Marathon races near Hirschaid

The Zeiler Waldmarathon is a November race held in Zeil am Main, located in Bavaria’s Haßberge region. The full marathon covers 42.195 kilometers along paved forest paths through the Haßberge, featuring approximately 840 meters of elevation gain. This makes it resemble a challenging endurance run more than a typical flat road marathon. The event also features the FRÄNKISCHE half marathon, a 21.1-kilometer race that attracts the largest number of participants. Turnverein Zeil am Main is the organizing body, with the TV Zeil “Rote Teufel” team and lead organizer Hubert Karl responsible for its execution. Reported participant numbers exceed 500 runners, with participants aged from 16 to 83. The half marathon has seen over 360 finishers. While the race is competitive enough for fast times, evidenced by a marathon win in 2:44:22 and a half marathon win in 1:23:28, the majority of participants include club runners, older competitors, and local athletes navigating a demanding forest course.