MARATHON IN DÜSSELDORF
April 26 2026
A popular annual marathon takes place in Düsseldorf on some exceptionally attractive lengths of course alongside the river Rhine. Spectators turn out in their thousands, especially if the sun is shining. There will also be a half marathon plus other events on the day.
The crowds can be tremendously supportive of their friends, family members and everyone else taking part in the race. Groups of drummers motivate thousands of amateur participants while the professionals seem to finish the course effortlessly within impressive times.
A party-like atmosphere characterises many aspects and areas of the event traditionally held in April.
The official marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres may seem rather unusual. The distance is equivalent to 26 miles and 385 yards. When the Summer Olympics were held there in 1908, the Princess of Wales wanted her children to have a marvellous view at the start and the wife of King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, wanted to have the best view of the finish.
Hence the race was was run over the exact distance between the east lawn at Windsor Castle near London and the Royal Box in the White City stadium in London. The distance has remained ever since.
By Vincent Green, Jan 3 2026
D.LIVE GmbH & Co. KG
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PETS IN DÜSSELDORF
Germans, on the whole, love and respect pets and are friendly towards dogs. Dogs are permitted on public transport and inside restaurants but keeping a pet on a leash is a must. Dog ownership in Düsseldorf is highly regulated and taxed through a compulsory licence fee.
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The public transport system in Düsseldorf is safe and normally efficient. A dense network of trams, Strassenbahn, above and below ground as well as buses serve the city and its suburbs. Links via the S-Bahn train system reach further outlying areas and some neighbouring communities.
