53rd GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf

The 53rd GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf on 9 May 2026 is presented as Europe’s largest cross-country run and takes place along the historic Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest. The edition features a range of distances with the Supermarathon starting in Eisenach, the marathon from Neuhaus am Rennweg and the half marathon finishing in Schmiedefeld, the finish town the organisers describe as "Schönstes Ziel der Welt". The event stresses tradition and regional culture, highlighting local cuisine such as Thüringer Klöße, Haferschleim and Köstritzer Schwarzbier alongside scenic routes through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Races span competitive trail running, Nordic walking and organised hikes, and the organiser presents specific start times for the main distances on the official site. The organiser site lists the Supermarathon at 73.9 km with a 06:00 start, the marathon at 42.2 km with a 09:00 start and the half marathon listed with a 07:30 start; a Streckenrekord line elsewhere on the site notes 72.7 km, a discrepancy the organisers flag internally. Rennsteiglauf GmbH administers entries, information and contact services from Suhl and publishes full athlete information and registration on the official website.