The Taubertal 100 begins at dawn in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, sending ultrarunners down the Tauber Valley on mostly flat asphalt bike paths. Distances include 50 km to Bad Mergentheim, 70 km to Tauberbischofsheim, 100 km to Wertheim, and 100 miles to Gemünden. A two-race Biel-Taubertal Challenge is offered for runners completing 100 km in Switzerland and 100 km in Germany within the same season. This is an annual point-to-point ultramarathon, meaning each distance concludes in a different town. The 50 km, 70 km, 100 km, and 100-mile courses are DLV measured and hold IAU Bronze status, with the 100-mile route qualifying for records and best lists.
The core concept is straightforward: depart the castle town of Rothenburg early and, for the 100 km event, arrive at the castle in Wertheim before nightfall without external assistance. The course traces the Tauber River through a valley dotted with historic bridges, castles, palaces, monasteries, city walls, and small hillside towns, with aid stations positioned approximately every 5 km. Rothenburg provides a distinct medieval setting for the start, and the longer races transform this tourist destination into an extended, direct run through the valley. Competitive runners participate; Nele Alder-Baerens holds women's records from 50 km to 100 miles, and the men's 100-mile record is 12:35, also a German record.