Pfälzerwald Marathon

Pfälzerwald Marathon 2025 Course Analysis

Pfälzerwald Marathon is a full marathon held in Pirmasens, Germany, scheduled for Saturday 13 September 2025. The course is run on trail surface with 631m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 428m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Pfälzerwald Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very challenging course with 631m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average trail marathon. The route ranges from 271m to 428m above sea level (157m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for September, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 12°C to 17°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a high chance of rain (78%). Runners should prepare for wet conditions, including appropriate footwear and clothing choices.

Surface Type: Trail

Pfälzerwald Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Pfälzerwald Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Pfälzerwald Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Pfälzerwald Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.