FAQ

Questions and answers about ebm‑papst Marathon.

Changes to registration data can be submitted by E-Mail until 09.09.2026.

On Sunday, the first aid station will be on site at the start/finish area from 08:00. Medical care on the course is also guaranteed. We recommend that you consult a doctor if you experience even the slightest physical impairment.

Please only go to the start if you are healthy and in good physical condition. If this is not the case, we will allow our paramedics and marshals to take you out of the race if you are in danger of damaging your health.

 Results will be classified by age group (men/women). 

You can find a route planner and all information about directions under "Directions and spectators / Directions.

Online registration is possible until 09/09/2026.

Runners who withdraw during the race (for health reasons) will be taken to the finish area by a Red Cross vehicle.

Every participant who reaches the finish within the specified time limit will receive a finisher medal. Every participant will also receive a certificate that can be downloaded from the ebm‑papst Marathon website (ebmpapst-marathon.de) after the event and printed. All six overall winners of each event (except the duo marathon) will receive their awards at the awards ceremony on the main stage.

For safety reasons, the use of baby joggers is not permitted on the course and will lead to disqualification of the participant.

When you receive your start number, you will also get safety pins for attaching it.

Please be aware that for safety reasons, accompaniment by bicycle or any other aids is not permitted and will lead to disqualification of the participant.

  • for unsporting or undisciplined conduct
  • for unauthorised outside assistance, such as bicycle pacemakers or walking poles (except for Nordic walking)
  • for folding or covering the start number
  • for taking shortcuts
  • for failing to cross the timing mats along the route
  • for duo or relay marathon participants: starting before or after the relay area
  • for inline races: starting without a helmet
  • for handcycle: crossing the centre line

Marathon

After a tour of Niedernhall, the route follows the Kocher river upstream through Ingelfingen until it crosses Kochertalstraße just before the B19 junction. It then climbs through the Deubach valley up into the scenic vineyards, passing the ruins of Lichteneck Castle. After a gentle up and down, it passes Ingelfinger Fass and Criesbach on its way to Niedernhall. It continues through the vineyards to Weißbach, then up to Büschelhof and over the Kocherberg with a great view back down to Forchtenberg. Above Kochertalstraße, it goes to Ernsbach, between Enrsbach and Sindringen there is a turning point halfway and then it goes back to Forchtenberg on the bike path. There, the route leads through the old town and then on the bike path via Weißbach to Niedernhall.

Duo-Marathon, 27 + 15 km

Here two runners can join forces to cover the marathon distance. Runner 1 runs from Niedernhall to Sindringen and back (27 km) – Switch in the start/finish area – Runner 2 then runs from Niedernhall to Künzelsau and back to the finish line at Niedernhall (15 km). Only one registration is needed for each team. Runner 1 (27 km) cannot take part in the marathon at the same time.

Relay marathon

After a tour of Niedernhall, the route follows the Kocher river upstream through Ingelfingen until it crosses Kochertalstraße just before the B19 junction. It then climbs through the Deubach valley up into the scenic vineyards, passing the ruins of Lichteneck Castle. After a gentle up and down, it passes Ingelfinger Fass and Criesbach on its way to Niedernhall. It continues through the vineyards to Weißbach, then up to Büschelhof and over the Kocherberg with a great view back down to Forchtenberg. Above Kochertalstraße, it goes to Ernsbach, between Enrsbach and Sindringen there is a turning point halfway and then it goes back to Forchtenberg on the bike path. There, the route leads through the old town and then on the bike path via Weißbach to Niedernhall.

Half-marathon

The route runs from Niedernhall along the Kochertalstraße downstream to Ernsbach. It then takes the cycle path through Forchtenberg and Weissbach and back to the finish in Niedernhall.

10 km run

The route runs from Niedernhall along the Kochertalstraße downstream until shortly before Forchtenberg. It then goes to Weissbach and takes the cycle path back to the finish in Niedernhall.

Inline race

The route for this race, which is ranked complete with official times, runs from Niedernhall along the Kochertalstrasse almost to Sindringen, back to Weissbach and from there on the cycle path to the finish line at Niedernhall. You can really turn up the pace on the 23-kilometre-long route. The highway code must be observed along the entire route!

In addition, this race is the final event of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Inline Cup (BWIC). For more information on the BWIC and its rules and regulations, visit them on the Internet at www.bwic.de.
Please note: For safety reasons, inline skaters are only permitted to start if they are wearing a helmet. Failure to comply with this requirement will lead to immediate disqualification. Wearing hand, knee and elbow protectors is strongly recommended!

Handcycle

The handcycle race starts in Niedernhall, travelling in the direction of Sindringen. From there, it goes along the Kochertalstraße to Sindringen and then back again to Weißbach. Then another turnaround and they start the second lap, cycling again to the turnaround point in Sindringen and back to Weißbach, where they cross the bridge over the Kocher and take the cycle path back to the finish in Niedernhall. Cycling on the right-hand side is strictly enforced and crossing the centre line results in disqualification. The route, approximately 40 km in length, has not been officially measured.

There are changing rooms and showers for men and women at the gymnasium in Niedernhall and also at the open-air swimming pool. For men there is also a shower container in the car park at the open-air swimming pool. Changing rooms and showers for handcycle riders are in the salt-water bath in Niedernhall. Your start number authorises admission to the facilities.

You can bring your own refreshments for all races to the Niedernhall sports hall on Saturday until 7:15 a.m. on Sunday (unbreakable bottles - no glass - only disposable bottles - marked with: name, start number and at which kilometer / refreshment station it should be handed in (please note the refreshment stations indicated on the course maps).

On the day of the event, the results will be updated in real time on our website. For this purpose, we will display QR codes in the sports hall that lead directly to the results list.

Every finisher can download any number of finish line photos at www.go4it-foto.de. There will be at least one photo of all finishers wearing a visible start number on their midriffs at the finish line.

This should get out .... A healthy and inexpensive breakfast will be available from 06:30 in the ebm‑papst tent.

New! A rich & healthy breakfast is available from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the 1st floor in the sports hall.

In the spirit of sustainability, we are now offering the ebmpapst marathon running shirt for just €12 (€8.00 for children) in order to conserve resources. We have also opted for a higher-quality T-shirt in order to combine quality and environmental awareness.

Sunday, 13/09/2026 at 8:00 am in the start/finish area.

There is an information stand in the gymnasium in Niedernhall.

Free childcare is available for all children from 07:30 to 14:30 at the new school.

New! You can drop off your sports bag etc. at the sports hall in Niedernhall.

  • On September 12, 2026, the checkroom will be open from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Please pick up your clothes by 16:30 at the latest.
  • On September 13, 2026, the checkroom will be open from 06:30 to 16:30. Please pick up your garments no later than 16:30.

Please note that no liability will be assumed for any wardrobe items dropped off. Additional checkroom lockers and lockers are available in the outdoor pool.

Hours:

  • Saturday, 1:30 - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Many prestigious athletics equipment manufacturers and other exhibitors from the fields of health and nutrition will be represented. Visitors can attend the running show free of charge.

After showering, you can use our massage service from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm in the sports hall.

For a fee, you can have your medal engraved on Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00 in the gym.

There will be meeting points for running groups on the lawn across from the educational centre. Please contact the organising team orgateam@ebmpapst-marathon.de if you want to set up your own meeting point.

Every participant who registers by 09/09/2026 will receive confirmation of registration per Mail. Please show your confirmation on request when picking up your starting papers.

EventFrom YearTo Year
Bambini-Marathon20232021
Mini-10er20202017
Mini-Halbmarathon20182013
Mini-Marathon20162011
10-km-Lauf2012 
Halbmarathon2010 
Marathon2010 
Inline-Lauf2011 
Handbike2008 

Every participant who registers by 09/09/2026 will receive confirmation of registration. Please show your confirmation on request when picking up your starting papers.

Late registrations are possible after 10/09/2025 for a surcharge of 5,00 € until one hour before the start of the desired disciplines at the on-site registration. For children's races there are no fees for late registration.

Saturday, 12/09/2026

  • Nordic Walking and Recreational run: 1:30 - 3:00 pm
  • All disciplines, start Sunday: 1:30 - 6:00 pm

Sunday, 13/09/2026

  • Marathon, duo marathon, relay marathon, half marathon, 10-km run: 06:30 a.m. - *
  • Children's runs, handbike, inline run: 09:30 a.m. - *

* one hour before the start of the desired discipline.

Both routes may be run with and without Nordic Walking sticks.

You can find an overview of the car parks in the Downloads.

Saturday, 12/09/2020 (6:00 - 9:00 pm) in the ebm‑papst tent. All noodle dishes are included in the admission price of € 8.00. The pasta party is open to all participants and their guests. You can get tickets at the door.

Once the registration fee has been collected, there is no right to a refund of the entry fee. Further details can be found in the valid ABG's

The first six overall winners (male/female) of the marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and inline skating disciplines will be awarded prizes on the main stage in the ebm‑papst tent.

In the duo marathon, the first male, female, and mixed duo will be honored, and in the relay marathon, the first relay team will be honored.

The award ceremony for the children's races is divided into different age groups:

In the Bambini Marathon, there is only the U6 age group; in the Mini 10K, there are two awards, U8 and U10; in the Mini Half Marathon, there are three awards, U10, U12, and U14; and in the Mini Marathon, there are also three awards, U12, U14, and U16. In all children's races, boys and girls are honored separately.

The largest Nordic walking team will be honored on Saturday between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the start/finish area. The largest running team (ranked by kilometers run), the largest children's team, and the largest inline skating team (ranked by number of participants) will be honored on Sunday in the ebm‑papst tent.

The first three finishers (m/f) in each age group in the marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and inline skating disciplines will also receive their certificates and prizes at the distribution point in the ebm‑papst tent.

The exact times of the award ceremonies can be found here

The sponsor run will be held on a small circuit. For each lap the children complete, ebm‑papst will donate a given amount to charity. The sponsor run will take place on Sunday, from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm in front of the ebm‑papst tent.

Start times and the complete program sequence you will find here.

The start will take place in the Brückenwiesenweg near the Niedernhall sports facilities, in the downstream direction towards Sindringen. Only runners with official start numbers may enter the start area. Please take a position corresponding to your skill level (strong runners start in front). Please follow the instructions of our helpers to ensure a smooth start.

The entry fees for all disciplines can be found here: Entry fees

You can find the starter lists by searching for a participant or a start number here.

Please pick up your starting papers in the Niedernhall gymnasium first and then go to the start area.

Times for start number handout:

Saturday,  

  • 1:30 - 3:00 pm Start number handout for Nordic walking and Recreational run
  • 1:30 - 6:00 pm Start number handout for all races

Sunday,

  • 6:30 am Start number handout for marathon, duo marathon, 10 km run
  • 9:30 am Start number handout for kids' runs, handcycle, inline race

At the ebm‑papst Marathon, time is measured exclusively with the MikaTag.

The transponder is located on the back of your race number and must not be bent.
Please also wear your race number on your chest.

For information about the ChampionChip, contact:
Mika Timing GmbH, Kürtener Straße 11b, 51465 Bergisch Gladbach
Phone: 02202 / 2401-0, Fax.: 02202 2401-29
E-mail: info@mikatiming.de
www.mikatiming.de

You can find an overview of the racecourses in the infocenter.

Regional dance and music groups will cheer on the participants along the route.

Please use the toilets at the open-air swimming pool and the school in Niedernhall. Additional toilet containers will be available between the pedestrian bridges and the Niedernhall gymnasium.

Here you can find some valuable training tips and theories to view online or download:

In the spirit of sustainability, we are now offering the ebm‑papst marathon running shirt for only €12 (€8 for children) in order to conserve resources. We have also opted for a higher-quality T-shirt to combine quality and environmental awareness. The functional shirt can be added to your online registration until August 31. Additional shirts will be available for purchase on site, but only while supplies last.

Do you have a long journey ahead of you and are looking for free accommodation? You are welcome to stay overnight in the gym at the Niedernhall sports hall. Simply send us a short email to orgateam@ebmpapst-marathon.de to register.

Alternatively, there are also numerous accommodations in Niedernhall and the surrounding area that you can find and inquire about via the usual booking portals.

For a small processing fee of just €5.00, you can change disciplines or transfer your starting place to another person even after registering.

If you want to switch to a higher discipline, you will also have to pay the difference in the entry fee.

Re-registrations are possible until September 9, 2026, by email to orgateam@ebmpapst-marathon.de or on September 12 and 13, 2026, at the timekeeping office in the sports hall.

Overall winners of first to sixth place (men/women) will receive their certificates during the awards ceremony on the main stage in the ebm‑papst tent. The first three age group winners (men/women) in each event will receive their certificates in the the ebm‑papst tent.

All participants can download their certificates around a week after the event under Results and Certificate and print them.

There is a refreshment station at least every 5 km along the route.
Water, isotonic drinks, apple juice spritzer, and fruit are available at various points along the route.
You can find the locations of the refreshment stations in the respective route overviews:

infocenter

Changing events is only possible if we are informed in time. Anyone who changes events without written notification will not be ranked as they are not registered for the new event. To change events, please contact the registration desk for the event for which you are registered.

It will cots 5,00 €.

The relay zone for duo-marathon is in Haalstraße in Niedernhall. The participant running the second part has to get there on time by himself.

DisciplineTurnaround point
10 km runTurnaround point in Forchtenberg
Inliner raceTurnaround point shortly before Sindringen

There will be separate rankings for men and women. For all events (except Nordic walking and recreational run), there will be overall rankings for all participants and rankings by age groups.

There will be team rankings for runners, inliners, children's races and Nordic walking. For runners and inliners, the team with the most kilometres run will receive an award. For the children's races and Nordic walking, the team with the most runners will receive an award.

See: Time limits

Average temperatures in mid-September are approximately 13° to 16° Celsius. All events will take place regardless of weather conditions. No refunds of entry fees will granted due to bad weather.

DisciplineTime limit
Time limit for turnaround
Marathon/
Duo-Marathon
6:00 h 
Half-marathon3:00 h 
Handbike2:30 hWeißbach 1:15 h, km 20
Inliner2:00 h 

We offer professional pacing by experienced runners over the entire marathon course for these target times:

Marathon

  • 3:30
  • 4:00
  • 4:30

Half-marathon

  • 1:30
  • 1:45
  • 2:00

10-km run

  • 0:50
  • 1:00

The pacemakers are identified by a flag showing the target time.

Open Questions? Get in touch with us.

Our event team will be happy to answer any questions or listen to any suggestions you may have.

Are you ready to run? We look forward to welcoming you!