Marathon races near Halle (Westf.)

The Almetal-Marathon is a point-to-point running event in Germany’s Alme valley. The marathon begins in Büren-Ringelstein and concludes at Ahorn-Sportpark in Paderborn. This main race spans 42 km. The event also offers two half marathons and a four-person relay, with each leg covering 10.5 km. Rot-Weiß Alfen e. V. organizes the race, presenting it as one built by runners for runners. It accommodates both competitive athletes and those seeking a shared outdoor run. The route traces the Alme river through the Paderborn district. The two half marathons utilize distinct segments: the upper half runs from Büren-Ringelstein to Wewelsburg, and the lower half proceeds from Wewelsburg to Paderborn. The course is characterized as rolling, with a modest elevation change of 10 meters of climbing and 10 meters of descent. The relay allows teams to divide the full distance. The event is an established part of the regional sports calendar.

The Lipperland Marathon is a full marathon held in Humfeld, following a hilly and varied route through the Lipper Bergland during autumn. It is not designed for record attempts; the organizers acknowledge that the name Lipperland does not imply fast times, and spectator turnout is not substantial. The appeal lies in the scenery, the dynamic course, and the intimate atmosphere of the village event. Participants can anticipate expansive views across Lipperland, a communal setup, and a welcoming, straightforward race where the residents of Humfeld express anticipation for each runner.

The Lipperland Marathon is a running and walking event in Dörentrup, Germany, taking place on a Saturday in late November. The event offers 4.6 km, 9.3 km, half marathon, and full marathon distances. Walking is permitted in the shorter races. The shorter races commence around midday, with the 9.3 km event starting just before the 4.6 km race. All participants finish at the same location. The event also includes races for children and youth. This marks the 46th edition of the race, indicating its status as a well-established local tradition.

The Rubbenbruchsee Marathon is a modest December race held at Rubbenbruchsee near Osnabrück, taking place on the second Saturday of the month. The start and finish are located outside Café am See, directly by the water. The event maintains a low-key atmosphere with a restricted number of participants, a 6-hour cut-off, and the use of public paths shared with walkers. It appeals to runners seeking one final marathon before winter, or those using it as a consistent training benchmark before the upcoming season. The course consists of nine laps around the lake, supplemented by seven additional loops through the adjacent forest, all on well-maintained, non-asphalt paths. This lap structure allows participants to repeatedly encounter the same points of interest, and spectators can see runners multiple times without extensive travel. RuM originated as a personal concept, and the event retains the character of a local get-together rather than a large-scale competition. Its unique elements and customs include collecting RuM medals, securing coveted starting positions, and a small incentive for returning participants.

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.