Essen Marathon

The marathon on Baldeneysee is a true classic, as it is the oldest running competition in Germany over the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. The marathon, which traditionally takes place in October, leads through the green south of Essen, specifically around the Baldeneysee. The left-hand course leads along asphalted paths and roads. For most of the route, runners have the shores of Lake Baldeney to their left and the green countryside to their right. Although the foothills of the Bergisches Land directly border the Baldeneysee the Essen Marathon is almost flat.

In addition to the classic marathon distance, in which both individual and relay runners take part, less enduring participants are offered the opportunity to complete a short distance. The so-called 'Seerunde' measures 17.4 kilometers and was first run in 2016. The 'Seerunde' competition does not have quite as many participants as the Essen Marathon, but the more moderate distance has more finishers than the marathon.

While the marathon around the Baldeneysee was initially named after the organizer of the race, the TUSEM Essen club, it was later called the 'Essen Marathon'. Until 2015, the energy company RWE, based in Essen, gave the marathon its name. Since 2020, the Essen Marathon has borne the name of the Essen-based energy company Westenergie, i.e. Westenergie Marathon.

The starting signal for the individual runners, both for the marathon and the lake circuit, is given at 10 am. The relay runners set off 15 minutes later. The start is on the less frequented part of Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße, which runs parallel to the lakeside promenade on the Baldeneysee and along the land side of Seaside Beach Baldeney, the local beach club. The parking lots that are normally located here will be closed for the marathon. Those arriving by car should therefore park on Lerchenstraße and only on the side designated as a parking area on the day of the event. Parkers on the other side must expect parking tickets. There are also some parking spaces in the regatta parking lot behind the regatta grandstand, where the finish line is also located. Due to its good location, this parking lot is usually the first to fill up. For spectators, traveling by S-Bahn is ideal.

The most scenic marathon in Germany is organized on a voluntary basis by the athletics department of TUSEM Essen. The marathon is limited to 3,000 runners and is therefore almost familiar compared to other events. A marathon made for trying out and running your best time.