Hanseatic flair, cosmopolitan character

Since its premiere in 1985 the famous (dotted) blue line has led participants through the most beautiful districts of the Hanseatic city. After the start at the Hamburg exhibition halls the route passes by the River Elbe and the harbour, the Elphi concert hall and the Harbour City. It then follows the inner and outer Alster river in the heart of the city, through the green Stadtpark and past expansive villas and attractive town houses.

The tens of thousands of enthusiastic spectators along the largely flat course, with its few bends, will give you goose bumps time and again. After crossing the finish line on the red carpet there will be a generous refreshment area in the Hamburg exhibition halls, with a finish buffet, massage and shower facilities. In addition to the marathon the half marathon, limited in number of starting places, and the relay competition for teams of four offer an introduction to the long distance.

The day before 9000 children and young people will start the event with the junior race Das Zehntel (“ The Tenth”). Even before that, on Friday, the high-quality Marathon Hamburg Expo, with about 80 exhibitors from the endurance and outdoor industry, will set the mood for a great running weekend. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is well known for its high-quality cultural offerings which range from a variety of well-known museums to its own modern musical venues. This is complemented by a diverse range of restaurants and hotels which combine typical Hanseatic flair with cosmopolitan premium character – all against the background of an unmistakably urban maritime and natural setting.

www.haspa-marathon-hamburg.de ■