
Bräunlingen, Germany · Sunday 12 October 2025
Schwarzwald Marathon, held in Bräunlingen, Germany, is the world's oldest nature and women's marathon, dating back to 1968. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km, and 5 km distances, set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Black Forest. The course is hilly and scenic, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for participants.\n\nWith its well-organized setup and unique natural beauty, this marathon is a must-do for trail enthusiasts seeking a memorable experience.
Adjusted Time
4:47:48
Time difference: +47.8 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Schwarzwald Marathon is a full marathon held in Bräunlingen, Germany, scheduled for Sunday 12 October 2025. The course is run on trail surface with 492m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 1011m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Schwarzwald Marathon website.
This is a hilly course with 492m of total elevation gain. The route climbs from 698m to as high as 1011m above sea level — a substantial 313m elevation range. Runners should train on hills and plan for a more conservative pacing strategy, especially on the climbs.
Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 5°C to 14°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Schwarzwald 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.
Our difficulty rating for Schwarzwald 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 Schwarzwald Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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