Generali Köln Marathon
Köln, Germany · Expected Sunday 3 October 2027Date to be confirmed
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
Adjusted Time
4:02:21
Time difference: +2.3 minutes compared to an average road marathon.
Course Details
Typical Race-Day Weather
Average for this date over the last 8 years.
How hard is Generali Köln Marathon?
On our difficulty model, Generali Köln Marathon plays about 1 minute slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #420 hardest of 862 marathons we analyse, and #16 of 30 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 | 2:59:42 | −00:18 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:30:58 | +00:58 |
| 4:00:00 | 4:02:21 | +02:21 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:33:49 | +03:49 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:05:22 | +05:22 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:37:00 | +07:00 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:08:43 | +08:43 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Generali Köln Marathon 2027 Course Analysis
Generali Köln Marathon is a full marathon held in Köln, Germany. The next edition is expected on Sunday 3 October 2027, following the pattern of previous editions (the 1st Sunday of October). The organisers have not confirmed it yet. 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.
Climbing
At 137m of total climbing, it is flatter than 57% of the 862 marathons we rate.
Race-day weather
Over the last 8 years this October date has averaged a high of 23°C and a low of 12°C. On our model the expected temperature costs a 3:30 marathoner about 4 minutes against the same course on a cool 12°C day.
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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