Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon.
The Schwarzwald Marathon is a nature run on a rolling loop through the wooded highlands around Bräunlingen in the Black Forest. The course climbs steadily via Bruggen and the Lange Planie to just over 1,000 metres around kilometre 17, stays high through Oberbränd and Friedenweiler, and from kilometre 24 runs downhill past the Lange Allee and the Kirnbergsee for the long way home. Getting the extended climb right is what makes or breaks the day.
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The course, elevation and route profile are from the most recent edition.
Schwarzwald Marathon: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The loop starts in Bräunlingen at around 700 metres and runs flat for the first three kilometres. It then gains height continuously via Bruggen (kilometre 5) and the Lange Planie (around kilometre 10); several short climbs of three to seven percent break up the rhythm, the longest stretching for over two kilometres between kilometre 11 and 13.5. About 80 percent of the route runs on well-consolidated forest tracks, the rest on asphalt; the surface is very runnable but softer underfoot than a pure road course.
The high point of just over 1,000 metres comes around kilometre 17. A short, steep drop of roughly 850 metres averaging almost nine percent leads down to Oberbränd, the course climbs again, and between kilometre 19 and 24 it stays on the plateau through Friedenweiler. From there it descends almost without interruption for nearly 18 kilometres via the Lange Allee, Unterbränd and the Kirnbergsee back to the finish. In total around 640 metres of climbing are matched by an almost equal amount of descent, so the loop is close to even overall.
The Schwarzwald Marathon sees itself as a nature run through the Black Forest highlands, and its landscape character shows in every section. Every kilometre is marked, which makes pacing the effort straightforward.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 4.1 | 0.4 km | 6 % | 8.2 % | +22 m | — |
| km 6.7 | 0.8 km | 3.4 % | 9.5 % | +26 m | — |
| km 8.7 | 0.3 km | 7 % | 12.2 % | +23 m | — |
| km 9.9 | 0.6 km | 3.2 % | 4.4 % | +18 m | — |
| km 11.2 | 2.3 km | 3.1 % | 7.3 % | +71 m | — |
| km 13.9 | 0.4 km | 5.1 % | 8.5 % | +18 m | — |
| km 15.1 | 0.4 km | 5.3 % | 7.2 % | +18 m | — |
| km 19 | 1.1 km | 3.4 % | 6.2 % | +37 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Schwarzwald Marathon.
Start under control
The first 17 kilometres decide how much you have left for the finale. After the flat opening the climb stretches over roughly 14 kilometres and tempts you to push the moderate gradients too hard. Keep a deliberate reserve here and run the short ramps and the longer climb between kilometre 11 and 13.5 under control rather than attacking them.
Hold your rhythm
On the plateau between kilometre 17 and 24 you can settle back into rhythm; take the steep drop down to Oberbränd with short, relaxed steps rather than braking hard. The race is settled on the nearly 18 downhill kilometres from kilometre 24: they are fast but expensive, and if you overload your quads early you pay for it in the closing kilometres.
Spend what is left
Run the first part of the descent flowing rather than braking, and only let your legs truly run late.
Training plan for Schwarzwald Marathon: 12-week build
Build the base
For committed age-group runners the effort lasts roughly 3:15 to 5:00 hours depending on level. For long stretches the character is a calm aerobic run: a long, even climb to kilometre 17, a rolling plateau, and a long, muscularly demanding descent to the finish. Two things decide the race: running the long climb of the first 17 kilometres at your own rhythm without overreaching, and handling the closing 18 downhill kilometres on already tired legs in control and economically.
Train race pace
Both belong in your training. Focus on long runs with extended, moderate climbs early on, and add specific downhill running at the end of long sessions so your quads get used to the eccentric load of a long descent under fatigue; without it, legs often give out in the final kilometres.
Rehearse the course
Do as many sessions as possible on well-consolidated forest and gravel tracks, since the softer surface changes your push-off and cadence compared with asphalt.
Arrive fresh
Finally, work on the pace strength to hold an even rhythm over the long climb so you do not spend too much before the plateau.
Courses
Download the Schwarzwald Marathon course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon dynamically
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Everything about Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon.
How long is Schwarzwald Marathon?
Schwarzwald Marathon is 42.2 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Schwarzwald Marathon have?
Schwarzwald Marathon has around 637 m of elevation gain over 42.2 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Schwarzwald Marathon?
Schwarzwald Marathon is classified as Rolling, averaging 15.3 vertical metres per kilometre. 21% of the route is flat, 37% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 3% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Schwarzwald Marathon have?
The hardest climb of Schwarzwald Marathon starts at kilometre 11.2, runs for 2.3 km at an average of 3.1% and gains 71 metres. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Schwarzwald Marathon a loop course?
Yes, Schwarzwald Marathon is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Schwarzwald Marathon course?
Yes. The Schwarzwald Marathon course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Schwarzwald Marathon?
Preparation for Schwarzwald Marathon should account for 42.2 km, 637 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Schwarzwald Marathon?
The pacing strategy for Schwarzwald Marathon should reflect 42.2 km, 637 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon next take place?
No date has been announced for the next edition yet. The most recent one was held on October 11, 2026.
Where does Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon take place?
Internationaler Schwarzwald-Marathon takes place in Bräunlingen, Germany.
Which distances does Schwarzwald Marathon offer?
Schwarzwald Marathon offers 4 distances — Marathon: 42.2 km; Halbmarathon: 21.1 km; 10 km-Lauf: 10 km; 5 km-Lauf: 5 km.
How do I register for Schwarzwald Marathon?
Registration runs through the organiser: schwarzwaldmarathon.de. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
