Hamburg, on April 26, 2026 for the 40th time !
Source: https://haspa-marathon-hamburg.de/marathon/
In Germany, the biggest and fastest spring marathon
Experience the most traditional and largest sporting event of the Elbe metropolis – on 42.195 kilometres through the most beautiful quarters of the city, over wide boulevards and through a uniquely Hanseatic maritime backdrop, along the harbour, the Elbe and Alster. Whether you’re a fast athlete for all seasons or a runner for pleasure, the course offers the right “programme” for everyone – including terrific enthusiasm from the world-class audience along the route – on 26 April 2026 for the 40th time!
Live Streaming
The primary broadcaster for the Haspa Marathon Hamburg is the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk). They typically provide extensive live coverage across multiple platforms.
For the upcoming 40th anniversary edition on April 26, 2026, here is how you can watch:
1. Television (Germany)
- NDR Fernsehen: Traditionally broadcasts the race live, usually starting around 8:30 AM or 9:15 AM and running until approximately 12:20 PM. The “Sportclub Live” program features expert commentary and interviews with the elite field.+1
2. Live Streaming (Worldwide)
- NDR.de: The NDR website offers a free live stream of the TV broadcast, which is often accessible within Germany.
- Official Website & YouTube: The marathon organizers (Marathon Hamburg Veranstaltungs GmbH) provide their own global live stream via their official website and their YouTube channel, “MHV – We Run Hamburg.” * Note: The YouTube stream often features English-speaking commentators for the international audience.
- Contentflow: This platform is frequently used for the international stream to bypass regional broadcast rights (geoblocking) in Germany.
3. Radio
- NDR 90,3: Provides live updates and special reports throughout the morning for those in the Hamburg metropolitan area.
- NDR 2: Often has mobile units (like the NDR 2 Truck) stationed along the course providing atmosphere and race updates.
If you are planning to watch the elite finish, the winners usually cross the line between 11:35 AM and 11:50 AM CET.
Result of the 40. HASPA Marathon Hamburg 2026
Othmane El Goumri made history today at the 40th Haspa Marathon Hamburg!
In a thrilling performance, the Moroccan athlete became the first-ever winner from Morocco in the race’s history. He claimed the title with a stunning time of 2:04:24, which also set a new Moroccan national record.
Top Men’s Finishers (Hamburg 2026)
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Time | Notes |
| 1st | Othmane El Goumri | Morocco (MAR) | 2:04:24 | Course Record / National Record |
| 2nd | Samuel Fitwi | Germany (GER) | 2:04:45 | Personal Best / Top German |
| 3rd | Kennedy Kimutai | Kenya (KEN) | 2:04:56 |
Key Highlights for El Goumri
- The Victory: El Goumri broke away from a very strong lead pack that included the defending champion Bernard Koech (who had aimed for a third consecutive win but fell off the podium pace).
- Tactical Brilliance: He managed his energy perfectly through the final miles, navigating the fast Hamburg course under near-perfect weather conditions.
- National Pride: By clocking 2:04:24, he took a significant chunk off his previous personal best (2:05:12) and established himself as a major contender for upcoming international championships.
His win was part of a record-breaking day in Hamburg, which also saw a new women’s course record set by Brillian Kipkoech (2:17:05).
Brillian Kipkoech was the star of the women’s race today at the 40th Haspa Marathon Hamburg!
She delivered a dominant performance, not only winning the race but also smashing the course record.
Elite Women’s Results (Hamburg 2026)
| Rank | Athlete | Country | Time | Notes |
| 1st | Brillian Kipkoech | Kenya (KEN) | 2:17:05 | Course Record / PB |
| 2nd | Rebecca Tanui | Kenya (KEN) | 2:18:25 | Personal Best |
| 3rd | Kasanesh Ayenew | Ethiopia (ETH) | 2:19:39 |
Performance Highlights
- Record Breaker: Kipkoech shaved significant time off the previous course record, becoming the first woman in Hamburg’s history to break the 2:18 barrier.
- The Duel: She spent much of the race in a lead pack with Rebecca Tanui, but pulled away decisively in the final 5 kilometers to secure the win.
- Personal Best: This result marks a massive improvement from her previous personal best (2:23:56), firmly establishing her as one of the top marathoners in the world right now.
Between El Goumri’s Moroccan record and Kipkoech’s course record, it has been an incredibly fast day in Hamburg!
HASPA Marathon Hamburg
The HASPA Marathon Hamburg is Germany’s largest spring marathon and a key fixture on the international road racing calendar. Since its inception, it has grown from a local race into a World Athletics Elite Label event known for its flat, fast course and scenic route through the Hanseatic city.
The Early Years (1986–1990s)
- 1986: The inaugural race took place on May 25, 1986. It was originally known as the hanse-Marathon. The first winners were Karel Lismont of Belgium (2:12:12) and Magda Ilands, also of Belgium (2:35:17).+1
- Blue Line Tradition: Hamburg was the first marathon in Germany to adopt the “blue line”—the painted racing line on the asphalt that marks the shortest possible route over the 42.195 km distance.
- German Success: The late 80s and early 90s saw significant German victories, including Charlotte Teske (1987, 1988) and Jörg Peter (1990, 1991).
Evolution and Modern Era
- Title Sponsorship: The race has seen several title sponsors over the decades (including Shell and Olympus), but it became the Haspa Marathon Hamburg in 2011 after Sparkasse Haspa took over sponsorship.
- The “Kipchoge Debut” (2013): A major milestone in the race’s history occurred in 2013 when future world-record holder and Olympic legend Eliud Kipchoge chose Hamburg for his marathon debut. He won the race in a then-course record of 2:05:30, signaling his rise to global dominance.+1
- Elite Growth: The race has increasingly become a “personal best” course due to its flat elevation and typical cool April weather. It now attracts over 30,000 participants across the marathon, half-marathon, and relay events.+1
Notable Records & Milestones
The course records have been shattered multiple times in recent years as the quality of the elite field has intensified:
| Category | Record Holder | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Course Record | Amos Kipruto (KEN) | 2:03:46 | 2025 |
| Women’s Course Record | Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) | 2:17:23 | 2022 |
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2022): Her performance was particularly historic as it was the fastest-ever marathon debut by a woman at the time.
- Richard Ringer (2025): The European Champion set a new German “Hamburg record” with a time of 2:07:23, the fastest ever by a German runner on this specific course.
The Course Today
The race starts and ends at the Hamburg Messe (trade fair). Its “Best of Hamburg” route is a major draw for spectators (up to 700,000 line the streets), passing iconic landmarks including:
- The Reeperbahn and the St. Pauli Fish Market.
- The Elbphilharmonie and HafenCity.
- The Outer Alster (Außenalster), providing a picturesque lakeside run.
- The “Witches’ Cauldron”: The Eppendorfer Baum section, famous for its dense, loud crowds that push runners through the final miles.
The 40th anniversary edition of the race is scheduled for April 26, 2026.
