As excitement builds for the 40th edition of the Hamburg Marathon, set to take place on April 26, 2026, organizers have announced significant changes aimed at accommodating an expected increase in participants. This year, the marathon saw around 12,623 runners cross the finish line, out of 15,000 registered, and next year, that number is projected to soar beyond 20,000. To manage the logistics of this massive event, the marathon and half-marathon will be staggered in time, with the half-marathon starting at 2 p.m., a shift from its previous schedule.
Frank Thaleiser, the race director, expressed optimism about the upcoming marathon, stating, "We hope that we can meet the high demand this time around." The adjustments made for the 40th anniversary reflect the growing popularity of the event, which has become a staple in the global marathon calendar. This year, the Hamburg Marathon was ranked as the third fastest in the world, trailing only behind London and Tokyo.
During the 39th Haspa Marathon, held on April 27, 2025, participants experienced a thrilling atmosphere, with Amos Kipruto, the reigning champion, setting a blistering pace. Kipruto's victory, clocked at 2:03:46, marked the fourth-fastest marathon time of the year. Following his win, he returned to Kenya via Amsterdam, while his training partner, Sabastian Sawe, celebrated a victory of his own in London. The success of these athletes has not only raised the profile of the Hamburg Marathon but also brought joy to the local community, particularly in Kapsabet, where celebrations were held in honor of their achievements.
In addition to the staggering number of participants, the marathon's route will also see some changes. The starting line will be moved to Dammtor, and the course will now incorporate a northern loop, eliminating the previous route towards the harbor. This adjustment aims to enhance the experience for both runners and spectators, culminating in a finish line located on Karolinenstraße under the iconic television tower.
As the marathon continues to grow, so too do the logistical challenges. The road closures for the event will be extended by an hour to accommodate the increased number of runners, meaning that traffic disruptions will last longer than in previous years. This decision, while necessary for safety and organization, has raised concerns among local drivers.
For those eager to participate, the registration for the anniversary run opens on May 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. However, potential participants should act quickly; this year's 15,000 marathon spots sold out in November, and with the new changes allowing for an additional 5,000 runners, demand is expected to be high. The entry fee will see a slight increase of 5 euros, reflecting the growing costs associated with organizing such a large-scale event.
In a remarkable show of enthusiasm, the children's and youth run, known as "Das Zehntel," sold out its 12,000 spots in just 71 minutes, highlighting the event's popularity among younger athletes. Organizers are considering adding more runs on the Friday before the marathon to accommodate the overwhelming interest, although this would incur additional costs.
As the Hamburg Marathon gears up for its milestone 40th anniversary, the city prepares for what promises to be a historic event, one that not only showcases elite athleticism but also brings together a vibrant community of runners, spectators, and supporters. With the changes implemented for next year, the marathon aims to provide an unforgettable experience for all involved.
With the marathon's evolution over the years—from its humble beginnings to becoming a premier event on the international stage—there's no doubt that the Hamburg Marathon will continue to capture the hearts of runners and fans alike. As the countdown to April 26, 2026, begins, anticipation grows for what could be the most remarkable marathon yet.
