44th Leipzig Marathon 2020: a traditional competition for runners

A brief overview of the Leipzig Spring Classic history

The roots of the official marathon of Saxony’s largest city reach back to 1977 when on 18 June the University Sports Community of Karl Marx University organized the first race in the Clara-Zetkin-Park. However, the first sporting event of this kind took place almost a century before, in 1897, and stemmed from the inclusion of the marathon into the program of the 1896 Summer Olympics. Accordingly, that city-run initiated by Leipzig Club Sportbrüder is considered to be the first one in Germany and marks the beginning of an epoch of popular races, gaining more and more popularity.

Throughout the history of the marathon that has existed for over 40 years, the date, location of start, and finish lines, as well as the number of laps have been changed several times. In different years, the classic course ran through the city center or the outskirts. Apart from the Clara-Zetkin-Park, such famous city attractions as Arena Leipzig, Alte Messe Leipzig, and Kohlrabizirkus have been chosen as the start and finish points. As for participants, changes are also striking, as since 1982 the wheelchair users gained an opportunity to register for the race, and the first half marathon for inline skaters was held in 2002.

The event hosted by the biggest city of Saxony gathers all runners in a single place.

Deutsche Bundesbahn and Stadtwerke were among the race sponsors in former times, which is why the event was once even renamed into Stadtwerke Leipzig Marathon and was being called so in 2000-2004. Since 2003 Stadtsportbund Leipzig e.V. and the Leipzig Marathon e.V. are the organizers of the race.

Running seminar as the first step to the marathon success

A special seminar "Running fit! – Targeted cardiovascular training", scheduled for the period from 28.11.2019 - 23.04.2020 is a part of the city-run and is designated not only for the beginners but for the advanced runners as well. It primarily serves the all-round, i.e. emotional and physical training of the future marathoners.

By registering on the official website and paying a participation fee of 89 Euro, you can join in the 4-month seminar and enjoy a whole range of services, from weekly running meetings in one of nine performance groups under the supervision of experienced tutors and sports trainers to lectures on sports-oriented nutrition and testing of running shoes, and various equipment before the big event.

During the seminar, you can also have performance diagnostics carried out for an extra charge.

Besides, the participants will receive an individual and group training plan along with the opportunity to run the race.

Leipzig Marathon 2020: route map and schedule

This year, the 44th race through the streets of Leipzig will be held on Sunday, April 26. The event invites performance-oriented athletes as well as ambitious amateurs to participate, offering a rich program, so anyone can choose a suitable course corresponding to their body condition and fitness and try their skills. There are generally four running distances: a 42.195 km long distance, a 21.2 km long half marathon, 10 km, and 4 km races.

Wheelchair users, hand cyclists, and inline skaters run separately on the circuit and can win the race if they complete the distance of 21.2 km faster than others. Team performances are evaluated in the marathon relay and student race, where the teams of 4 and 10 members respectively pit the endurance against each other within their category and fight for the prize.

This year, the marathon program offers the following distances: 4 km, 10 km, 21 km, and 42 km.

For very small fans of healthy living, who are at the time of registration in the age between 3 and 10 years, a 600 m race will be organized. All the participants will be honored and presented with medals and certificates at the end of the distance.

All runners have different distances and number of laps to deal with. So the coordinators encourage them to follow the schedule of the Leipzig Marathon and to stick to it. It will help to prevent possible delays and embarrassing misunderstandings.

Marathon program

Features of the 44th race

The 21 km long route is fully paved. It has only a small difference in height on some of its sections and passes through many of the city’s sights, such as Arena Leipzig, City-Hochhaus, and Alte Messe. Besides, culture and art lovers can marvel at the splendor of Gewandhaus, the Opera House, and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. There are beverage stands every 5 km. Musicians and bands cheer up the marathoners at 13 different locations along the route.

The entire 21.2 km running track is marked with kilometer signs.

You can find a detailed route map of the Marathon 2020 in Leipzig below.

Some disruptions in the public transport operation are inevitable on the 26th of April. So a specific timetable was designed for the duration of the event. Moreover, some roads could be blocked. Therefore, this may result in a long detour for car drivers.

Eligibility to participate

According to the regulations of the International Athletics Federation (IIAF) and the German Wheelchair Sports Association, (Deutscher Rollstuhl-Sportverband e.V., DRS), the Leipzig Marathon runners are subject to certain age restrictions that are set separately for each course:

Marathon: from 18 years (born in 2002);
Relay: from 16 years (born in 2004) and from 14 years (born in 2006); (depending on the section length);
Half marathon: from 16 years (born in 2004);
Inline skating (half marathon): from 15 years (born in 2005);
10 km run and walk: from 14 years (born in 2006);
4 km run and walk: from 8 years (born in 2012).

Medal ceremony

As a rule, the first three runners, who are the fastest in inline skating, 10 km run, half marathon, and marathon, are being welcomed to the podium and greeted with cheers. The award ceremony, as well as the classification, are done separately for women and men.

All finishers receive a medal as a nice bonus and commemoration of the Spring Classic. The results are usually published on the official site following the event.

Registration and prices

Registration starts from 13 September 2019. You can apply online at www.leipzigmarathon.de or complete the registration form. In the case of minors, a parent/guardian signature is required. Re-registration is possible for a fee.

Pre-registration ends April 5 2020. Each participant who registered before this date will receive a registration confirmation before 19 April, 2020.

Online registration will remain open until 22 April 2020. Registration after April 5, 2020 is considered late registration.

You can get an overview of all marathon prices for 2020 here:

Services

All runners, who have registered in time and paid the organization fee, can enjoy many inclusive services, such as entertainment events and access to the catering in the start and finish area, participation in the marathon fair, free meals and beverages stands on the route, as well as medical assistance.

The result accuracy is secured by through the transponders, provided to each participant free of charge and integrated into the personalized start number. For the inline skaters, however, the return obligation of the transponder applies shortly after the finish line has been reached.

You can get a limited edition shirt for an additional 15 Euro.

Running fair

The running fair takes place in the foyer of the registration office on Saturday, 25 April 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Here, authorized dealers and manufacturers present a variety of related products and innovations.

Here, authorized dealers and manufacturers present a variety of related products and innovations.

Information on participants, facilities, and equipment

For marathoners’ convenience, they will be granted free access to the changing rooms, shower cubicles, and wardrobes at the faculty of Sports Sciences of the University of Leipzig.

The storing at the Ernst-Grube-Hall of the Faculty of Sports Science will be open on April 26, 2020, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Storage facilities take no responsibility for the contents of a rental unit.

As far as equipment is concerned, you have to prepare your own outfit before the start of the race and follow some of the organizers' instructions. For example, it is forbidden to wear earphones or headphones during the run and to take dogs and baby joggers.

The inline skaters must wear helmets, and protective clothing is also desirable for them.

The route is not intended for Nordic walking

Hotels and accommodations near the start and finish line of the Leipzig Marathon

After registering for the spring marathon, you should think about all the other details, such as where to stay in Leipzig before and after the event. Given that the start and finish are at the Sportforum complex, it would make sense to look for comfortable accommodation not far from it.

HotelFriend recommends you to stay in the four-star Hotel Arena City, which is near the Sportforum complex and the RB Arena. It offers its guests standard rooms as well as suites with Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a spacious bathroom.

If you arrive in Saxony’s state capital by plane, you can stay at the three-star Best Western Hotel City Center. It is a perfect place for the business travelers, who would appreciate good soundproofing of the rooms, a rich breakfast buffet in the morning, and the possibility of a sauna visit.

To find a comfortable and well-located accommodation before the marathon day, plan your trip in advance. With the help of HotelFriend, you can book a room at a reasonable price and order many services beforehand. Plan your trip with us and let yourself enjoy an excellent hotel service.