Obviously more people prefer to perform the role of spectator at a marathon than to entertain the idea of running 42.195 kilometres. A surprising number do turn up to jog some or all of the distance, which is the metric equivalent of the 26 miles and 385 yards length of the marathon during the 1908 Summer Olympics in London.

The Marathon, going since 1963, has participants chasing each other on an asphalt route twice around the picturesque Baldeneysee in Essen. The day also sees a relay marathon taking the same route. With such views and atmosphrere, it is a truly great event.