GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf
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GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf
The GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf is an annual trail running event along the Rennsteig in the Thüringer Wald. It takes place in mid May and the 54th edition is scheduled for 22 May 2027. The Rennsteig is a historic ridge trail of about 168.3 km that crosses the Thüringer Wald, Thüringer Schiefergebirge and Frankenwald.
The event comprises multiple race and participation formats and draws about 15,000 participants each year. Reported participation figures include more than 6,000 starters in the half marathon and almost 2,500 ultramarathon runners on the long course.
Distances and formats:
- Supermarathon: 73.9 km
- Marathon: 42.2 km
- Half marathon
- 21 km Nordic Walking tour
- 17 km hike
- Marathon walking option
- Junior Cross
The finish area is in Schmiedefeld, a village of under 2,000 residents where a temporary container and tent village is set up and showers are available in a fixed building. Food and drink offerings emphasise regional products, including Thüringer Klöße before the race, on-route provisions such as broth and bread, the traditional Haferschleim, and Köstritzer Schwarzbier at the finish.
The event highlights the landscape and cultural features of the region, including sections in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Thüringer Wald. A course record time of 04:50:56 is recorded for one of the long distances. The race developed over more than 40 years from a student project into a large German running event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
