4. Otzberger Heidelberg-Ultra

The Otzberger Heidelberg-Ultra is a trail-running series centered on the Trail Marathon Heidelberg. It begins and ends at Karlsplatz in Heidelberg’s old town, taking place in September. Runners can choose from several mountain-focused distances: the 20 km Base Trail, 30 km Half Trail, 45 km Heart Core Trail, and a long distance route of approximately 42 to 48 km. The main marathon features about 1,830 meters of climbing and descent, with a 6 hour 30 minute time limit and only three aid stations. This makes it distinctly a mountain trail race rather than a road marathon with some inclines. The event is a UTMB Index race, an iTRA member event, and awards ITRA points, holding an ITRA Mountain Level of 4. The course crosses uneven forest paths and narrow trails on both sides of the Neckar River, offering views of Heidelberg and the Rhine-Neckar delta. Participants ascend three peaks, including routes toward the Thingstätte and Heiligenberg. Sections like the Brandplattenweg, bordered by old oak and pine trees, and the switchbacks leading to the Merian-Kanzel are included. Organizers embrace the race motto, “HERRLICH.HÖHER.HÄRTER” (roughly “glorious, higher, harder”), by incorporating more uphill trail and reducing wider forest-road segments. Approximately 1,500 runners participate, ranging from serious trail racers seeking UTMB and ITRA qualifications to local athletes tackling one of Germany’s demanding city-and-forest marathon courses.