48. Harz-Gebirgslauf 2026

The Harz-Gebirgslauf begins in Wernigerode on the second weekend of October, leading runners and walkers into the Harz National Park. The Brocken-Marathon is its main attraction, described by organizers as North Germany's most challenging marathon because of the ascent of the Brocken, the area's highest peak. The event also features a half marathon, 11 km, 5 km, and 2 km races, a Brockenkinder children's run, and 11 km and 25 km routes for hiking and Nordic walking. The event originated in 1978, with border restrictions limiting the inaugural field to 300 participants despite 1,200 applications. The first edition provided 10, 26, and 39 km courses for both walkers and runners, and the race quickly became the second most popular public sports event in the GDR, after the Rennsteiglauf. Currently, almost 4,000 running enthusiasts gather in Wernigerode. Finishers are awarded medals, and the weekend program includes a brief preview run and a leisurely breakfast run to Wernigerode Castle.