When the Rügen Bridge Belongs to the Runners The 18th Rügen Bridge Marathon celebrates a record number of participants and shows how an extraordinary course has become a sporting event with regional appeal. There are places where sports are more than just exercise—places where landscape, community, and personal ambition come together to create a special experience. The Rügen Bridge between Stralsund and the island of Rügen is one such place. Where traffic usually flows across the Strelasund, this Saturday the lanes belong to the runners, walkers, and children—people who are testing their own limits while also becoming part of a great shared moment. The 18th Sparkassen Rügen Bridge Marathon and DAK Run and Walk Day on October 10, 2026, sets a new record: 7,565 participants have registered—more than ever before. This makes the sporting event also serves as an impressive testament to the appeal of the Vorpommern region. The event’s 18th anniversary this year is more than just a nice anniversary number. It marks the journey of a sporting event that has long been established in the Hanseatic city’s calendar of events and whose appeal extends far beyond the borders of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Seven courses, one shared goal. What makes this race special is its inclusivity. It’s not just the endurance athletes taking on the premier 42.195-kilometer race who define the event. The Rügen Bridge Marathon also sees itself as an invitation to recreational athletes, families, children, and people who prefer walking to running. A tot