Köln Marathon

Really cool marathon that is extremely well organized. Never experienced such an enthusiastic crowd in Europe. Of you need crowds to run fast, pick this one. Many people along the course will make your run a little bit easier. It felt like I was running through city center the whole time. Best moment is just before the finish line, when you suddenly see that famous Dom Cathedral pop up on your right. After the finish line there is a whole food plaza with treats for all runners. Anything you ca imagine and/or wish for after 42k of running. This marathon has by far the best after marathon care for their runners. Town of Cologne is cool too. Typical German, so be prepared to drink a lot of Kolsch beer after the run en eat schnitzels.

The route is interesting. The finish line is just in front of the famous Cathedrale. The recovery area at the finish line is the largest I have ever seen. A lot of food and drink.