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.
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.
