Sparda-Bank Halloween-Run Köln 2026

On Halloween night, the Sparda-Bank Halloween-Run Köln takes participants through Cologne’s Forstbotanischer Garten in Rodenkirchen. Sections of the garden are specially lit for the occasion, while others remain dark, necessitating a headlamp. This is a running race, not an obstacle course, and there are no zombies. The Halloween theme is conveyed through costumes, lighting, the night setting, and a spooky yet comfortable atmosphere. The primary race distances are 5 km and 10 km, with an option for a double ranking where runners participating in both races have their results combined. The course follows the established Rodenkirchen LÄUFT route within the Forstbotanischer Garten, transforming it into the park's sole night run. The participants include dedicated runners, costumed individuals, families, and children. There is a Little Candy-Run for younger children and a Big Candy-Run for school-aged participants. One past edition attracted over 1,400 participants, with more than 400 being children and students, highlighting the event's dual role as a family Halloween activity and a competitive club race.