Halloween-Run Köln Set for Forstbotanischer Garten on October 31, 2026
The Halloween-Run Köln returns to the Forstbotanischer Garten in Cologne-Rodenkirchen on Saturday, October 31, 2026, offering 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races alongside children’s events. Organizers scheduled the 5-km event for 18:00 and the 10-km race for 19:15, with both distances combining into a dual classification known as the Doppelwertung.
Last year’s event drew 1,709 participants, setting an attendance record for the night run. Marco Müller swept the 2025 competition by winning the 5 km in 16:42 and the 10 km in 35:29, while Sabine Lerche claimed the women’s 10-km title in 44:33.
Mandatory Headlamps and Unlit Forest Trails
Runners tackle a course winding through the Forstbotanischer Garten after dark, where organizers note that sections remain intentionally unlit. Because of the darkness, wearing a headlamp is mandatory for all participants. According to the event organizers, the race paths measure slightly shorter than the official nominal distances.
Bib numbers are available for pickup at the organization tent on the grounds starting at 16:00 on race day. The venue sits at Schillingsrotter Straße 99 in Cologne, and organizers scheduled the official awards ceremony for 20:10.
Program Schedule and Children’s Candy Runs
The afternoon features shorter, untimed races for younger participants before the main evening competitions begin. The schedule includes the Little Candy-Run and Big Candy-Run over distances of 500 meters and 1.5 kilometers.
| Competition | Start Time | 2025 Winner (Men) | 2025 Winner (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | Saturday, 18:00 | Marco Müller (16:42) | Rubio (20:14) |
| 10 km | Saturday, 19:15 | Marco Müller (35:29) | Sabine Lerche (44:33) |
| Doppelwertung (5 + 10 km) | Combined | Marco Müller (52:11) | Sabine Lerche (1:06:12) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cologne Night Run
Where can runners check live results during the event?
Live-tracking and official race results will be published on Cologne Timing. Additional results pages are hosted under the athletics section on Sports Infos.
What time do the children’s candy runs begin?
The Little Candy-Run starts at 17:00, followed by the Big Candy-Run at 17:30. Neither of these youth events utilizes time measurement.
Are the race distances exact?
Event organizers state that the running routes through the Forstbotanischer Garten are slightly shorter than the nominal 5-km and 10-km distances.
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