Sports and active recreation

Get active in the fresh air

Every spring almost 2,000 people gather in the small town of Tangermünde to run the Elbdeichmarathon. The natural route through the biosphere reserve is unique and attracts many participants. But even if you are not an enthusiastic runner, the Altmark offers you a variety of possibilities to do sports.

The Elbdeichmarathon is considered to be a secret insider tip on the running scene, although it isn't actually any more: around 2,000 participants, some of them from other European countries, come to the Altmark every year just for this event and run marathons, half-marathons or 10 km distances here. There is even a children's race. As a result, the marathon has become the largest sporting and running event in the region. The green route through the Elbe Biosphere Reserve will inspire you, as it makes a welcome change to the other marathon routes through big cities: nature trails instead of asphalt, healthy air instead of car exhaust fumes and a pristine river landscape. You can enjoy precisely these advantages when jogging in numerous clubs and running groups.

But you can also let off steam in the Altmark with a passion for other sports. Near the water, especially on the Elbe and Arendsee, you can row, paddle or canoe – whether in a club or with your own boat. Stand-up paddling has established itself as a new trend sport on the Altmark's lakes (for example in Arendsee). Equestrian sport, on the other hand, has a long tradition in the Altmark. There are riding stables and clubs almost everywhere and a huge network of bridle paths runs through the entire region. Classic football is of course also very popular in the Altmark. And if you prefer something a little more unusual, you can find almost everything from darts to carnival dancing and gliding.