2026 Leipziger Wintermarathon
The 2026 Leipziger Wintermarathon takes place on Saturday, 17 January 2026, starting at 10:00 AM in Clara‑Zetkin‑Park, Leipzig, Germany. On that day the city typically experiences mild winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 5 °C and occasional light snowfall, making the park’s loop a brisk but enjoyable setting for the marathon and half‑marathon. Participants can anticipate a well‑structured team event featuring a 42.2 km marathon and a 21.1 km half‑marathon, organized around a single loop through the park and the Nonne area. The race offers a range of categories, including an age‑based Ü150 special team, and provides comprehensive facilities such as free changing rooms, showers, and massage services at the finish.
What is the date and venue of the 2026 Leipziger Wintermarathon?
The event is scheduled for Saturday, 17 January 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM in Clara‑Zetkin‑Park, Leipzig, Germany.
What weather conditions can participants expect on race day?
Typical January weather in Leipzig ranges from 0 °C to 5 °C, with a possibility of light snowfall. The park’s loop is generally dry and clear, but runners should be prepared for cold and potentially slippery surfaces.
What race formats are available for teams?
- →Team Marathon – 42.2 km, 7 laps of the park loop
- →Team Half Marathon – 21.1 km, 5 laps of the park loop
Teams must remain together throughout the race, crossing each lap’s start/finish line together.
What are the team composition rules and age restrictions?
- →Teams consist of exactly 3 runners; gender composition can be men, women, or mixed.
- →All team members must finish together; the last lap must be started before 3:00 PM.
- →Age requirement: participants must be 18 years of age or older.
- →Special category: Ü150 – teams whose combined ages equal or exceed 150 years.
What are the time limits for the marathon and half marathon?
- →Marathon: 5 hours 30 minutes total; the last lap must begin before 3:00 PM.
- →Half Marathon: teams must finish together after the 5th lap; no specific time limit is stated beyond the overall 5 hours 30 minutes cap.
How many teams can participate and what is the team limit?
A total of 100 teams (combining marathon and half‑marathon entries) is permitted. Once the 100‑team cap is reached, no additional teams may register.
What are the registration fees for different tariff periods?
- →Summer tariff (until 21 September 2025): €60 per team of 3 runners
- →Autumn tariff (until 20 December 2025): €75 per team
- →Winter tariff (until 10 January 2026): €90 per team
- →Late registration (event day): €90 per team + an additional €15 fee
When does registration close and what happens after the deadline?
The final registration deadline is 10 January 2026. After that date, only late registration on the event day is possible, subject to the €15 late fee.
What does the registration fee include?
- →Participation in the chosen team event (marathon or half marathon)
- →Access to free changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities
- →Lockers (participants must bring their own padlock)
- →Guarded baggage storage
- →Free massage service at the finish line
- →Complimentary refreshments: drinks, porridge, broth, fruit, chocolate, cookies, and cake
- →A finisher’s medal and a downloadable certificate
- →A finisher cake at the finish line
What facilities and amenities are available at the start/finish area?
- →Free changing rooms
- →Showers and toilets
- →Lockers (padlock required)
- →Guarded baggage storage
- →Massage station at the finish
- →Refreshment stalls offering drinks, porridge, broth, fruit, chocolate, cookies, and cake
When are the award ceremonies scheduled?
- →Half Marathon awards: 1:00 PM
- →Marathon awards: 3:00 PM
What prizes are awarded in each category?
- →Top 3 teams in each category (men, women, mixed) receive prizes
- →The Ü150 special category also awards prizes to the top 3 teams
Are there any special categories or awards?
The Ü150 category recognizes teams whose combined ages equal or exceed 150 years, awarding prizes to the top 3 teams in that category.
What is the Teambörse (Team Exchange) and when is it available?
The Teambörse is a team exchange platform where runners can find teammates. It is available online prior to the race and also on race day at 9:30 AM for last‑minute team formation.
What are the rules regarding team members running together?
All three team members must stay together at all times, crossing each lap’s start/finish line together. Splitting the team or letting a member fall behind disqualifies the entire team.
What is the time requirement for starting the last lap in the marathon?
The last lap of the marathon must be started before 3:00 PM. The overall time limit for the marathon is 5 hours 30 minutes.
What is the age requirement for participants?
All participants must be at least 18 years old to compete.
Are there any specific instructions related to weather or dress?
Runners should dress in layers suitable for cold weather, wearing moisture‑wicking base layers, wind‑and‑water‑proof outerwear, and proper winter running shoes. Footwear should have good traction for potentially icy conditions. Staying hydrated and