Cologne Marathon 2025: Record applications and large closures at the start!

Cologne Marathon 2025: Record applications and large closures at the start!

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, Generali Cologne Marathon takes place. The anticipation of this big event is increasing, because around 25,000 runners have already registered today, which is a considerable number - a new record in the history of the marathon. As Laufmonster.de , around 20,120 registered participants were recorded 200 days before the marathon, which underlines the enormous demand.

Markus Frisch, Managing Director of Kölner Endauerport GmbH, emphasizes that the demand for marathons in general is growing. This is also evident in the reports on this year's event: 5,200 registrations have already been registered for the marathon itself, which corresponds to an increase of 55 % for the previous year. There are even 13,660 messages in the half marathon, a doubling compared to the previous year. The relay marathon also enjoys growing popularity with 1,260 messages and records an increase of 73 %.

route and participant limits

The marathon route measures 42.195 kilometers and leads through some of the most beautiful districts of Cologne. The start times are exciting: the half marathon starts at 9:00 a.m. from Ottoplatz in Deutz, while the marathon as well as the relay race and the school marathon start at 10:30 a.m. on Opladener Strasse. The finish line is at 4:30 p.m. on Komödienstraße at Cologne Cathedral, where the runners are received. There are certain participants: the marathon is limited to 12,000 runners, and for the half marathon, which is already sold out, the limit was 18,800. In addition, 1,100 seasons can be registered.

The extraordinary route is accompanied by 10 refreshments that are waiting for the participants with water, bananas and other snacks. The runners can orient themselves particularly environmentally friendly on the green lines that show the way as a water -soluble marking. The event will also ensure entertaining distractions: music and moderation will heat the mood during the race.

traffic impairments and public transport

Due to the route, there are some road closures in the city on the day of the event. As ksta.de , the closures are planned from 6:00 a.m. to around 6:00 p.m. The Deutzer and Severinsbrücken, which are blocked on that day, are particularly affected. For drivers and users of public transport, there will be some diversions and restrictions on various light rail and bus lines that are announced by KVB.

The Cologne Marathon has developed into one of the largest running events in Germany since its initial application in 1997 and not only attracts local runners, but also international participants. According to Statista there were a total of 131 marathon runs in Germany in 2023, and the marathon is considered "royal discipline" in running. Running is very popular in Germany: Around 45 % of the population likes to run, and many participants successfully reach the goal of their competitions.

The organizers expect an increase in registrations until the marathon day, especially in the half marathon, which could possibly exceed his limit of 20,000 starters at an early stage. So if you want to be there, you should hurry up, because the places are in great demand!