GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf
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About the race
The GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf is an annual long-distance running event held in the Thuringian Forest along the Rennsteig, a 168.3 km ridge trail between Werra and Saale. It takes place each mid-May and attracts around 15,000 participants from Germany and abroad. Routes run through the UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat Thüringer Wald and several named towns and areas such as Eisenach, Neuhaus am Rennweg, Oberhof and the finish in Schmiedefeld. The event programme includes competitive distance races, walking and Nordic walking options, and a junior cross.
The finish in Schmiedefeld is staged on a small sports field where a temporary container and tent village is erected; only the showers are in a permanent building. Food and drink on offer follow regional traditions: pre-event meals feature Thüringer Klöße, along the route there are broth, sausage and Schmalzbrot stations, the traditional oat porridge called Haferschleim, and in the finish area Köstritzer Schwarzbier. Participation figures vary by discipline; the half marathon is the largest single race with over 6,000 starters, and the supermarathon counts nearly 2,500 ultramarathon runners. The organiser lists upcoming annual dates, including the 54th edition on 22 May 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
