Schwarzwald Marathon

It has been ten years since the last review of this race on Marathonguide.com but nothing much has changed! This is a race where you as a runner do the work! Hardcore running. You come, run and go! And so the 2016 edition lured some 400-450 runners to the start line. The course is a single loop straight through the heart of the Black Forest (which derives its name from the density of the trees making it dark in the forest!). 80% is on forest track - which sometimes was surprisingly rocky! The first 5km is flat, running on tarmac past farmers fields. Then follows a 17km long climb, always at a constant 2%-3% incline. In total you only climb about 400-500m vertical but the length of the climb just gets to you. After 22km the course starts to drop down at the same rate for the remaining 20km - this is great because rather than becoming harder as you run longer, to me it actually felt it was becoming easier! Don't expect too many crowds here! With exception of the (very friendly) volunteers at the water stations and runners waiting at the relay change-over there may have been about 50 people along the entire course! No bands, no crowds, no entertainment, nothing! Even coming back into Braeunlingen itself there was hardly anyone. If it had not been for the markers telling me I was at km 42 I would not have guessed the finish was just around the corner! Water stations are every 5km with ample isotonic drink, water, sweat tea and bananas. The warm tea was especially welcoming (it was around 3C during the entire race, and it started raining midway!). In keeping with the spartan feel the finish only offered some isotonic drink and water to the finishers. The Black Forest area is wonderful though! Hotels are typically family run, low in price, great in quality. Food and beer are the same: affordable and very good. Definitely worth the visit.

Have run this marathon twice. Loved the hilly forest course - definitely not for the faint of heart. Stayed overnight at local homes to get a good night's sleep. Both times weather was cold and/or rainy from the start. No "look at me" showboating here - this is an honest, do-it-on-your-own marathon with few spectators for encouragement and more than enough ascents (and descents) for anyone. Not recommended for a first marathon!!! Great, free, warm pool-soak at the finish!

The course is back to a single marathon loop, about half of which is on non-paved forest trails. While not mountainous, the course does gain a fair amount of elevation. Enthusiastic, if rather sparse crowds (it is through the forest after all!) Good organization. Good marathon if you are tired of beating the pavement for 26 miles