The Volksbank-Münster-Marathon has been held annually on a weekend in September in Münster since 2002 and is one of the ten marathons in Germany with the highest number of participants. It is organized by runners for runners and sponsored by the Vereinigte Volksbank Münster.

The running course offers a mixture of city and countryside sections. The start is at the Schlossplatz in Münster, then the route goes through Münster's city center to the Lake Aasee. From there, the route continues through the districts of Gievenbeck, Nienberge and Roxel, where participants can enjoy green landscapes. The finish line is the Prinzipalmarkt in the city. Overall, the course is fairly flat, the difference in altitude between the lowest and highest point is 19 meters.

As a runner you have several options: You can compete alone in the individual race against the other participants or with friends in the team race and the relay race. In the competitions the running time is measured, men and women have separate scoring classes. There are cash or non-cash prizes for the best finishers. In any case, after finishing the race you will receive a finisher's functional shirt, a finisher's medal, a film documentation and a certificate of participation. If you want to run without pressure and competition, then the health run without time recording is your best choice. With all types of marathons, you will definitely get regular supplies on the course. For the best training preparation, mentors are available free of charge.

For the different types of marathons you can register online and by mail. There is a registration fee for all of them, which increases slightly at certain intervals until the day of the event. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation of participation, which you will need to pick up the necessary race documents. The distribution will only take place on the event weekend. All necessary information can be found on the marathon website.

There are additional running offers for students and children. Students run the Münster Marathon as normal, but are scored separately. Children from 6 to 13 years can run the last 1.5 kilometers of the marathon course with supervision and thus enjoy the finish and the atmosphere with the cheering crowd.

With an extra charity run, the Münster Marathon supports charitable organizations such as the UNESCO and the Kinderhilfe Organtransplantation with donations every year. You run with other participants in groups the last 10 kilometers of the course. The entry fee is at least 15 euros and goes completely to the respective charity partner. You can also make an additional donation at registration.

If you simply attend the marathon as a spectator, a varied program awaits you along the route. Various themed Power Points as well as around 300 artists and bands will sweeten your time.

For more information about the Volksbank Münster Marathon, registration formalities and more, visit the marathon's website (website mainly available in German, registration and information available in English).