Bergischer 6-Hour Run Remscheid

Ultra Run at the Bergisches Reservoir

Anyone who wants to run an ultra marathon in the Bergisches Land region knows the Eschbachtalsperre — and the Bergischer 6-Hour Run has been the must-do event in the region since 2012. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, the 13th edition of the run, organized by Feinerlauf (Oliver Witzke and Patrick Jeschak), will start. The scenic setting — water, forest, hills — is a hallmark of the run: anyone who spends 6 hours in the Bergisches region gets more than just kilometers on their clock.

3-km Circuit on Forest Ground

The course is a 3-kilometer circuit on firm forest ground around the Eschbachtalsperre (Germany's oldest drinking water reservoir, opened in 1891) — counter-clockwise, with approximately 20 meters of elevation difference per lap. Asphalt sections are minimal. The shady course through mixed forest is pleasant, especially in midsummer — an important factor for an ultra run that starts at 10 AM and ends at 4 PM. Aid stations every 3 kilometers with water, isotonic drinks, and solid snacks.

Scoring Format

The scoring format follows classic ultra running logic: participants run as many kilometers as possible in 6 hours, receive a first marker 5 minutes before the end, and a second marker with the final signal — the distance covered between the two markers is measured by the organizers after the race. Thus, every meter run counts, even if the last lap is not completed.

Registration and Fees

Early bird until March 31, 2026: €35. Regular registration until June 15, 2026: €45. Late registration on race day: €60. The entry fee includes catering, timing, cloakroom in the event hall, and commemorative merchandise. Cloakroom and lounge area in the conference room of the Eschbachtalsperre — sleeping bags, change of clothes, and additional food can be stored here.

Arrival and Directions

The organizers explicitly ask participants to follow the signposted route and not to trust GPS navigation — many GPS devices send participants onto closed forest paths. Arrival by car via the A 1 (Remscheid exit) or the A 46 (Wuppertal). Limited parking directly at the reservoir — early arrival recommended.

Remscheid and the Bergisches Land

Remscheid (around 110,000 inhabitants) is the smallest of the three major Bergisches cities (with Wuppertal and Solingen). The city is located on a ridge between the Wupper and the Rhine — and the Eschbachtalsperre is one of its most important local recreation areas. The 6-hour run fits perfectly into this topography: a run that connects city limits and nature reserve, combining industrial history and forest recreation in a single route.