I selected this race for my first as the one I originally planned to run was cancelled and the schedule for this one fit okay.

The course is nice, with pleasant views of the Elbe along the way. The route is generally flat with one major climb to Pirna. The first half of the track is mostly shaded, but the second half is completely exposed to the sun, which was a problem as it became very hot by noon. (Marathon start was at 9:40.)

Extremely well organized with expo, etc., and very good organization along the way (water and food), as well as samba groups. Absolutely no fruit at the finish line, though.

Note: English is very rarely spoken (!).

Bottom line: I enjoyed it. Nice, if you happen to be in town, but I'm not sure it's worth traveling a long distance for.

This Oberelbe Marathon had everything I like about a marathon: a course along a river, which passed fantastic nature and medieval towns; a finish in a stadium; and no traffic (cars, bikes) on the course.

Despite rainy and cool weather, the Oberelbe Marathon was one heck of a good time. A great point-to
-point race from Konigstein to Dresden along the beautiful Elbe River. Hundreds of runners packed the 0750-hour train in Dresden (free trip for runners) to be dropped off an hour later 26 miles upriver for the run back to Dresden. The race is 95% on a paved cycle path with NO vehicular traffic! Great!

Scenery was dramatic with castle-capped cliffs on both sides of the river for the first 15 miles. Few specators as you are running in the country and small villages, but the few that did brave the rain were enthusiastic indeed. Great, friendly, multi-lingual registration, packet pickup and overall organization. Only about 1000 runners so after a kilometer or so, never really crowded.

Spending time in lovely and historic Dresden is worth the trip itself. And, there are some fabulous white wines from this area of the Elbe river, so along with German beer, rehydration is a pleasure! I'm flying back across the Atlantic next spring just for this race. Hell, I may go back next month just to drink some more Riesling!!!!