52nd Königsforst Marathon Bergisch Gladbach

One of Germany's Oldest Marathons

The Königsforst Marathon was founded in 1973 — a pioneering race in German marathon history, long before the Berlin Marathon or Cologne Marathon became mega-events. 52 editions later, the Königsforst Marathon is a staple in the German running scene and one of the region's most important trail and forest marathons. The event is organized on a voluntary basis by TV Refrath.

Three Distances on March 15, 2026

• Ultra Marathon — 63.3 km
• Marathon — 42.2 km
• Half Marathon — 21.1 km

All distances start and finish at the Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium in Bensberg — the school and sports center of Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg.

Course — 85% through the Königsforst

The Königsforst is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's largest contiguous forest areas — over 2,500 hectares of forest east of Cologne, on the border between Cologne-Rath/Brück and Bergisch Gladbach. 85% of the marathon course runs on forest trails through this protected natural area. The course is hilly, with two significant ascents, but scenically impressive — beech, oak, and mixed forests, small streams, spring atmosphere in mid-March.

Monte Troodelöh — Cologne's Highest Point

A highlight for runners: the Monte Troodelöh, at 118.04 meters, is officially the highest point within the city limits of Cologne (the race skirts Cologne-Brück). Those who make it over this point have conquered the main ascents.

CO2-Neutral Since 2018

Since 2018, the Königsforst Marathon has been CO2-neutral — climate protection measures, elimination of plastic cups at aid stations, regional suppliers, compensation for unavoidable emissions. This aligns with the motto "Run Green Run Happy" — the marathon is positioned as an environmentally conscious event.

Staggered Start

To ensure nature conservation in the Königsforst, the organizer uses a staggered start system: Several start groups between 08:45 and 14:00 — the fastest first, elite runners can reserve premium start times with proof of qualification.

Bergisch Gladbach in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis

Bergisch Gladbach has a population of around 110,000 and is the district town of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. Bensberg, a southern district, is the running hub with the Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium. Bergisch Gladbach is located directly next to Cologne and is connected by tram/S-Bahn — perfect for day-trip runners from the Rhineland.