Oberhausen has two very special event highlights. Up to 35,000 runners take part in the Ruhr Marathon every year, giving their all over 42 kilometres. The International Short Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the world. Oberhausen has been a centre for short film for more than 50 years.International Short Film Festival
Oberhausen has been the home of the International Short Film Festival - one of the oldest and most famous film festivals in the world - for more than 50 years. The festival showcases short films and videos from various formal, cultural and social backgrounds, including children's and youth cinema, music videos and detailed retrospectives. Large, themed special programmes also look at a range of topical social issues.Ruhr Marathon
In 2005, the Ruhr Marathon was held as a "twin marathon" for the first time. The race, in which up to 35,000 runners compete every spring, started in Oberhausen and Dortmund at the same time. There is also a varied programme of entertainment on offer all along the route, which runs for just over 42km.