36. Sparkassen Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd 2026

The Sparkassen Alb Marathon takes place around Schwäbisch Gmünd in the Swabian Jura, offering races from 5 km up to a new 60 km ultra. Held in October for its 36th edition, the event caters to children, walkers, beginners, club runners, and endurance athletes seeking a long run on hilly terrain. The new Alb Ultra begins in Essingen and passes through Heubach, the Furtlepass, and Waldstetten before concluding in Schwäbisch Gmünd, featuring approximately 2,000 meters of elevation gain. The 25 km race now starts at Burg Hohenrechberg and incorporates sections of the traditional Alb Marathon course. The 50 km Sparkassen-Lauf, 37 km Alb Trail, relay, 10 km Lauf & Walk, 5 km Challenge, and children’s race maintain the event's variety. The courses traverse the three Kaiserberge mountains. The organizer introduced the ultra distance in response to increased runner demand for more challenging trail and ultra options.