Schiefergebirgslauf 2026

Schiefergebirgslauf takes place in late September in Schmiedefeld, a district of Saalfeld, Germany, with all race distances beginning in this town. The primary event is a marathon crossing the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The event lineup also features a half marathon, a 9 km run, a 9 km walk, and children's races of 2 km and 4 km. LAV Saale-Rennsteig e. V. has managed the event since 2018. The marathon is more akin to a trail race than a road marathon, with the majority of the course on forest paths and only about ten percent on paved surfaces. After departing Schmiedefeld, participants enter the mountain forest, encountering numerous ascents and descents. These include sharp uphill sections, challenging downhill stretches, narrow trails, uneven terrain, and paths alongside steep mountain slopes. The course is clearly marked, and the finish requires a final effort with an uphill segment within Schmiedefeld.