
Potsdam Marathon
Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Overview
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.
Potsdam Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Potsdam Marathon 2027 race day
The next Potsdam 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.
Potsdam Marathon course route
The Potsdam Marathon is a historic urban road that starts and finishes near Sanssouci Palace or the Brandenburg Gate (Potsdam). The loop passes Sanssouci Park, the Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel), and the Havel River lakes. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Crowd support is strongest around the historic start-finish hub and along the landmark districts that define the city's character.
Potsdam Marathon elevation profile
The Potsdam 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 Potsdam Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.potsdam-marathon.de/.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Potsdam Marathon elevation profile?
- The Potsdam 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 Potsdam Marathon?
- The Potsdam Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starts and finishes near Sanssouci Palace or the Brandenburg Gate (Potsdam).
- What time does the Potsdam Marathon start?
- The 2027 Potsdam 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.potsdam-marathon.de/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Potsdam Marathon pass Sanssouci Palace?
- Yes. Frederick the Great's Sanssouci Palace and its terraced vineyard gardens are the most famous landmarks on the course — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- When is the Potsdam Marathon?
- The Potsdam Marathon is held in April, typically on the fourth Sunday. Registration is at https://www.potsdam-marathon.de/.
- Is the Potsdam Marathon flat?
- Yes. The Brandenburg plain course through Potsdam is flat, though the Sanssouci terraces are visible from the route.
- What is the Dutch Quarter?
- The Holländisches Viertel is Potsdam's Dutch Quarter with red-brick gabled houses built for Dutch craftsmen in the 18th century.
- What weather should I expect in Potsdam in April?
- April in Potsdam is cool spring weather, often 8–16 °C (46–61 °F). The palace gardens begin to bloom.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Potsdam.

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



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