23/10/2026
The Dresden Marathon takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, bringing thousands of runners to the city streets.
Whether you are planning to run or just want to support the community, navigating the city requires some local knowledge.
Here is a practical guide for expats experiencing the Dresden Marathon weekend:
If You Are RunningPacket Pickup:
Head to the Marathon Expo at BallsportARENA to collect your race bib and timing chip.
The bib includes an RFID transponder for timing and doubles as your ticket for free public transport in the Dresden fare zone on race day.
The route is highly regarded for being flat and fast, with only about 5 meters of net climb over the entire 42.195 km.
You will run past major landmarks, including the Zwinger Palace, Semper Opera House, and the Frauenkirche, while following the Elbe River.
Start/Finish Areas: The start line is on Ostra-Allee, and the finish line brings you into the Heinz-Steyer-Stadion for a lap cheered on by spectators. Starting corrals begin lining up at 10:10 AM for the 10:30 AM start.
If You Are SpectatingWhere to Watch: The flat course through the Altstadt and the Elbe embankment offers excellent vantage points.
The vibrant Neustadt district is also a great place to soak in the energetic atmosphere.
The final stretch into the Heinz-Steyer-Stadion is highly recommended for the emotional finish-line energy.
Getting Around: Leave your car at home. Significant road closures and detours will affect traffic throughout the inner city.
Public Transit: Tram and bus lines (especially DVB lines 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 13) will face detours and shortened routes. Use the local transit app (DVB) for real-time updates and rely on the S-Bahn where possible, as trains are unaffected by the street closures.
Cycling: The popular Elberadweg (Elbe Cycle Path) will be closed or heavily restricted in the inner city, as the marathon route utilizes large sections of it. Cross to the opposite side of the river if you need to travel east-west.
