9. G1 Grüngürtel Ultra Köln 2027

The G1 Grüngürtel Ultra Köln is a 63 km winter ultra run held each January on Cologne’s marked G1 Grüngürtel hiking loop. Beginning in Cologne, the race utilizes the green belt route encircling the city, offering a blend of urban and parkland character. Participants can expect cold January conditions, a mix of paved and trail sections, and a full circuit rather than a point-to-point course. This event is designed for ultra-distance runners, distinct from a short city race with added distance. The course traces the marked Grüngürtel circular path around Cologne, with navigation forming an integral part of the challenge. Runners navigate a local walking route, transforming it into a demanding winter test. The race originated as a training concept for the TorTour de Ruhr, initially conceived as a small, invitation-only run for approximately 20 to 25 individuals. However, a brief social media announcement rapidly exceeded this target, leading to the event's expansion. From 100 starters in its inaugural year, recent editions have seen around 400 registrations. Notably, one early edition commenced with 219 athletes despite severe storm conditions, with all participants successfully finishing, underscoring the practical and community-focused ethos of the race.