The Freiburg Marathon has been held every spring since it began in 2004, as an urban race in the university city of Freiburg im Breisgau,
at the foot of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany.
The marathon course consists of two laps of the half marathon course, with a relatively gentle overall elevation change of about 200 meters.
The start and finish are set up on the grounds of Messe Freiburg (the Freiburg exhibition center).
Course passes through Freiburg's western districts, Dietenbach Park, Haslach, Weingarten, St. Georgen,
Wiehre, and Opfingen, sweeping through the city center as well as the Stühlinger and Brühl districts.
Highlights of the race include the green scenery of the Mooswald forest and Seepark, a popular meeting spot for students,
the historic old town entered through the Schwabentor city gate,
and the stretch passing Bertoldsbrunnen fountain, the university library, and the municipal theater.
The Wiwili Bridge near the finish is considered an iconic point of the race thanks to its view of the Herz-Jesu-Kirche (Church of the Sacred Heart).
Freiburg was the first major German city to elect a mayor from the Green Party (Die Grünen),
in 2002, and has long promoted its identity as a "green city." In addition to the marathon and half marathon,
various other categories such as a fun run and a student marathon are held together,
giving the event a strong festival character with participation from the whole local community.
