Save the date: The party is just moving to autumn

Dear Participants,

We have great news: the hella hamburg half 2026 has a new race date! We’re looking forward to welcoming you back to the start line on Sunday, 25 October 2026, when Hamburg’s streets will once again belong to the running community.

Our summer running festival is becoming an autumn celebration. Instead of battling extreme heat, you can look forward to crisp autumn conditions—perfect for enjoying the course and perhaps even setting a new personal best.

Here’s everything you need to know about your race entry.

Why this date?

Finding a new date for an event of this size is a complex task. Together with the relevant authorities, partners and service providers, we carefully evaluated numerous factors before selecting the new race day.

Our decision was based primarily on:

• Availability of event venues and infrastructure
• Availability of suppliers, staff and volunteers
• Avoiding conflicts with other major events
• Reducing the risk of another extreme weather situation
• Planned roadworks throughout the city
• Official permits and approvals

​​​​​

Your options

• Option A: Keep your race entry
  We’d love to see you on the start line in October. If you’re able to join us on the new date, you don’t need to do a thing. Your race entry will automatically be transferred to 25 October 2026.All booked add-ons—including merchandise and cancellation protection—will also be transferred automatically.
  ​​​​​
• Option B: Receive a full refund
  If you can’t make the new date, or simply choose not to participate, you may cancel your registration and receive a full refund of your entry fee as well as all booked add-ons.To make this process as smooth as possible, we’re currently finalising the technical setup for online refund requests. We expect the refund form to be available between 20 and 31 July. Once it is live, you’ll have four weeks to submit your request.

​​​​​

What can you expect?

Simply put: the same unforgettable race experience—just in much better running weather.

Only minor adjustments will be made to the course, mainly around the finish area and the event village. The new date also gives us some exciting new opportunities that we’re looking forward to bringing to life.

A vibrant event village? ✔️ Fantastic on-course entertainment? ✔️ A scenic route through Hamburg’s most iconic sights? ✔️ Thousands of runners celebrating together? Absolutely. One thing is certain: it’s going to be worth the wait.

So keep your running shoes ready, stay in training, and let’s celebrate together this October.

​​​​​

A few more details

• Your assigned start wave and start time will remain unchanged unless we inform you otherwise.
• If you purchased cancellation protection during registration, it will automatically be extended until Tuesday, 6 October 2026.
• We are currently working on a long-term solution for future editions of the event.
• The Bear Run will take place as planned on Saturday, 24 October 2026, the day before the half marathon.

We’re incredibly grateful for your patience, understanding and the overwhelming support we’ve received over the past days.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to Hamburg this October. See you at the start line!

Kind regards,
Your BMS Team