6. Ultra-Lauf Cottbus (ULC)

63 km around Cottbus — Trail-Ultra in Lusatia

When the starting group of the 6th Ultra-Lauf Cottbus lines up in Kolkwitz on Saturday, March 28, 2026, one of Eastern Germany's special running events will begin. The course covers 63 kilometers in a loop around the city of Cottbus — predominantly on forest paths and narrow single trails through the Lusatian landscape. It's not a city marathon, not a vertical meter monster, but a moderate ultra-trail in a sparsely populated natural setting, ideal for your first 63 km experience or for opening the spring season.

Two Start Groups

Organizers LC Cottbus e.V. and mad-chicken-run.de offer two start options in 2026:

• Bummel-Start (7:00 AM, 11-hour time limit): For runners who prefer a slower pace or need a more generous time buffer.
• Main Start (9:00 AM, 10-hour time limit): The regular start for ambitious ultrarunners who want to set off with the faster front runners.

Both groups run the same course. The time limit of 10 or 11 hours is generously set — most finishers arrive well within this time.

The Course

The 63 kilometers run predominantly on forest and sandy paths through Lusatia around Cottbus. Elevation profile: moderate, with minor inclines, without pronounced mountain stages. The landscape is diverse — mixed forests, clearings, small ascents, dips. Sand and soft forest floor dominate, along with a few asphalt sections in the transitions between forest areas. The course is well-marked, with several aid stations set up along the 63 km.

Cottbus, Kolkwitz, and Lusatia

Start and finish are in Kolkwitz, a municipality directly on the western edge of Cottbus, at Hänchener Hauptstraße 20. The location allows for a loop through the Lusatian forests and the post-mining landscapes without having to dive into the urban area of Cottbus itself. Those arriving from Berlin or Dresden can reach Kolkwitz via the A 15 (Cottbus–Forst), exit Cottbus-West. Train travelers should go to Cottbus Hbf and then take a bus or taxi to Kolkwitz.

Limited Number of Participants

As with most trail ultras, the number of participants is limited — traditionally to 90 places at the ULC, which supports the personal character of the event. Registration is via the organizer's website, with bib collection on the morning of the event on-site. A pasta dinner on the eve of the event is part of the social program for many editions.

Spring Season Start

Late March in Lusatia is rarely moody — sun and cold wind often alternate, with occasional patches of remaining snow in the forest hollows. The wide range of weather makes the run a small material battle: those who wear the wrong layers will freeze or sweat. Experienced ultrarunners therefore bring multiple layers of clothing and a water-repellent top.