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Patronage 2026: Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert Takes the Baton
When thousands of runners take to the streets of Dresden for the 26th DRESDEN-MARATHON on 25 October, it is about far more than times, rankings and personal bests. The DRESDEN-MARATHON brings together people from Dresden, the surrounding region and numerous countries, turning the city into a major stage for running for an entire weekend.
Traditionally, the patronage of our event holds a special significance.
After the then Saxon State Minister of the Interior, Armin Schuster, served as patron of the 25th DRESDEN-MARATHON in 2025, the baton is being passed this year to the Lord Mayor of the City of Dresden, Dirk Hilbert.
For us, taking on the patronage means far more than simply having a name above a message of greeting. It represents the close connection between the DRESDEN-MARATHON and the city whose streets we run through. A marathon of this scale is always a community effort: the organisers, city administration, public authorities, emergency services, partners, clubs, numerous volunteers and, of course, the people of Dresden all contribute to making it possible for thousands of people to experience Dresden together on foot during marathon weekend.
This is precisely why the support of the City of Dresden and its representatives is so important to us. The DRESDEN-MARATHON has been an integral part of Dresden’s sporting calendar for many years, bringing together elite and recreational sport, international guests and local runners, ambitious marathoners and running beginners. Movement, connection and community go hand in hand.
Under our motto “Run Through History”, we lead our participants through the heart of Dresden and past some of the city’s best-known landmarks. This makes the DRESDEN-MARATHON not only a major sporting event, but also a special opportunity to experience Dresden on the run and showcase the city far beyond its borders.
The starting signal is part of the tradition
At the DRESDEN-MARATHON, the patronage is traditionally associated with a very special moment: the starting signal.
When the field gathers on Ostra-Allee, the final seconds are counted down and thousands of runners wait for their big moment, our patron should not merely accompany the event in name, but be an immediate part of the marathon experience.
Unfortunately, Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert will not be able to attend the 26th DRESDEN-MARATHON in person this year. He will be represented by Jan Donhauser, First Mayor of the City of Dresden and Deputy Mayor for Education, Youth and Sport.
This means that in 2026, Jan Donhauser will send the runners on their journey through Dresden from the starting line on Ostra-Allee and give the traditional starting signal.
Jan Donhauser is no unfamiliar face to the DRESDEN-MARATHON. As Dresden’s Deputy Mayor responsible for sport, he supports sport throughout our city and has already attended events organised by Dresden Marathon e. V. in person. We are therefore all the more delighted to welcome him to our starting line on 25 October.
A message from our patron
Although Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert cannot be there in person on race day, he accompanies the 26th DRESDEN-MARATHON as its patron and sends the following message to participants, partners, volunteers and guests:
“The DRESDEN-MARATHON inspires thousands of running enthusiasts from the city, the region, Germany and abroad. Thanks to its attractive course and its excellent organisation, the event at the end of October has become a firm fixture in the calendars of athletes and visitors alike. Now in its 26th edition, the number of participants continues to grow. This popularity motivates organisers, supporters and volunteers alike. My thanks go to the organiser, all partners from the business community, as well as the volunteers and families working behind the scenes. Their combined efforts are what make this special event possible. With the DRESDEN-MARATHON, we celebrate movement, connection and community.”
Dirk Hilbert, Lord Mayor of the City of Dresden
When the starting signal is given on 25 October, what truly matters begins: thousands of people set off together.
Through Dresden. Past its history. Carried by spectators, volunteers, partners and an entire city.
Run Through History.
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