Handkäs' and Dialects: Joyce Hübner's Marathon Journey - Woman Aims to Run 495 Marathons in 495 Days Across Germany
Joyce Hübner is taking on an extraordinary challenge: running 495 marathons in 495 days. Her goal is to reach every German city on foot, covering all 2,059 statistically recorded towns. The journey started on June 1 in Helmstedt, Lower Saxony, and will finish in Berlin on October 8, 2026.
Hübner's route has already taken her through Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. She notes the differences between regions, from the terrain to the people. In Rhineland-Palatinate, the elevation has tested her endurance, but she enjoys the changing landscapes along the way.
Local dialects help her identify where she is. She also pays attention to the welcome signs at state borders, particularly liking Rhineland-Palatinate's cheerful family design. To keep energy levels up, her diet relies on carb-heavy, practical foods—though she admits Handkäse, a regional speciality, wasn't to her taste. With no rest days planned, Hübner will keep moving back and forth between states in the coming days. As of March 22, 2026, she still has nearly all 2,059 cities ahead before reaching Berlin in October.
The ultra-runner's ambitious project will see her cover thousands of kilometres by foot. Each city brings new terrain, local culture, and physical demands. If completed, her journey will set a record for endurance running across Germany.
