Pros
Run Fast. Feel Cologne.
Cologne may be famous for its incredible atmosphere and one of Germany’s most exciting mass-participation marathons – but make no mistake: Cologne is fast!
In 2025, we took performance to a new level with two new course records in the marathon and half marathon – despite gusty winds and rain. Just imagine what is possible on a perfect day in Cologne.
The men’s marathon course record now stands at an impressive 2:06:54, while the women’s record of 2:25:35, set in 2012, is waiting for a new challenger.
Could it be you?
On October 4, 2026, a fast course and around 300,000 enthusiastic Cologne spectators will be waiting to push you all the way to the finish line. For 42.195 kilometres, the city turns into one huge running party – with an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
So if you are looking for a race to set a new personal best – and want to experience one of Europe’s most vibrant marathon crowds at the same time – Cologne is the place to be.
Interested in joining our elite field?
Please send us a short email at elite@generali-koeln-marathon.de, including your personal best, by September 21, 2026. We will review your details and get back to you as soon as possible.
Fast course. Incredible crowds. One unforgettable race.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cologne!
Qualification times for the race
- To qualify for the marathon elite field, you need a PB of faster than 2:35:00 hours for women and 2:15:00 hours for men.
- To qualify for the half marathon elite field, you need a PB of faster than 1:08:00 hours for men or 1:16:00 hours for women.
Course
– from Deutz to Cologne Cathedral
- flat and fast
- lead through vivid city quarters: Rodenkirchen, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld and Nippes
- 11 refreshment stations
Registered top athletes
Erika Mustermann
Maximilian Thomas Mustermann
| Year | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Angelinga Kanana | KEN | 02:27:29 |
| 1998 | Malgozata Sobanska | POL | 02:29:42 |
| 1999 | Elzbieta Jarosz | POL | 02:34:24 |
| 2000 | Malgozata Sobanska | POL | 02:28:42 |
| 2001 | Judy Kiplimo | KEN | 02:31:08 |
| 2002 | Claudia Dreher | GER | 02:31:08 |
| 2003 | Tegla Loroupe | KEN | 02:33:48 |
| 2004 | Claudia Dreher | GER | 02:32:04 |
| 2005 | Claudia Dreher | GER | 02:31:43 |
| 2006 | Luminita Zaituc | GER | 02:28:30 |
| 2007 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 02:29:33 |
| 2008 | Robe Tola Guta | ETH | 02:29:39 |
| 2009 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 02:30:12 |
| 2010 | Katharina Heining | GER | 02:46:05 |
| 2011 | Mekuria Aberume | ETH | 02:32:24 |
| 2012 | Helena Kirop | KEN | 02:25:34 |
| 2013 | Janet Rono | KEN | 02:28:36 |
| 2014 | Shasho Insermu | ETH | 02:35:36 |
| 2015 | Gelane Senbete | ETH | 02:37:33 |
| 2016 | Bornes Jepkurui Kitur | KEN | 02:32:16 |
| 2017 | Rebecca Robisch | GER | 02:42:59 |
| 2018 | Rebecca Robisch | GER | 02:46:03 |
| 2019 | Debbie Schöneborn | GER | 02:31:18 |
| 2022 | Sabine Burgdorf | GER | 02:40:40 |
| 2023 | Esther Jacobitz | GER | 02:37:40 |
| 2024 | Zinash Mekonnen | ETH | 02:29:41 |
| Jahr | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Stephan Freigang | GER | 02:11:58 |
| 1998 | Carsten Eich | GER | 02:10:57 |
| 1999 | Benson Lokorwa | KEN | 02:11:51 |
| 2000 | Benson Lokorwa | KEN | 02:15:51 |
| 2001 | Simon Lopuyet | KEN | 02:11:57 |
| 2002 | Ernest Kipyego | KEN | 02:10:52 |
| 2003 | Benjamin Rotich | KEN | 02:12:03 |
| 2004 | James Rotich | KEN | 02:10:22 |
| 2005 | Joseph Kadon | KEN | 02:11:55 |
| 2006 | Teferi Wodajo | ETH | 02:11:24 |
| 2007 | Daniel Too | KEN | 02:11:05 |
| 2008 | Sammy Kurgat | KEN | 02:10:03 |
| 2009 | Evans Kipkosgei Ruto | KEN | 02:08:36 |
| 2010 | Bowel Francis Kipkoech | KEN | 02:14:15 |
| 2011 | Samson Kiprono Barmao | KEN | 02:08:56 |
| 2012 | Alfred Kering | KEN | 02:07:37 |
| 2013 | Nicholas Chelimo | KEN | 02:09:45 |
| 2014 | Anthony Maritim | KEN | 02:10:26 |
| 2015 | Benson Waweru | KEN | 02:16:03 |
| 2016 | Raymond Kipchumba Choge | KEN | 02:08:39 |
| 2017 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 02:13:42 |
| 2018 | Tobias Blum | GER | 02:16:57 |
| 2019 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 02:15:19 |
| 2022 | Tobias Blum | GER | 02:16:25 |
| 2023 | Amos Kipkorir Changwony | KEN | 02:14:43 |
| 2024 | Demeke Tadesse | ETH | 02:12:37 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Helena Kirop | KEN | 02:25:34 |
| #2 | Angelina Kanana | KEN | 02:27:27 |
| #3 | Shetaye Bedaso | ETH | 02:27:29 |
| #4 | Luminita Zaituc | GER | 02:28:24 |
| #5 | Janet Rono | KEN | 02:28:36 |
| #6 | Małgorzata Sobańska | POL | 02:28:42 |
| #7 | Makda Harun | KEN | 02:29:03 |
| #8 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 02:29:33 |
| #9 | Robe Tola Guta | ETH | 02:29:36 |
| #10 | Małgorzata Sobańska | POL | 02:29:39 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alfred Kering | KEN | 02:07:37 |
| #2 | Limenih Getachew | ETH | 02:07:39 |
| #3 | Duncan Koech | KEN | 02:07:53 |
| #4 | Laban Mutai | KEN | 02:08:01 |
| #5 | Evans Kipkogei Ruto | KEN | 02:08:36 |
| #6 | Samson Bungei | KEN | 02:08:36 |
| #7 | Raymond Kipchumba Choge | KEN | 02:08:39 |
| #8 | Samson Kipron Barmao | KEN | 02:08:56 |
| #9 | Adam Khamis | KEN | 02:09:09 |
| #10 | Victor Lagat | KEN | 02:09:13 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Angelina Kanana | KEN | 02:27:27 (1997) |
| #2 | Helena Kirop | KEN | 02:25:34 (2012) |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Steffen Freigang | GER | 2:11:58 (1997) |
| #2 | Carsten Eich | GER | 2:10:55 (1998) |
| #3 | Ernest Kipyego | KEN | 2:10:51 (2002) |
| #4 | James Rotich | KEN | 2:10:22 (2004) |
| #5 | Sammy Kurgat | KEN | 2:10:01 (2008) |
| #6 | Evans Kipkogei Ruto | KEN | 02:08:36 (2009) |
| #7 | Alfred Kering | KEN | 02:07:37 (2012) |
(Former) ambassadors
“The Cologne Marathon has a special emotional significance for me. I lived in Cologne for two years and ran my very first half marathon here. I was able to win it straight away. The atmosphere along the course and the finish at the cathedral carried me along the course and make the Cologne Marathon a unique event.”
Laura Hottenrott
“I am delighted that Cologne organized the marathon championships, as the marathon has been supporting young German road runners for many years.
It were certainly worthy nationals at a top organized event – and on a very fast course.
I ran the German U23 record for the half marathon distance here a few years ago!”
It were certainly worthy nationals at a top organized event – and on a very fast course.
I ran the German U23 record for the half marathon distance here a few years ago!”
Hendrik Pfeiffer
Samuel Fitwi
“The Cologne Marathon is a big family reunion every year and feels like ‘coming home’! A special feeling!”
Sabrina “Mocki” Mockenhaupt
“For me, the Cologne Marathon is not just a race – it’s an experience! The family flair and the incredible atmosphere along the course are unique in Germany! It motivates you to give your best!”
Tobi Blum
Course
– from Deutz to Cologne Cathedral
- flat and fast
- lead through vivid city quarters: Sülz, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld and downtown Cologne
- 6 refreshment stations
Registered top athletes
Erika Mustermann
Maximilian Thomas Mustermann
| Year | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Irina Mikitenko | GER | 01:10:09 |
| 2007 | Luminita Zaituc | GER | 01:11:54 |
| 2008 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:08:51 |
| 2009 | Julia Viellehner | GER | 01:14:36 |
| 2010 | Simret Restle-Apel | GER | 01:12:56 |
| 2011 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:10:33 |
| 2012 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:16:43 |
| 2013 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:10:55 |
| 2014 | Christl Dörschel | GER | 01:17:40 |
| 2015 | Simret Restle-Apel | GER | 01:12:28 |
| 2016 | Laura Hottenrott | GER | 01:15:15 |
| 2017 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:12:02 |
| 2018 | Alinah Reh | GER | 01:09:31 |
| 2019 | Katja Fischer | GER | 01:15:18 |
| 2022 | Esther Jacobitz | GER | 01:15:53 |
| 2023 | Mia Jurenka | GER | 01:12:46 |
| 2024 | Esther Pfeiffer | GER | 01:09:49 |
| Jahr | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Pascal Meißner | GER | 01:11:43 |
| 2007 | Lars Haferkamp | GER | 01:07:35 |
| 2008 | Ali Mehmet Akbas | TUR | 01:08:08 |
| 2009 | Maciek Miereczko | GER | 01:07:14 |
| 2010 | Leonard Langat | KEN | 01:03:00 |
| 2011 | Vitaly Rybak | GER | 01:05:27 |
| 2012 | Wilson Chemweno | KEN | 01:07:22 |
| 2013 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 01:05:13 |
| 2014 | Melaku Belachew | ETH | 01:03:26 |
| 2015 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 01:03:42 |
| 2016 | Tom Gröschel | GER | 01:15:15 |
| 2017 | Tobias Blum | GER | 01:05:39 |
| 2018 | Karol Grunenberg | GER | 01:05:20 |
| 2019 | Amanal Petros | GER | 01:05:43 |
| 2022 | Tom Förster | GER | 01:04:50 |
| 2023 | Tom Förster | GER | 01:04:11 |
| 2024 | Tom Förster | GER | 01:04:36 |
All-time best
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:08:51 |
| #2 | Alina Reh | GER | 01:09:31 |
| #3 | Irina Mikitenko | GER | 01:10:09 |
| #4 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:10:33 |
| #5 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:10:35 |
| #6 | Luminita Ziatuc | GER | 01:11:54 |
| #7 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:10:55 |
| #8 | Sabrina Mockenhaupt | GER | 01:12:05 |
| #9 | Eleni Gebrehiwoth | GER | 01:12:24 |
| #10 | Simret Restle-Apel | GER | 01:12:28 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Leonard Langat | KEN | 01:03:00 |
| #2 | Melaku Belachew | ETH | 01:03:26 |
| #3 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 01:03:42 |
| #4 | Tom Gröschel | GER | 01:04:49 |
| #5 | Collins Kibet | KEN | 01:05:08 |
| #6 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 01:05:11 |
| #7 | Jan Fitschen | GER | 01:05:19 |
| #8 | Karol Grunenberg | GER | 01:05:20 |
| #9 | Vitaly Rybak | UGA | 01:05:27 |
| #10 | Marcel Bräutigam | GER | 01:05:35 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Maike Schön | GER | 01:15:55 |
| #2 | Ulla Gatzweiler | GER | 01:18:38 |
| #3 | Susanne Schulze | GER | 01:19:39 |
| #4 | Vera Coutellier | GER | 01:20:09 |
| #5 | Ulla Gatzweiler | GER | 01:20:28 |
| #6 | Vera Coutellier | GER | 01:21:09 |
| #7 | Marlies Meyer | GER | 01:21:48 |
| #8 | Aude Salord | FRA | 01:21:57 |
| #9 | Rike Westermann | GER | 01:22:12 |
| #10 | Ulla Gatzweiler | GER | 01:23:32 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lars Haferkamp | GER | 01:07:35 |
| #2 | Bob Greis | GER | 01:08:11 |
| #3 | Bob Greis | GER | 01:09:36 |
| #4 | Lars Haferkamp | GER | 01:09:51 |
| #5 | Marc Fricke | GER | 01:10:03 |
| #6 | Sebastian Meurer | GER | 01:10:25 |
| #7 | Roland Emmerich | GER | 01:10:56 |
| #8 | Noureddine Mansouri | GER | 01:11:14 |
| #9 | Sebastian Meurer | GER | 01:12:22 |
| #10 | Idriss Oubaha | MAR | 01:12:50 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | PSV Grün Weiß Kassel | GER | 03:50:55 |
| #2 | LAZ PUMA Rhein-Sieg | GER | 04:02:09 |
| #3 | LAZ Puma Troisdorf Siegburg | GER | 04:07:27 |
| #4 | LG ASV DSHS KÖLN | GER | 04:09:23 |
| #5 | Ski-Keller Kaulard & Schroiff 1 | GER | 04:09:36 |
| #6 | SG Wenden | GER | 04:13:08 |
| #7 | LAZ Puma Rhein-Sieg | GER | 04:23:33 |
| #8 | Laufsport Bunert Köln | GER | 04:30:54 |
| #9 | LAZ Puma Rhein-Sieg | GER | 04:33:41 |
| #10 | Saucony | GER | 04:37:09:05:35 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | LG Telis Finanz Regensburg | GER | 03:20:21 |
| #2 | LAZ Puma Troisdorf/Siegburg | GER | 03:25:30 |
| #3 | PSV Grün Weiß Kassel | GER | 03:26:32 |
| #4 | LG Olympia Dortmund 1 | GER | 03:26:53 |
| #5 | LAZ Puma Troisdorf/Siegburg | GER | 03:34:20 |
| #6 | LG Dorsten | GER | 03:34:37 |
| #7 | TV Refrath | GER | 03:34:57 |
| #8 | ASV Duisburg | GER | 03:36:30 |
| #9 | LT DSHS Köln | GER | 03:41:07 |
| #10 | TV Refrath 1 | GER | 03:42:00 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Debbie Schöneborn | GER | 01:06:42 |
| #2 | Laura Hottenrott | GER | 01:13:12 |
| #3 | Laura Hottenrot | GER | 01:15:11 |
| #4 | Inga Hundeborn | GER | 01:22:43 |
| #5 | Leonie Schelp | GER | 01:26:58 |
| Positioning | Name | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hendrik Pfeiffer | GER | 01:03:40 |
| #2 | Tobias Blum | GER | 01:05:39 |
| #3 | Florian Röser | GER | 01:06:42 |
| #4 | Tobias Blum | GER | 01:06:46 |
| #5 | Ralf Ulmer | GER | 01:11:46 |
(Former) ambassadors
“The Cologne Marathon has a special emotional significance for me. I lived in Cologne for two years and ran my very first half marathon here. I was able to win it straight away. The atmosphere along the course and the finish at the cathedral carried me along the course and make the Cologne Marathon a unique event.”
Laura Hottenrott
“I am delighted that Cologne organized the marathon championships, as the marathon has been supporting young German road runners for many years.
It were certainly worthy nationals at a top organized event – and on a very fast course.
I ran the German U23 record for the half marathon distance here a few years ago!”
It were certainly worthy nationals at a top organized event – and on a very fast course.
I ran the German U23 record for the half marathon distance here a few years ago!”
Hendrik Pfeiffer
Samuel Fitwi
“The Cologne Marathon is a big family reunion every year and feels like ‘coming home’! A special feeling!”
Sabrina “Mocki” Mockenhaupt
“For me, the Cologne Marathon is not just a race – it’s an experience! The family flair and the incredible atmosphere along the course are unique in Germany! It motivates you to give your best!”
Tobi Blum
