Mannheim. The grid-layout loop passes the baroque Schloss, the Rhine-Neckar confluence, and the Friedrichsplatz. 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.

Registration

Mannheim Marathon entry requirements

The Mannheim Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.mannheim-marathon.de/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mannheim Marathon elevation profile?: The Mannheim 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.
How long is the Mannheim Marathon?: The Mannheim Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Wasserturm or Paradeplatz in central Mannheim.
What time does the Mannheim Marathon start?: The 2027 Mannheim Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 23 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is unique about Mannheim's city layout?: Mannheim was built on a grid plan with lettered and numbered blocks instead of street names — the only major German city with this American-style layout. The marathon follows the grid.
When is the Mannheim Marathon?: The Mannheim Marathon is held in May, typically on the fourth Sunday.
Is the Mannheim Marathon flat?: Yes. The Rhine-Neckar plain course is flat and fast.
What is the Wasserturm?: The Wasserturm is Mannheim's 60-metre Romanesque Revival water tower, the most recognisable landmark in the city and a start/finish reference point.
What weather should I expect in Mannheim in May?: May in Mannheim is mild Rhine spring weather, often 14–22 °C (57–72 °F).

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

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Mannheim.

HeidelbergBaden-WürttembergGermany· 19 km away

Heidelberg Marathon

The Heidelberg Marathon attracts approximately 1,500 finishers each April through Germany's most romantic university town on the Neckar River. The course passes Heidelberg Castle on its forested hilltop, the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), and the Philosopher's Walk with views of the red-roofed Altstadt. April's Neckar valley spring and the fairy-tale scenery make it one of Germany's most picturesque marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027

KandelRhineland-PalatinateGermany· 49 km away

Bienwald-Marathon

The Bienwald-Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each March on a forest road in Kandel, Germany. It is a favored German spring race for runners chasing even splits on flat terrain. The route passes quiet Palatinate roads and long sheltered sections beside the Bienwald woodland. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 7 March 2027

KarlsruheBaden-WürttembergGermany· 54 km away

Karlsruhe Marathon

The Karlsruhe Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each May through the fan-shaped baroque city in Baden-Württemberg. The course radiates from the Karlsruhe Palace through the city's unique fan-layout streets, passing the ZKM media museum and the Rhine harbour. May's spring weather in Germany's sunniest city and flat terrain make it a popular southwest German marathon.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

MainzRhineland-PalatinateGermany· 56 km away

Mainz Marathon

The Mainz Marathon attracts approximately 2,000 finishers each May through the Rhine city of Gutenberg and carnival fame. The course passes the Mainz Cathedral, the Rhine riverfront, and the citadel overlooking the river on flat Rhenish Hesse terrain. May's Rhine spring and the carnival-city atmosphere make it one of Germany's most cheerful regional marathons.

Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

FrankfurtHesseGermany· 71 km away

Frankfurt Marathon

The Frankfurt Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 15k finishers on an urban road in Frankfurt, Germany. Runners start on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage (waves from 10:00, must start by 10:30) and finish inside the Festhalle (east gate). The route passes the Römer, the Main river embankment, Sachsenhausen, and the banking district. Very flat with only minor rises on Main river bridges.

Next race: Sunday, 25 October 2026

Steinheim an der MurrBaden-WürttembergGermany· 83 km away

Bottwartal Marathon

The Bottwartal Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each October on a valley road in Steinheim an der Murr, Germany. It is a classic community marathon weekend for southwestern Germany's club-running scene. The route passes vineyards, small towns, and rolling valley roads north of Stuttgart. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026

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Planning guides

Related guides

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

Mannheim Marathon

Overview

Mannheim Marathon course

Mannheim Marathon entry requirements

Mannheim Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Mannheim Marathon links

Websites