Burgwald Märchen Marathon 2026

The Burgwald Märchen Marathon begins in Rauschenberg and leads runners into the Burgwald forest in Hessen each August. This is a trail running event on forest terrain, featuring continuous ascents and descents instead of a flat road-marathon pace. Participants can select from various distances, starting at 5 kilometers up to the marathon distance, with the longest option extending to 52 kilometers. The majority of the race unfolds within sections of the Burgwald, passing through a moor that lends the course a more untamed character compared to a town circuit. The event accommodates a diverse range of participants, offering shorter distances for those new to trail running and more demanding routes for seasoned runners seeking a challenging terrain. The name reflects the forest environment: "Märchen" translates to fairy tale, suggesting a setting of woods, varied ground, and a path that constantly shifts underfoot.