Munich Marathon: A thrilling experience running through history and beauty
The Munich Marathon is an international marathon held in Munich, the capital of Bavaria, Germany.
Starting and ending at the Olympic Park, the course is flat and easy to run on. The scenic route takes in beautiful English gardens, the historic Marienplatz, the museum district, and more, so you can enjoy the tourist atmosphere to the fullest.
The warm cheers from the roadside and the lively atmosphere at the finish line, like a beer garden, are also appealing. This is also recommended for first-time overseas marathon runners. Why not run through Munich in autumn and experience an emotional finish?
Munich Marathon:42.195km through history and beauty
Course Overview
Starting Point
The Munich Marathon starts at the Olympic Park, known as the venue for the 1972 Munich Olympics. Surrounded by the scenery of the magnificent stadium and lush park, runners embark on a journey through the famous city in southern Germany. The vast sky and the blowing wind create an exhilarating run right from the start.
Highlights of the Course
・3km point：Königsplatz, surrounded by ancient Greek architecture, feels like running through the history of European art. The majestic atmosphere eases the tension at the beginning.
・5km：The Pinakothek Museums are an area lined with world-famous art museums. It is a special moment to run while feeling the breath of art.
・10km to 15km：The English Garden is a vast garden comparable to Hyde Park in London. Runners are surrounded by a tunnel of trees and a beautiful lake, and the healing power of nature envelops them.
・35km：Marienplatz is the center of Munich, where the Gothic New Town Hall stands tall. The cheers from the roadside are particularly loud, encouraging you to push yourself to the final stretch.
Finish: Olympic Stadium
The emotional finish is at the Olympic Stadium, located in the same Olympic Park as the start. The moment you run across the finish line surrounded by historic stands will be a memory that will stay with you for the rest of your life. After the finish, you can rest and revel in the afterglow of your joy in the recovery area reserved for participants.
Height Difference and Climate
・Height Difference：The course is almost flat, and is widely supported by a wide range of runners, from beginners to serious runners aiming for records.
・Climate：Since the race is held in mid-October, the average temperature is **8 to 15℃**, making it very easy to run in. There is a high rate of sunny days during the day, and you can expect a comfortable run under the clear autumn skies.
Participants’ comments
・ “The experience far exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the race!”
・ “The support from the sidelines was amazing. It was the best time!”
・ “The final stretch into the Olympic Park gave me chills (goosebump moments).”
・ “Running through the English Garden felt serene, a perfect break from the city.”
・ “It felt like the whole of Munich was embracing the runners.”
・ “Running past the historic landmarks like the Siegestor and Marienplatz was breathtaking.”
・ “The energy and excitement of running with thousands of runners, the inspiration from the runners overcoming difficulties, and the presence of the amazing spectators made this experience really special.”
・ “The support from the spectators shouting my name was really moving (I highly recommend running with your name on your shirt!).”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Generali München Marathon is to establish a comfortable pace on the initial gentle descent and the flat section through the English Garden. Use the momentum gained from running through the historic city center, enjoying the views of Siegestor and Marienplatz, to carry you through the mid-section. Save energy for the final few kilometers, where a gentle but demanding climb awaits before the grand, downhill finish into the Olympic Park. Due to the relatively flat and fast nature of the course and the suitable weather, it is an ideal race for personal best attempts, provided you manage your pace efficiently on the final ascent.
The Generali München Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run through a city filled with history and enthusiastic cheers with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2025 Munich Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 12, 2025
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1: Gabriel Lautenschlager: 2:18:28
2: Evans Chebet: 2:20:11
3: Timo Lörch: 2:29:44
4: Manuel Kruse: 2:31:32
5: Dominik Stadelmann: 2:31:52
6: Yotam Pessen: 2:32:44
7: Georg Dettweiler: 2:34:03
8: Michael Postaski: 2:34:23
9: Kristoffer Linna: 2:34:42
10: Noe Thaler: 2:34:52
WOMEN
1: Nina Voelckel: 2:31:33
2: Kristina Hendel: 2:36:40
3: Anja Röttinger: 2:42:08
4: Ruth Bergmann: 2:46:19
5: Laurine Freitag: 2:53:57
6: Martina Westermeier: 2:55:21
7: Laura Stuhldreyer: 2:55:40
8: Anna Schneiderbanger: 2:56:41
9: Kaltrina Maliqi: 2:59:27
10: Lotte Bös: 2:59:33
2026 Munich Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the streets of Munich, breaking your personal best and experiencing something unforgettable.
・Location: Hans-Jochen-Vogel-Platz in Olympic Park (Olympiapark München)
・Date and time: October 11, 2026
・Start time: 9:00am
Munich: where ancient spirit meets modern splendor
Munich is a city where the breath of an ancient capital and the vitality of modernity blend comfortably together. Its charm gently embraces the hearts of travelers from the moment you step inside. A stroll through the old town lined with historical buildings will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Middle Ages. After passing through the magnificent Neuhauser Strasse and Kaufinger Strasse, the magnificent Marienplatz will appear before your eyes. When the mechanical clock of the New Town Hall, which stands in the center, strikes the hour, the square is filled with the cheers and energy of tourists.
Not far from there stands the Residenz, the magnificent residence of the Bavarian royal family, whose gorgeous interior overwhelms visitors. In addition, art museums such as the Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek, which house numerous masterpieces, are irreplaceable treasure troves for art lovers.
Munich’s charm is not limited to its historical aspects. The vast English garden is a lush, relaxing place that will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. People spend their time as they please, and the atmosphere is relaxed. In summer, it is a seasonal sight to see people chatting with a cold beer in the beer gardens in the park.
And when it comes to Munich, beer culture is an essential part of the city. In the many traditional beer halls, locals and tourists come together to enjoy Bavarian cuisine and beer, creating a lively atmosphere. Local dishes such as Weisswurst and pretzels are also a unique taste experience in Munich.
Munich also has a modern face. There are spots scattered around where you can experience cutting-edge technology and design, such as the BMW Museum and Allianz Arena. You can feel the unique charm of this city where tradition and innovation coexist.
Shopping is also one of the pleasures of Munich. From Maximilianstrasse, where luxury brands line the streets, to Hackerbrücke, where unique shops line the streets, there are many different shopping experiences. There is no shortage of souvenirs to look for.
The people of Munich are warm and friendly. The hospitality you can feel throughout the city is also a major attraction of this city. Once you visit, you will surely be captivated by its charm and want to return. History, culture, nature, gourmet food, and the warmth of the people. Munich is a special city that gives unforgettable memories to all who visit.
