Rennsteig Supermarathon

The GutsMuths Rennsteiglauf is one of the most traditional ultra races in Germany; the organiser describes it as the largest cross country race in Europe. The supermarathon covers 73.9 kilometres through the Thuringian Forest.

I entered around a week before the event and started on 9 May 2026. I led for large parts of the course. Near the Beerberg, at kilometre 59, Frank Merrbach took over the lead. I finished in 5:14:04 hours and second place, 2:42 minutes behind the winning time of 5:11:22.

It was my first ultra in a classic race format — on a measured course, with official timing and a publicly verifiable result.