- Half
Paderborn Easter Run
Paderborn Easter Run Half Marathon
Germany's oldest street race: flat, fast, Easter Saturday in Paderborn.
Follow for alerts on every edition: dates, ballots, entries.
2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
145
days to 27 Mar 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon
- Course
- Flat
- Climb
- 40 m
- Entry
- —
About
The race
Paderborner Osterlauf is recognized as Germany's oldest street race, traditionally held on Easter Saturday. The course is famous for being exceptionally fast and flat, making it a premier destination for runners seeking to set personal best times. The route winds through the historic and modern streets of Paderborn, supported by a festive, high-energy atmosphere and strong community participation.
Before you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Flat means even splits
With only around 40 meters of climbing over the half marathon, treat this as a time trial and aim for even splits. There is no need to hold anything back for late hills.
From the elevation profile
- 02
Cold Easter start
A typical race-day temperature of 4.8°C means a cold Easter Saturday. Warm up properly, wear disposable layers to the start and shed them once you are moving.
From the temperature
- 03
Twisting city streets
The route winds through both historic and modern streets, so expect turns rather than long straights. Look up the course beforehand so you can hold your rhythm through the corners.
From the description
- 04
Run with the crowds
As Germany's oldest street race, it draws strong community support and a festive crowd. Use the noise on the busier sections rather than going out hard on your own.
From the description
In Paderborn
Small, walkable center
Paderborn's center is compact and walkable, so spectators can move between spots on foot and catch runners more than once without needing transport. Trams and buses cover the wider city if you are staying further out.
Where to watch
The old town around the cathedral and the Pader springs, where the river rises in a series of pools, are the natural gathering points. Both are close to the historic streets the race passes through.
Gentle recovery
After the race, a slow wander along the Pader springs or out to the gardens at Schloss Neuhaus works better than sitting down straight away. The city is flat and easy to explore on tired legs.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
Every year