Marathon races near Essen (Oldenburg)

The Westenergie Marathon sends runners twice around Baldeneysee, a reservoir in southern Essen, on a flat asphalt course measured to the full 42.195 kilometers. Held every October since 1963, it is Germany's oldest marathon and occurs near the end of the running season. The start and finish are at the grandstand by the regatta house, tying the race closely to the water. The first lap includes an extra turnaround loop before runners settle into the repeated circuit of the lake. Each kilometer is officially measured and signposted, making the route straightforward for pacing. The course passes Seaside Beach, goes through a bird sanctuary, crosses the Kampmannbrücke, and follows the Hartmannufer beside the lake. Runners also pass the White Fleet boats, yachts, and sailboats. Alongside the marathon, the event offers a one-lap lake race and a relay marathon for women’s, men’s, and mixed teams, drawing solo marathoners, relay groups, and local runners seeking a shorter race.

The Oldenburg Marathon is a road race held in Lower Saxony each October, with events in and around Oldenburg and Edewecht. Participants can select from multiple distances: 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, marathon, a half-marathon relay, and a children’s mile. This variety accommodates both novice runners and those targeting the full 42.195 km. It is the largest running event between the Weser and the Ems, having recorded over 7,000 registrations and sold-out start positions in a recent year. The start is located on Gartenstraße near the Schlossgarten. The route incorporates city streets and natural paths between Edewecht and Oldenburg. The half marathon attracts the most participants, with over 2,500 registrations, followed by the 10 km race with approximately 2,000 runners. Oldenburg's city run originated in 1986, and the Oldenburger Marathonverein has organized the marathon under its present name since 2009. The scale of the event necessitates closing numerous city center streets, and local officials, including the mayor who traditionally gives the starting signal, participate on race morning.

The Osnabrücker Piesberg-Ultra-Marathon is an April trail ultra held in Osnabrück, Germany, focused on the Piesberg rather than a point-to-point route. The full PUM covers 59.5 km with 2,100 meters of elevation gain, and includes a distinct challenge: 3,396 steps. Participants begin early and have 11 hours to complete the course, making it a test of managing repeated climbs, stairs, and time constraints rather than simply covering a long distance. The full route consists of six laps, with a revised version designed for smoother running while retaining the Piesberg's steep character. A shorter alternative, the PUMelchen, allows participants to finish one lap early, covering 49.0 km, 1,750 meters of climbing, and 2,830 steps; this classification does not require a separate entry. The event has been held for approximately ten years, with one edition attracting 130 starters, 115 of whom finished. Local media refers to it as Osnabrück’s toughest run, fitting for a race where the key metrics include both elevation gain and thousands of stairs.