Generali Cologne Half Marathon

The half is one of Germany's biggest and shares the day with the Generali Cologne Marathon without sharing its distance or result set. Its large field moves through several central neighborhoods before the finish beside Cologne Cathedral.

Runners start near Deutz station, cross into the city, and pass through Sulz, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld, and the center before finishing at the cathedral. The roads are closed, the profile is flat and quick, and timing mats usually appear every five kilometers. The 2:45 net cutoff is firm because public transport must reopen.

Early October often brings cool running temperatures, but rain, gusty wind, and damp roads are realistic. The dense city course offers some shelter, though exposed crossings and the final approach can still catch a headwind.