Essener Rhein-Herne-Kanal Marathon 2026

The Essener Rhein-Herne-Kanal Marathon is a self-supported run and walk in Essen-Dellwig, starting at Prosperstraße and Scheppmannskamp along the Rhein-Herne Canal. TUSEM Essen organizes the event, with a standard 10:00 a.m. start. Flexible early or late starts are available, including a very early option for the ultra distance. The race uses a single short canal lap of 7.1 km for its distances: 7.1 km, 14.2 km, half marathon, 28.4 km, 35.5 km, marathon, 50 km, and 71 km. This is a practical, no-frills race where participants manage their own supplies, timekeeping, and route verification for an official result. The course begins by crossing a bridge, then follows the canal bank towards Oberhausen. It crosses again at OB-Osterfeld and returns along the water to the start. One lap measures 7.06 km by GPS and 7,098 meters by measuring wheel. Longer races consist of repeated laps, with the 71 km ultra requiring ten laps. Walkers are welcome, and only the specified distances are scored. Finishers get a certificate via email and a medal on site. With 25 editions completed, this small canal-side event has established local running history.