2. Balkan Cup Marathon

The EVL Half Marathon Leverkusen is an established running event in the Opladen district of Leverkusen, taking place annually in June. The 24th edition will occur on June 14, 2026, providing an attractive platform for ambitious and recreational runners. The event is organized by Sportpark Leverkusen – the start and finish are located on Bismarckstraße between BayArena and Ostermann-Arena. The race was first launched around 2002/2003, with a participant count of about 2,500 announced around 2003, indicating the event started in the early 2000s ([leverkusen.com](https://www.leverkusen.com/presse/evl-halbmarathon-bereits-uumlber-1500-anmeldungen-3951.html?utm_source=openai)). The event is becoming increasingly popular: in 2025, the participant limit was raised from 5,000 to 6,000 due to high demand, and more than 5,000 registrations were recorded shortly before the event ([leverkusen.de](https://www.leverkusen.de/pressemodul/pressemitteilungen/mai/evl-halbmarathon-erhoeht-teilnehmerlimit?utm_source=openai)). A triumph of running culture in Leverkusen: the previous maximum participation was 6,000 participants ([bsvleverkusen.de](https://bsvleverkusen.de/sport/half-marathon?utm_source=openai)).

The weather in the previous year (2025) was pleasant – thanks to good conditions, the races with high participant numbers were conducted smoothly, and the extensive supporting program was well received in comfortable temperatures. The event also offers races over 10 km, 5 km, TeamRuns, and Bambini races for children.

There is no lottery – participation is through registration, but the quota is limited, and the registration deadline was May 27, 2026 ([leverkusen-halbmarathon.de](https://www.leverkusen-halbmarathon.de/informationen/?utm_source=openai)). The course is moderately difficult: particularly challenging is the Sauerberg at kilometer 6.5 in Opladen – a short, steep ascent with mountain classification jersey and prizes ([leverkusen-halbmarathon.de](https://www.leverkusen-halbmarathon.de/informationen/?utm_source=openai)). The running routes initially pass through recreational areas and then through urban surroundings, with the start and finish centrally located on Bismarckstraße ([marathon.de](https://www.marathon.de/laufevent/evl-halbmarathon-leverkusen/?utm_source=openai)).

SEO-optimized description:

Experience an unforgettable running event at the EVL Half Marathon Leverkusen on June 14, 2026, in Opladen, Leverkusen. The traditional event (since the early 2000s) attracts up to 6,000 participants each year. In 2025, the participant count was increased for the first time due to high demand from 5,000 to 6,000 – a real running boom ([leverkusen.de](https://www.leverkusen.de/pressemodul/pressemitteilungen/mai/evl-halbmarathon-erhoeht-teilnehmerlimit?utm_source=openai)). Attractive for sports enthusiasts of all ages: Half Marathon (21.1 km), 10 km, 5 km runs, TeamRuns, and children’s Bambini races. The challenging Sauerberg ascent at kilometer 6.5 adds a sporty flair and is part of the mountain classification with an exclusive jersey and Frühkölsch prize ([leverkusen-halbmarathon.de](https://www.leverkusen-halbmarathon.de/informationen/?utm_source=openai)). The start and finish are centrally located on Bismarckstraße between BayArena and Ostermann-Arena, with the route passing through recreational areas and urban terrain ([marathon.de](https://www.marathon.de/laufevent/evl-halbmarathon-leverkusen/?utm_source=openai)). Participation is exclusively by registration, no lottery. The registration is limited; the earlier registration deadline was May 27, 2026 ([leverkusen-halbmarathon.de](https://www.leverkusen-halbmarathon.de/informationen/?utm_source=openai)). The event combines sporting challenge, family-friendliness, and urban atmosphere, making it excellent for SEO-optimized articles about running events in Germany, especially NRW and Leverkusen.

Halbmarathon (21,1 km), 10 km‑Lauf (EVL‑10er), 5 km‑Lauf, Bambini‑Läufe