Essen Marathon – Around the Baldeneysee

The Marathon The am Baldeneysee is a true classic, being the oldest running competition in Germany over the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. The marathon, traditionally held in October, leads through the green southern part of Essen, more precisely around the Baldeneysee. The left-hand course follows paved paths and roads. Runners will have the banks of the Baldeneysee river to their left and the surrounding green countryside to their right for most of the route. Although the foothills of the Bergisches Land region border directly on the Baldeneysee, the Essen Marathon is almost entirely flat.

In addition to the classic marathon distance, in which both individual and relay runners participate, less endurance-oriented participants are offered the opportunity to complete a shorter distance. The so-called "Lake Loop" measures 17.4 kilometers and was first run in 2016. The "Lake Loop" race doesn't attract quite as many participants as the Essen Marathon, but the more moderate distance results in more finishers than the marathon.

While the marathon around the Baldeneysee was initially named after the organizer, the TUSEM Essen sports club, it later became known as the 'Essen Marathon'. Until 2015, the Essen-based energy company RWE was the marathon's namesake. Since 2020, the Essen Marathon has been named after the Essen-based energy company Westenergie, hence the name Westenergie Marathon.

The starting gun for the individual runners will sound at 10 a.m., both for the marathon and the Lake round. Fifteen minutes later, the relay runners set off. The starting line is located on the less busy section of Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße, which runs parallel to the river promenade at Baldeneysee and on the landward side of the Seaside Beach Baldeney, The route runs along the local beach club. The parking spaces normally located there will be closed for the marathon. Therefore, anyone arriving by car should park on Lerchenstraße, specifically on the side designated for parking on the day of the event. Those parking on the other side will receive a ticket. Additionally, there are some parking spaces available in the regatta parking lot behind the... Regatta grandstand, where the destination is also located. This parking Due to its convenient location, it's usually the first venue to fill up. For spectators, traveling by S-Bahn (suburban train) is ideal.

Arguably the most scenic marathon in Germany, it is organized entirely by volunteers from the athletics department of TUSEM Essen. Limited to 3,000 runners, the marathon has a more intimate atmosphere compared to other events. It's the perfect marathon for beginners and those looking to achieve a personal best.