Next race
Sunday, 25 April 2027
9:20 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point river road
Elevation
Net downhill · 180 m gain
180 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Oberelbe Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a point-to-point river road in Pirna, Germany. The Elbe valley scenery gives it one of Germany's prettiest spring point-to-point routes. The course follows the Elbe, sandstone landscapes, and a long gentle run toward central Dresden. The route is net downhill overall.
Oberelbe Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,000 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Oberelbe Marathon course
Course route details, elevation profile, and downloadable GPX for race-week planning.
Starts upstream in Saxon Switzerland and finishes in Dresden. The course follows the Elbe, sandstone landscapes, and a long gentle run toward central Dresden. Moderate terrain throughout. The net descent rewards aggressive pacing but punishes the quads late.
The Oberelbe Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Net downhill · 180 m gain — approx. 119 m above sea level
↑ 180 m · ↓ 220 m · net −40 m
Oberelbe Marathon GPX file
Download the Oberelbe Marathon GPX file
Marathon Focus' proprietary GPX processing removes duplicate points, adds elevation data, and formats the file so you get a cleaner, more reliable route to load into your Garmin, Coros, or Apple Watch fitness watch.
Registration
Oberelbe Marathon entry requirements
The Oberelbe Marathon uses open online registration at oberelbe-marathon.de with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Oberelbe Marathon travel
Airports closest to Pirna for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Dresden (DRS)
Dresden Airport
23 km / 14 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Oberelbe Marathon elevation profile?
- The Oberelbe Marathon has 180 metres of total climbing and 220 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 40 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- How long is the Oberelbe Marathon?
- The Oberelbe Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point river road starts upstream in Saxon Switzerland and finishes in Dresden.
- What time does the Oberelbe Marathon start?
- The 2027 Oberelbe Marathon starts at 9:20 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.
- Where does the Oberelbe Marathon start and finish?
- Starts upstream in Saxon Switzerland and finishes in Dresden. Updated each year.
- When is the Oberelbe Marathon and how do I register?
- Oberelbe Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Oberelbe Marathon course flat?
- The course includes net downhill then mostly flat. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Oberelbe Marathon pass?
- The course follows the Elbe, sandstone landscapes, and a long gentle run toward central Dresden.
- What weather should runners expect at Oberelbe Marathon?
- Usually cool and fresh with spring river air and possible cloud cover.
Official resources
Oberelbe Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Pirna.
BurgBrandenburgGermany· 99 km away
Spreewald Marathon
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, 25 April 2027
PragueCzech Republic· 103 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
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
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Marathon Weather: What to Expect
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How to Choose a Marathon
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