Next race
Saturday, 22 May 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Point-to-point road
Elevation
Net downhill · 769 m gain
769 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers on a point-to-point mountain road course from Neuhaus am Rennweg to Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig in Germany's Thuringian Forest. The Rennsteig name carries enormous tradition in German endurance sport. The route follows forest ridgelines and classic Rennsteig trail segments with roughly 769 m of gain — expect significant climbs on this hilly course.
Rennsteiglauf Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 2,500 finishers
- Weather
Course & terrain
Rennsteiglauf Marathon course
Course route details, elevation profile, and downloadable GPX for race-week planning.
The GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf Marathon is a point-to-point course from Neuhaus am Rennweg to Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig along Germany's historic Rennsteig ridge. Runners cross forest trails and mountain roads with roughly 769 m of climbing and 844 m of descent. The profile is hilly throughout, with sustained climbs on classic Rennsteig segments rather than a loop on shared start-finish grounds.
The Rennsteiglauf Marathon course is net downhill over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 769 metres of climbing and 844 metres of descent, with a net descent of 75 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Net downhill · 769 m gain — approx. 800 m above sea level
↑ 769 m · ↓ 844 m · net −75 m
Rennsteiglauf Marathon GPX file
Download the Rennsteiglauf Marathon GPX file
Marathon Focus' proprietary GPX processing removes duplicate points, adds elevation data, and formats the file so you get a cleaner, more reliable route to load into your Garmin, Coros, or Apple Watch fitness watch.
Registration
Rennsteiglauf Marathon entry requirements
The Rennsteiglauf Marathon uses open online registration at rennsteiglauf.de with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Rennsteiglauf Marathon travel
Airports closest to Neuhaus am Rennweg for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Erfurt (ERF)
Erfurt-Weimar Airport
54 km / 33 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Rennsteiglauf Marathon elevation profile?
- The Rennsteiglauf Marathon has 769 metres of total climbing and 844 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 75 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- How long is the Rennsteiglauf Marathon?
- The Rennsteiglauf Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point road from Neuhaus am Rennweg to Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig on a point-to-point mountain course.
- What time does the Rennsteiglauf Marathon start?
- The 2027 Rennsteiglauf Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Saturday, 22 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Rennsteiglauf Marathon start and finish?
- The marathon starts in Neuhaus am Rennweg and finishes in Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig — a point-to-point course along the Rennsteig, not a loop on shared grounds.
- When is the Rennsteiglauf Marathon and how do I register?
- The race is held on organiser-set dates in mid-May (often a Saturday). Register at rennsteiglauf.de; general entry is first-come, first-served when sign-up opens.
- Is the Rennsteiglauf Marathon course flat?
- The course includes hilly with notable climbs. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Rennsteiglauf Marathon pass?
- The route passes forest ridgelines, classic Rennsteig segments, and long climbing sections through central Germany's highlands.
- What weather should runners expect at Rennsteiglauf Marathon?
- Usually cool with forest air, variable cloud, and spring mountain conditions.
Official resources
Rennsteiglauf Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Neuhaus am Rennweg.
RegensburgBavariaGermany· 180 km away
Regensburg Marathon
The Regensburg Marathon draws approximately 1,100 finishers each May through Bavaria's best-preserved medieval city on the Danube. The course passes the Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke) — the oldest bridge in Germany — the Regensburg Cathedral, and the Thurn und Taxis Palace on flat Danube terrain. May's Bavarian spring and the UNESCO old town make it Germany's most historically intact marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.