GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf
Europe's largest cross-country run — 53rd edition on May 9, 2026
About Rennsteiglauf
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A running tradition since 1973
The GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf originated in 1973 as an East German response to Western marathon events and is named after Johann Christoph Friedrich GutsMuths (1759–1839), an educator from Quedlinburg and pioneer of modern physical education. Over more than 50 years, the run has evolved into Europe's largest cross-country race — a status it maintains to this day.
The Rennsteig — Germany's most famous hiking trail
The Rennsteig is the 168-kilometer ridge trail that has run through the Thuringian Forest since the Middle Ages — from Hörschel near Eisenach to Blankenstein on the Saale river. For centuries, it served as a border between Hesse and Saxony, later between Bavaria and Prussia, and is now one of Germany's most popular long-distance hiking trails. The Rennsteiglauf uses this ridge trail as its course — a scenically spectacular but physically demanding route with a total of 1,403 meters of elevation gain.
Six distances for every fitness level
- Supermarathon (73.9 km) — Start 6:00 AM in Eisenach (Wartburg town), finish Schmiedefeld. The longest distance for ambitious ultra-runners.
- Marathon (42.2 km) — Start 9:00 AM in Neuhaus am Rennweg, 9-hour time limit, ideal for beginners.
- Half Marathon (21.1 km) — Start 7:30 AM in Oberhof, the 'winter sports capital' of Thuringia.
- 17 km Hike — for active hikers.
- 21 km Nordic Walking — separate competition format.
- JuniorCross — children's and youth format over a shorter distance.
The most beautiful finish line in the world
All distances end in Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig — a mountain village at about 700 meters altitude, where the finish area is set up at the traditional 'Schmiedefeld train station'. Here, all finishers are greeted with what has become a tradition of the Rennsteiglauf: Thuringian dumplings (Klöße) with roulades and dark beer at the finish. A culinary welcome that makes you forget the hardships of the course.
17,000 runners from 20 nations
With around 17,000 registrations (as of 2026: Supermarathon 2,090, Marathon 3,426, Half Marathon 7,021, 17 km Walk 2,736, 21 km Nordic Walking 1,324, Junior Cross 435, Total 17,032), the Rennsteiglauf is one of Europe's largest trail runs. Participants come from over 20 nations — Germany is naturally dominant, but there are also strong contingents from the Czech Republic, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Marathon of the Year — six times in a row
For six consecutive years, the Rennsteiglauf was voted 'Marathon of the Year' by 'RUNNING' magazine (now 'Runner's World Germany'). This award recognizes the combination of scenic beauty, organizational quality, and the unique Volksfest (popular festival) atmosphere at the start and finish locations.
Rennsteiglauf — edition 2026
The 53rd edition in 2026 will span the entire Saturday, with staggered starts at various points along the Rennsteig ridge. The first runners will set off from Eisenach at 6 AM, and the last major distance (Marathon) will start at 9 AM from Neuhaus am Rennweg. All will finish in Schmiedefeld throughout the afternoon.
Programme Rennsteiglauf 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — Starts on the Rennsteig
- 6:00 AM — Supermarathon (73.9 km) Start in Eisenach (Wartburg town). 2,090 participants.
- 7:30 AM — TEAG Half Marathon (21.4 km) Start in Oberhof (Winter sports capital). 7,021 participants.
- 9:00 AM — Marathon (42.2 km) Start in Neuhaus am Rennweg. 1,403 meters elevation gain, 9-hour time limit. 3,426 participants.
- 17 km Hike: 2,736 participants
- 21 km Nordic Walking: 1,324 participants
- JuniorCross: 435 participants in younger age groups
- Total registrations (preliminary 2026): 17,032
Finish Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig
- All distances end in Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig
- Festive reception with Thuringian dumplings, roulades, and dark beer for all finishers
- Medal and certificate
- Volksfest atmosphere, music, and live broadcast of arrivals
Registration and full course descriptions at rennsteiglauf.de. 2026 program booklet available as PDF.
Highlights Rennsteiglauf 2026
- Europe's largest cross-country run — 53rd edition
- Six distances from Supermarathon to JuniorCross
- Finish line in Schmiedefeld — Thuringian dumplings and dark beer
- 'Marathon of the Year' six times
- 17,000 runners from 20 nations
Prices Rennsteiglauf 2026
Entry fees are tiered based on distance and registration date. Early bird discounts are valid until the end of March. Detailed prices and registration form available on rennsteiglauf.de.
Practical information — Rennsteiglauf
Getting there
Start and finish locations are spread across the entire Rennsteig massif. Eisenach (Supermarathon start), Neuhaus am Rennweg (Marathon start), Oberhof (Half Marathon start), and Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig (finish) are all accessible by train or car. Special shuttle buses for runners from the finish back to the start locations will be organized.
Registration
Online at rennsteiglauf.de. Registration deadlines typically run until the end of March / beginning of April. Entry fees are tiered based on distance and registration date (early bird discounts available).
Accommodation
Book early — hotels and guesthouses in Schmiedefeld, Oberhof, Neuhaus, Suhl, and Eisenach are fully booked on the race weekend. Alternatively, consider staying in larger cities (Erfurt, Coburg) and traveling in on the morning of the event.
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Travel to this festival
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Where it takes place Rennsteiglauf
Rennsteig Thüringer Wald (Eisenach – Schmiedefeld)
Hauptverwaltung Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig, 98711 Suhl