Pros: Really well organised and also has pacekeepers starting from 2.59 up to 3.59 as well as there being pacekeepers for the half as well. Both half and full marathon start at the same time with around 500 full marathon runners and 2500 half marathon runners. Spectators for first lap are very cheerful as well as there being bands playing as well. The run goes through the old town of Regensburg which involves narrow streets however if you are running around a 3-3.30 pace it never felt congested.Also, the whole route is very flat and fast meaning if you want a P.B then you can definately get it here! If I can remember correctly, there was an incline in the 1st mile for approximately 30metres so not too painful! Water and energy stations were provided every 5km and sponges were given in runners pack before the race and there were water buckets provided for this.
Cons for full marathon: Spectators almost disappear for the second 13.1 mile lap and for the 3-3.30 pace you almost feel as if you are out running on your own which can be quite soul-destroying. Also, it was sometimes difficult to remember exactly which way to go due to there being no spectators (almost went wrong way at one point only to be shouted at by a marshall). One part of the course involved running around the 'Continental' tyre (main sponsor of half-marathon) test track which was around 1.5km. There was no spectators here at all and this was mentally quite tough. Despite this, there is a large crowd waiting for you at the finish where there is lot of food and drink available to help recovery. To conclude, this is no big-city marathon (London, New York, Amsterdam or Berlin) but it is still highly enjoyable and due to there being little congestion, a good choice if looking for a P.B. Would recommend it and would do it again!
P.S. from what I have read, some years the weather is very hot (above 25c) however this year was around 12c however the organisers dont have control over that!

Regensburg 2006 was my first German marathon. I was very impressed by the beautiful course, high quality of organization and the number and enthusiasm of spectators.

The 'out and back' course was flat and fast and led us through the historic old town to rural roads and villages along Danube River and then back to the finish line in downtown Regensburg.

The weather was miserable: heavy rain at start and showers during first several kilometers followed by strong head wind after the half-way turn point. My big thanks to the organisers for the green protective plastic vests.

Spectators and volunteers offered excellent support. We were greeted by all kinds of music - from rock and drum/percussion groups to brass bands.

In the second half of the run I was slowed down by blisters that I developed in wet shoes but I forgot about them for a while as I approached the finish line. Soon after that I was able to restore my internal water balance with glasses of free beer (!).

One suggestion for improvement: please consider more portable washrooms along the course.

The Bad: (1) Full marathon distance requires two laps around the city, for me this proved an additional mental obstacle to overcome (2) Half-marathon runners are released mid-point through the full marathon race. Just when you?ve finally cleared the bottleneck of traffic and make your way towards the front pack, you find yourself in the company of approximately 2000 more competitors! (3) Race brochure and directions are not available in English.

The Good: (1) Flat and very fast! (2) Spectators all over the place! (3) Found a couple of ?Porta-Potties? along the route... good to have just in case. (4) Excellent water stations. (5) The race website had my official time posted and a downloadable race certificate available within 24 hours following the event... excellent. Overall great marathon! I?ll be back in 2005.

I ran the half marathon, which is one loop in and around the 2,000 year-old city of Regensburg. The course is flat, fast, and well marked without traffic. The event, from the registration process through the run, and even the post-run activities, was superb. It is a must-run event for all who are looking for a great time, friendly atmosphere, and a beautiful city run.