8. Burgwald Fairy Tale Marathon

The Burgwald Fairy Tale Marathon, which takes place on August 30, 2026, in Rauschenberg, Hesse, delights as an idyllic cross-country run in the fairy-tale Burgwald with a challenging profile of about 780 meters of elevation gain and various distances. The event – now in its 8th edition – was first established a few years ago and has become popular due to the combination of natural forest trails and diverse races (from Bambini to costume to ultra-marathon). In the previous year, 2025, nearly 1000 runners participated across different distances – a clear signal of the growing popularity of this running classic in Hesse. The elevation profile demands good fitness from runners of all performance levels, while the fairy-tale surroundings provide a unique running experience. Online registration was conducted openly (even starting spots up to 1111), without a lottery system – those who register in time secure a starting place. Refreshments are provided in an environmentally friendly manner, including reusable and paper cups, and there are plenty of supply points along the route. The distribution of race numbers takes place on the evening before and on the day of the run itself; the finish time for all races is at 4:00 PM.

5 km, 10 km, Halbmarathon (21,7 km), 3/4‑Marathon (32 km), Marathon (~43 km), Ultramarathon (52 km), Kostümlauf (3 km), Bambini (400 m)