Useful Information (FAQ)
To make sure you can start SAARathon day relaxed and prepared, we have compiled all important information about race packs, travel, and the event schedule for you:
📅 Start & Finish
Kulturbiergarten Saarbrücken-St. Arnual, Koßmannstraße 35
(See Travel & Parking for more info)
📅 Schedule
- 9:30 a.m. – Marathon including Saarland Marathon Championships
- 10:00 a.m. – Half Marathon
- 10:15 a.m. – Kids’ Run (1 km)
- 10:30 a.m. – 5 km Race
- 10:45 a.m. – 10 km Race
📅 Cut-off Times
- Pacemakers available for marathon finish times between 3:15 and 5:00 hours
- Half marathon cut-off: 3:00 hours
- Marathon cut-off: 5:30 hours
Intermediate split times required to meet the cut-off will be monitored at several points along the course. Participants exceeding the time limit will be removed from the race and can be safely transported back to the finish via the shuttle. Continuing on the course is then at your own risk, and timing will no longer be recorded.
📅 Timing
Timing is done via chip. Net times (individual start time) are measured and displayed, while placements are based on gun time.
📅 Awards
Award ceremonies will take place in the St. Arnual sports hall, Mehrzweckhalle Scharnhorststraße 12, 66119 Saarbrücken.
Winners, second and third place finishers (overall and age groups) receive cash or material prizes.
- 11:00 a.m. – Kids’ Run awards
- 11:45 a.m. – 5 km awards
- 12:15 p.m. – 10 km awards
- 1:00 p.m. – Half Marathon awards
- 3:00 p.m. – Marathon awards
All finishers receive a certificate, which can be downloaded online.
🏁 Race Pack Pickup
Race numbers can be collected at the Mehrzweckhalle, Scharnhorststraße 12, 66119 Saarbrücken-St. Arnual.
You will need your bib number to pick up your race pack. This will be available here from October 10. Please write it down and bring it with you. Go to the table for your race inside the hall and provide your bib number. You will receive your bib with the integrated timing chip, which does not need to be returned after the race.
You may also pick up bibs for family and friends, but you will need their bib numbers and written permission or a copy of their ID.
Times:
- Saturday, October 10: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 11 (race day): 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Tip: Coming early on Saturday helps avoid queues on race day.
🚗 Travel & Parking
If more than 2,000 participants register, there will likely not be enough parking spaces near the hall. Please allow extra time to find a parking space.
Parking is available on the other side of the Saar at Heizkraftwerk Römerbrücke (Straße des 13. Januar) and at Möbel Martin, An der Römerbrücke 8, 66121 Saarbrücken. Parking is open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and is about 1,200 m from the hall (900 m from the start).
Alternatively, we recommend using public transport (Saarbrücken-Ost train station 1,400 m away, Saarbahn stop Hellwigstraße 1,000 m away).
Additional information:
- There are no large-scale road closures for private vehicles. Certain areas (e.g., the towpath) are closed during the race.
- For warm-up runs, you can use Koßmannstraße and surrounding side streets.
- The towpath between the canoe club tunnel and Ostspange is closed during the race.
🌦 Event Conditions
SAARathon will take place in all weather conditions. Exceptions are extreme weather with official warnings (e.g., storms), where last-minute changes or cancellation may be necessary for safety reasons.
🚿 Refreshments & Facilities
- Aid stations every 5 km for half marathon and marathon participants, offering water, isotonic drinks, and depending on the distance, fruit and gels
- Drinks and snacks at the finish area
- Coffee, cake, and cold drinks in the hall
- Barbecue stand in front of the hall
Showers, Changing Rooms & Toilets
- The hall provides sufficient changing rooms, showers, and toilets
- Unattended baggage storage is available in the hall; no liability for stored items
- Toilets available in the hall, as well as portable toilets at the start/finish area and near aid stations
- You can leave a change of clothes in the hall or in a tent at the start/finish area (both unattended)
- Portable toilets are also available along the course near aid stations
👉 More Information on Individual Races
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10 km Race
- 5 km Race
- Kids’ Run
📸 Results – Live Updates – Photos
All results and split times will be available from race day at:
👉 saarathon-2026.racepedia.de/ergebnisse
Photos will be available in the days after the event in the photo gallery.
By participating, you agree that photos may be taken during the event and used for SAARathon publicity.
📩 Late Registration, Cancellations & Transfers
Late Registration (if spots still available):
- Sept 28 – Oct 8, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: online registration with payment; bib numbers assigned anonymously
- Oct 9 until 30 minutes before race start: online or on-site registration; payment in cash at pick-up
Cancellations & Transfers:
- Withdrawals are possible until Sept 27; fees refunded minus cancellation charge. Alternatively, a free entry for next year is possible. Email saarathon@lag-saarbruecken.de with name, race, and bib number. After that, refunds are no longer possible.
- Bib transfers to another participant are possible; inform us at saarathon@lag-saarbruecken.de.
- Changing distances (shorter or longer) is possible until Oct 8 and if the distance is not fully booked. No refund after transfer.
🚑 Safety & Medical
- Medical staff on course and at start/finish. Contact them if you have health problems.
- If you must drop out, inform the nearest aid station or course staff.
📌 Age Restrictions
For safety, the following age limits apply:
- 1 km Kids’ Run: born 2012–2019 (U8–U14)
- 5 km: born 2008–2013 (U12–U16), 2007+ without age group ranking
- 10 km: born 2010 or earlier (U16+)
- Half Marathon: born 2008 or earlier (U18+)
- Marathon: born 2006 or earlier (U20+)
The birth year, not the birthday on race day, counts.
📩 Miscellaneous
- Running with headphones is generally allowed, except for licensed athletes and athletics club members who want to be included in official rankings.
- Participants with baby joggers are allowed, but please line up at the back to avoid obstructing others.
- No dress code; dress appropriately for the weather.
📩 Questions?
For any race-related questions, contact:
📧 saarathon@lag-saarbruecken.de
We wish you a great run, lots of fun, and success in achieving your goals – whether a personal best, finishing, or just enjoying the course.
Your SAARathon Organizing Team
Laufgemeinschaft Saarbrücken