Kottenforst Halbmarathon 2026

The Kottenforst Halbmarathon is a 21.1 km race held in Kottenforst Nature Park, near Bonn. It begins at the university sports grounds on Nachtigallenweg. This is a measured road half marathon, though it does not feel like a typical city road race. The route combines asphalt sections with firm forest paths, featuring approximately 65 meters of elevation gain. This climb is sufficient to disrupt a runner's rhythm without making it a strenuous mountain run. The course winds through marked paths within the Kottenforst, locally referred to as Bonn's green lung. Consequently, participants spend a significant portion of the race amidst woodland rather than on urban streets. The event originated from the former Bonner Herbsthalbmarathon, also known as the Reservistenlauf. This earlier race was conducted for many years by the Bonn reservists' association. Laufen im Rheinland now manages the event, utilizing the original fast course. It is a straightforward local race, with a cash entry fee collected on race day, which includes a bib, timing, and a finisher item.