Rhein-Ruhr Marathon 2025

• Historic event: One of Germany's oldest city marathons, held since 1981.
• Diverse races: Features full marathon, half marathon, inline skating, and wheelchair races.
• Scenic route: Circuit through Duisburg, showcasing landmarks like the Inner Harbor and Rhine River.
• Essential logistics: Starts at 08:00 a.m. on Kruppstraße, finishes at SCHAUINSLAND-REISEN Arena.
• Supportive amenities: Multiple supply stations, pace makers, and post-race services available.

The Rhein-Ruhr Marathon is one of Germany's oldest urban marathons, with its first race held in 1981. It offers runners a unique blend of urban and natural scenery, showcasing both the diverse landscapes and the industrial heritage of the Rhein-Ruhr region. The marathon course is a single flat circuit that starts from Kruppstrasse in the Sportpark Wedau. Participants proceed through Neudorf towards the city centre, then continue through the Inner Harbour and Kasslerfeld, crossing the Rhein via the Friedrich-Ebert-Bridge. The route turns south, passing through districts such as Alt-Homberg, Essenberg, Hochemmerich, and Rheinhausen, and crosses back over the Rhein via the Bruecke der Solidaritaet. At the 28 km mark in Hochfeld, the marathon course connects with the half-marathon route, leading participants through Wanheimerort, Buchholz, Huckingen, Grossenbaum, and Wedau, before finishing in the MSV-Arena. Known for its flat terrain, the marathon is ideal for runners aiming for a personal best. The race also highlights the world's biggest inland harbor, the internationally known Innenhafen, and the crossings over the Rhein and Ruhr rivers, offering a unique mix of urban and natural landscapes. The event is renowned for its excellent organization, conducted by runners for runners, and the local support creates a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Runners are kindly urged to complete the marathon within the cut-off time of 5.30 hours. Online registration for the race opened on September 6, 2024. The previous edition in 2024 featured over 6,000 participants with notable performances, including a winning time of 2:35:39 by Benno Hildebrand from Bonn.

Expect temperatures between 48-65°F (9-18°C) with moderate humidity for the Rhein-Ruhr Marathon in mid-May. Prepare for moderate rainfall and light winds during morning to early afternoon hours.

The Rhein-Ruhr Marathon in Duisburg, Germany, offers runners a truly memorable experience on its flat, picturesque course. Starting at the Kruppstrasse in Sportpark Wedau, participants weave through the city's vibrant streets, taking in iconic sights like the Inner Harbour and the Friedrich-Ebert-Bridge over the Rhine. This route is perfect for those chasing a personal best, thanks to its minimal elevation changes.

As one of Germany's oldest urban marathons, established in 1981, the event is renowned for its seamless organization. Runners enjoy the unique opportunity to traverse the world's largest inland harbor and the famed Innenhafen district. Although the course is flat, the 5.30-hour cut-off time adds a layer of challenge, ensuring a rewarding finish at the MSV-Arena. With its blend of speed, scenery, and history, the Rhein-Ruhr Marathon is a must for any marathon enthusiast.

Visiting Duisburg for the Rhein-Ruhr Marathon offers an intriguing mix of industrial heritage, culture, and natural beauty. Efficiently connected by train and bus, Duisburg is just a 30-minute ride from Düsseldorf Airport. Consider staying near the city center or along the marathon route for easy access to attractions and events. With reliable public transport, a day ticket or regional pass is a smart choice for getting around. Be sure to check the spring weather forecast and pack accordingly, as it can be unpredictable.

Duisburg's attractions are both diverse and fascinating. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, a reimagined steelworks facility, combines industrial architecture with nature, offering gardens, walkways, and an observation deck. For a unique experience, visit the Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain, a walkable rollercoaster sculpture that offers panoramic city views, especially stunning when illuminated at night. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Lehmbruck Museum, known for its modern sculpture collection, and the Museum Küppersmühle, featuring contemporary German art in a converted granary. For a day of relaxation, the Sechs-Seen-Platte offers serene lakes perfect for hiking and swimming.

Immerse yourself in Duisburg's cultural scene by exploring the Kultur- und Stadthistorisches Museum, which delves into the city's history from Roman times to its industrial era. Wander through the Mercator Quarter, a historic district named after the famed cartographer, and visit the Gothic Salvatorkirche. Duisburg Zoo, with its diverse species and conservation efforts, is another highlight for visitors. Don’t miss trying local German dishes and exploring the multicultural dining scene. Check the cultural calendar for festivals and events to enhance your visit, making your time in Duisburg both memorable and enriching.