Here you’ll find answers to the most important questions about the SAARathon. Detailed informations about each race can be found on the respective race pages. The official rules and regulations are set out in the race regulations.
1. When and where do the races start?
The start and finish area is located by the Saar river in Saarbrücken-St. Arnual, approximately 300 metres from the Mehrzweckhalle (sports hall) at Scharnhorststraße 12.
The races will start on Sunday, 11 October 2026, at the following times:
- 09:30: Marathon
- 10:00: Half Marathon
- 10:15: Kids’ Race (1 km)
- 10:30: 5K
- 10:45: 10K
You can find detailed information about each race here:
Where and when can I collect my race pack?
Race packs can be collected at the Mehrzweckhalle St. Arnual, Scharnhorststraße 12, 66119 Saarbrücken.
Saturday, 10 October 2026: 14:00–18:00
Sunday, 11 October 2026: from 08:00 until 30 minutes before the start of your race
If possible, please collect your race pack on Saturday to avoid waiting times on race morning.
The timing chip is already integrated into your race bib.
How do I get to the SAARathon and where can I park?
Parking close to the Mehrzweckhalle is limited, so please allow plenty of time to find a parking space.
Additional parking is available on the opposite side of the Saar near the Heizkraftwerk Römerbrücke power plant (Straße des 13. Januar) and at the free Möbel Martin car park, An der Römerbrücke 8. The Möbel Martin car park is open from 07:00 to 20:00 and is approximately 1 km from the event area.
Important if you are travelling via the A620: The St. Arnual exit when approaching from the direction of Mannheim is currently closed. Continue to the next exit, Bismarckbrücke, turn around there and approach St. Arnual from the opposite direction.
Alternatively, you can use public transport: Saarbrücken-Ost railway station is approximately 1.4 km away, and the Hellwigstraße Saarbahn stop is approximately 1 km away.
Are changing rooms, showers, toilets and a bag drop available?
Changing rooms, showers and toilets are available in the Mehrzweckhalle St. Arnual. Additional portable toilets are located in the start/finish area, and the toilets at the Kulturbiergarten may also be used.
You can leave a change of clothes and other belongings in the sports hall or in the bag-drop tent in the start/finish area. Please note that both areas are unattended, so items are left there at your own risk.
Are refreshments available along the course and at the finish?
Depending on the distance, several refreshment stations are available along the course. Details of the refreshments provided during your race can be found on the respective race page.
At the finish, there will be water, fruit, salty snacks, non-alcoholic beer from Bitburger, as well as lemonade and isotonic drinks from Teinacher.
Outside the sports hall, Schleppi’s Grillbude will be serving food. Drinks, cakes and sandwiches will also be available for purchase inside the hall.
Where can I find the course maps?
All SAARathon courses can be found on our course page, including maps and further information about the routes.
How does the timing work?
The timing chip is already integrated into your race number. You do not need your own chip.
Your individual net time starts when you cross the start line and will be shown in the results and on your certificate. For the official classification, the regulations of the German Athletics Association (DLV) apply, according to which the gross time is decisive.
We ask everyone to be fair. If everyone positions themselves realistically according to their expected pace, everyone has the same chance.
Please attach your race number clearly visible to the front of your running clothing.
Are there time limits?
Yes. The Half Marathon has a time limit of 3 hours, and the Marathon has a time limit of 5 hours 30 minutes.
There are also several cut-off points along the Marathon course. Exact times and locations can be found on our Marathon page.
Is there a Shake-Out Run the day before the race?
Yes! On Saturday, 10 October 2026, at 14:00, we invite you to join us for a relaxed Shake-Out Run of approximately 4 km. The meeting point is the Kulturbiergarten St. Arnual.
Participation is free. Please register briefly in advance so that we have an idea of how many runners to expect.
All information & registration for the Shake-Out Run
When are the award ceremonies?
The award ceremonies will take place in the Mehrzweckhalle St. Arnual:
- 11:00: Kids’ Race
- 11:45: 5K
- 12:15: 10K
- 13:00: Half Marathon
- 14:00: Marathon
Details of who will receive awards in each race can be found on the respective race page.
What is RUN & ROCK?
The SAARathon has plenty to offer musically, too! Under the motto RUN & ROCK, bands, drummers, musicians and a DJ will provide entertainment and extra motivation at numerous points along the course.
Spectators are warmly invited to join the fun, cheer on the runners and enjoy the music along the route.
You can find all acts, music locations and approximate performance times on our RUN & ROCK page.
Where can I find the results and live tracking?
Results and live tracking for the SAARathon 2026 will be available on Racepedia.
→ SAARathon 2026 results & live tracking
Where can I find photos of the SAARathon?
After the event, we will publish photos and impressions from the SAARathon on our website and on our social media channels: Facebook and Instagram.
What should I do if I have to drop out of the race?
If you have to stop your race before reaching the finish, please make sure you inform a course marshal or a volunteer at one of the refreshment stations, so that we know you are no longer on the course.
If you experience any health problems, please contact a course marshal, volunteer or member of the medical team immediately.
Can I run with headphones?
Yes, running with headphones is generally permitted. An exception applies to German Athletics Federation competition licence holders and members of athletics clubs who wish their result to be included in the official rankings.
Even when wearing headphones, please remain aware of your surroundings at all times and follow any instructions given by our course marshals.
Can I take part with a running stroller?
Yes, running strollers are generally permitted. As they require more space, please start towards the back of the field to avoid obstructing other runners.
Is there a dress code?
No. There is no specific dress code. Simply choose running clothes appropriate for the weather conditions.
Please note, however, that political, extremist, racist, inhumane or discriminatory messages and propaganda are not permitted at the event. We reject any attempt to use the SAARathon for political purposes.
What are the age limits for the different races?
The following age limits apply:
- Kids’ Race (1 km): U8 to U14
- 5K: U12 to U16; older age groups may also take part
- 10K: U16 and older
- Half Marathon: U18 and older
- Marathon: U20 and older
The official regulations regarding age groups and classifications can be found in the race regulations.
📩 Any questions?
If you have any questions about the event, please contact us at:
📧 saarathon@lag-saarbruecken.de
We wish you a great race, lots of fun and every success in achieving your goal – whether that’s a personal best, simply crossing the finish line or just having a fantastic time out on the course.
Your SAARathon Organizing Team
Laufgemeinschaft Saarbrücken