Generali Köln Marathon
Köln, Germany · Monday 5 October 2026
The Generali Köln Marathon takes place on October 4, 2026, and offers runners a fast, flat course through Cologne's neighbourhoods starting in Deutz and finishing at the iconic Dom cathedral. The trail surface and minimal elevation gain of 137 metres make this a good opportunity for pursuing a personal best, especially since the route stays below 64 metres above sea level throughout. You'll pass through Rodenkirchen, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld, and Nippes with 11 well-stocked aid stations along the way, so fuelling shouldn't be a concern. This is Germany's fourth-ranked marathon, which means solid organisation and a decent crowd to carry you through the later stages. Registration costs 130 euros, and given the course's reputation for speed and the urban setting, this is worth considering if you're targeting a time goal.
Difficulty Calculator
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:m
:s
Adjusted Time
3:59:40
Time difference: -0.3 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain137m
Elevation High64m
Elevation Low44m
How hard is Generali Köln Marathon?
Moderateharder than 37% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Generali Köln Marathon plays about 4 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #722 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #21 of 35 in Germany. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Generali Köln Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Generali Köln Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 2:57:57 | −02:03 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:28:47 | −01:13 |
| 4:00:00 | 3:59:40 | −00:20 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:30:36 | +00:36 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:01:37 | +01:37 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:32:40 | +02:40 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:03:47 | +03:47 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Generali Köln Marathon 2026 Course Analysis
Generali Köln Marathon is a full marathon held in Köln, Germany. It is scheduled for Monday 5 October 2026. The course is run on road surface with 137m of total climbing, with its high point near 64m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Generali Köln Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
With 137m of total climbing, this is a gently undulating course. The elevation changes are manageable for most runners and shouldn't greatly affect your pacing.
Surface Type: Road
Generali Köln Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Generali Köln Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Marathons of similar difficulty
If Generali Köln Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.
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