20th edition of the largest mountain bike marathon in the Hunsrück with four routes and Kids Race
Since its beginnings in the mid-2000s, the Schinderhannes MTB Marathon has become a permanent fixture on the German mountain bike calendar. The name refers to the legendary Hunsrück robber captain Johannes Bückler (1779–1803), known as "Schinderhannes," who was active in the Hunsrück and on the Middle Moselle — and whose myth is now marketed for tourism in the form of hiking and cycling trails.
The organizer is Schinderhannes MTB Marathon e.V., a club founded specifically for the marathon, whose members organize the event on a voluntary basis. Start and finish is the Emmelshausen-Liesenfeld sports field on the L206 towards Gondershausen — a location that offers ample space for transition zones, catering, and festival operations.
For 2026 — the 20th edition — four route lengths are announced, including a new route named "Julchen". Typically, distances of approx. 25 km, 45 km, 65 km, and 90 km are offered — the exact lengths will be published by the organizer in spring 2026. The routes are characterized by typical Hunsrück elements: single trails through beech forests, fast forest road sections, technical descents in the stream valleys (Baybachklamm, Ehrbachklamm), short but steep climbs.
The Kids Race is aimed at young riders and is an important component of the event concept. Registration is possible from January 1, 2026, with early bird benefits. Accompanying the sporting program, there is a Bike Expo area with exhibitor stands (manufacturers, component brands, local bike shops) and catering at the sports field. Freely accessible to spectators.
The 2026 anniversary edition combines sporting tradition and new route design. With the "Julchen" route, the organizer expands the offering without abandoning the proven distances. The event is attractive for both amateur and ambitious racers — the combination of technical trails and grueling climbs makes the Schinderhannes Marathon a true marathon classic.
The exact program for 2026 (route details, start times for individual distances, cut-off times, supporting program) will be published by the organizer in spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years: mass start for the long distances in the early morning, staggered starts for the shorter distances, Kids Race in the afternoon, award ceremony in the late afternoon.
Bike Expo at the sports field, refreshment stations on the route, shower facilities at the sports field, bike washing, award ceremony with raffle.
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years.
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Location: Emmelshausen-Liesenfeld sports field, L206 towards Gondershausen.
Getting there: A 61 exit Emmelshausen, then L206. Emmelshausen train station (Hunsrückbahn).
Parking: Large parking area at the sports field and on the access roads.
Registration: Online from January 1, 2026, via https://schinderhannes-mtb.org/ — Early bird benefits.
Kids Race: Separate category, can be registered separately.
Spectators: Free access to the sports field and route points.
No photos yet. Share yours!
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community.