Marathon races near Blaustein

The Biberacher Genießerlauf begins and ends on Biberach’s historic market square in Upper Swabia. The October race program includes a half marathon, a two-person 2 x 8 km relay, and a roughly 6 km walking or Nordic walking route. The event emphasizes the “Genuss” (enjoyment) in its name: runners receive strong course support, good food and drink along the way and at the finish, and a glass of sparkling wine after crossing the line. The surfaces combine asphalt with firm forest and field paths, creating a town-and-countryside feel rather than a pure road run. The half marathon starts flat at about 530 m above sea level. It begins climbing around the fifth kilometer, reaching its high point of about 630 m near km 13.5, with views toward the Allgäu. The route then drops into Ingoldingen and returns mostly downhill or flat after a final climb. The relay departs the half marathon route at the end of the Wolfental, a green water-protection area west of the city. It returns to Biberach after a short rise and gentle descent; the handover in the city center provides a more social atmosphere for friends, clubs, and company teams. Walkers follow a separate, calmer route through the Wolfental, with or without poles, and Nordic walking is fully integrated into the program.

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.