9th Diez City Run - Karl Maxeiner Run

The Diez Classic – 400 m, 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, walking and relay

This year’s motto is: Flat, fast, festive – Diez at full speed!

Following numerous requests from participants and spectators in previous years, the Diez City Run will take place again in 2026. The event has long since established itself as a fixture in the regional sporting calendar and, thanks to steadily growing registration numbers, ranks among the most popular running events in Rhineland-Palatinate. For over a decade, it has been inspiring ambitious athletes as well as health-conscious amateur runners.

As in previous years, the Rhein-Lahn Athletics Association will host its district road running championships as part of the City Run. For the first time, the regional championships of the Rheinhessen-Rheinland Athletics Association will also be held in Diez – further proof of the event’s significant sporting importance. Race walkers and walkers can once again compete over the 5 km distance.

A particular highlight is the relay race, which made its debut in 2023 and has since proved very popular. Five people form a team, each covering one kilometre. Women’s, men’s and mixed relays compete against one another in separate categories – with plenty of ambition, team spirit and pure passion for running.

Separate starts are scheduled for the 5 km runners and the Bambini (U8):

For the 5 km race, the starting line-up will be staggered: first the elite runners (up to 25:00 minutes) will start, followed by all other participants in this race. For the Bambini, those born in 2021 and 2022 will run first, followed by those born in 2019 and 2020.

The well-signposted running routes, marked with kilometre indicators, lead along asphalt and cobblestones through the historic old town alongside the River Lahn, over the Oranienstein Bridge and finish at Diez Market Square. The consistently flat, officially measured routes are fast and eligible for the record books!

Two musical attractions along the course will keep runners and spectators in good spirits.

At the market square, you’ll find registration, changing tents, toilets, refreshments, advice stands (e.g. running shoes) as well as massage and physiotherapy services.

Photos, a professional event video and certificates for all participants are available online. On-site, there are medals for everyone (including the Bambini), certificates for the top three finishers in each race (except Bambini), trophies for the winners of the 1 km, 5 km and 10 km races, prizes for the top three women and men in the 5 km and 10 km races, and cash prizes for the three schools with the highest number of participants (€300/€200/€100). The prize-giving ceremonies will take place on the market square.

For an additional fee of 12.-, a breathable commemorative running shirt can be pre-ordered when registering; for children, the price is 7.-.

The event is organised by SV Diez-Freiendiez e.V. in cooperation with LG Lahn-Aar-Esterau.

Registration: https://my.raceresult.com/382790/registration

The focus is on enjoying running and having fun together – we hope for perfect running weather, a great atmosphere and plenty of participants!