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.
Oberelbe Marathon 2027 race day
The next Oberelbe Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 April 2027 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
Oberelbe Marathon course route
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.
Oberelbe Marathon elevation profile
The Oberelbe Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat 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.
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.
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 then mostly flat, 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 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on oberelbe-marathon.de/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Oberelbe Marathon start and finish?
- Starts upstream in Saxon Switzerland and finishes in Dresden. Updated course maps are published at https://oberelbe-marathon.de/ each year.
- When is the Oberelbe Marathon and how do I register?
- Oberelbe Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens through https://oberelbe-marathon.de/ and 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 https://oberelbe-marathon.de/ 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.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Pirna.
Prague, Prague, Czech 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
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany· 171 km away
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The Potsdam Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April through the Prussian royal city of palaces and gardens. The course passes Sanssouci Palace, the Dutch Quarter, and the Havel River lakes on flat Brandenburg terrain. April's Brandenburg spring and the UNESCO palace gardens make it one of eastern Germany's most scenic marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
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