Crosslauf des RC Tegel - Schmalzstullenlauf 2026

The Crosslauf des RC Tegel begins and ends on Schwarzen Weg, near Tegeler See at the Malche, leading runners into Tegeler Forst in Berlin. This autumn cross-country event offers multiple distances, ranging from short races for children and students to 20 km, alongside standard 5 km and 10 km routes. RC Tegel welcomes both club members and non-members, allowing it to function as both a local club competition and a notable fixture on Berlin's running calendar. Typically, participant numbers range from the several hundreds, often between 500 and 1,000 finishers. The course is a forest cross-country run, not a flat road race, featuring uneven terrain and inclines that challenge stamina, pacing, and running form. The shorter distances cater to younger participants and novices, while the longer routes provide seasoned runners with a genuine off-road challenge. Its informal name, Schmalzstullenlauf, originates from the post-race refreshments: tea, cake, and Schmalzstullen, the German lard bread rolls that are integral to the event's character. This post-race spread contributes to the race's distinctly local atmosphere, emphasizing club tradition over a highly polished mass participation event.