One of Germany’s classic nature marathons, the Königsforst Marathon 2026 invites runners to “run green, run happy” on a looped course through the Königsforst, the “green lung” on the edge of Cologne. Participants choose between three distances — half marathon, full marathon or 63.3 km ultra — each built from one, two or three laps of a mostly off-road circuit. Around 85% of the route follows forest paths, with gentle climbs and descents offering enough elevation to stay interesting without becoming overly technical. Small wave starts, a club-race atmosphere and a focus on environmental stewardship give the day a friendly, low-key feel compared with big city marathons, while still delivering precise timing and a best-list-eligible course.
Races
The Königsforst Halbmarathon (21,1 km) starts on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 11:30 in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg, under the same TV Refrath running team organisation. One full lap of the Königsforst circuit, it offers a best-list-eligible spring half marathon on mostly forest paths, with quiet nature, gentle hills and a friendly club-race atmosphere.
Also on 15 March 2026 at 10:30, the Königsforst Marathon (42,2 km) takes runners over two laps of the same Königsforst loop from Bensberg, again organised by TV Refrath. As one of Germany’s oldest nature marathons, it combines a certified course, soft forest footing and moderate climbs for a classic spring marathon just outside Cologne.
On Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 09:00, the Ultra-Marathon 63,3 km at the Königsforst Marathon starts in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg (Königsforst, near Cologne, Germany), organised by TV Refrath running team. Covering three laps of a DLV-measured 21.1 km forest circuit that’s about 85% woodland trails, this green ultra offers roughly 63.3 km of rolling terrain through the “green lung” of Cologne under the motto RUN GREEN – RUN HAPPY.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
How long is the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
Where does the Königsforst Halbmarathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
The Königsforst Halbmarathon (21,1 km) starts on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 11:30 in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg, under the same TV Refrath running team organisation. One full lap of the Königsforst circuit, it offers a best-list-eligible spring half marathon on mostly forest paths, with quiet nature, gentle hills and a friendly club-race atmosphere.
The Königsforst Halbmarathon is 21km long.
The Königsforst Halbmarathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
Runna classifies the Königsforst Halbmarathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
The Königsforst Halbmarathon (21,1 km) starts on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 11:30 in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg, under the same TV Refrath running team organisation. One full lap of the Königsforst circuit, it offers a best-list-eligible spring half marathon on mostly forest paths, with quiet nature, gentle hills and a friendly club-race atmosphere.
How long is the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
The Königsforst Halbmarathon is 21km long.
Where does the Königsforst Halbmarathon take place?
The Königsforst Halbmarathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
Runna classifies the Königsforst Halbmarathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Halbmarathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Königsforst Marathon?
How long is the Königsforst Marathon?
Where does the Königsforst Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Marathon?
Also on 15 March 2026 at 10:30, the Königsforst Marathon (42,2 km) takes runners over two laps of the same Königsforst loop from Bensberg, again organised by TV Refrath. As one of Germany’s oldest nature marathons, it combines a certified course, soft forest footing and moderate climbs for a classic spring marathon just outside Cologne.
The Königsforst Marathon is 42km long.
The Königsforst Marathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
Runna classifies the Königsforst Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Königsforst Marathon?
Also on 15 March 2026 at 10:30, the Königsforst Marathon (42,2 km) takes runners over two laps of the same Königsforst loop from Bensberg, again organised by TV Refrath. As one of Germany’s oldest nature marathons, it combines a certified course, soft forest footing and moderate climbs for a classic spring marathon just outside Cologne.
How long is the Königsforst Marathon?
The Königsforst Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Königsforst Marathon take place?
The Königsforst Marathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Marathon?
Runna classifies the Königsforst Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
How long is the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
Where does the Königsforst Ultra Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
On Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 09:00, the Ultra-Marathon 63,3 km at the Königsforst Marathon starts in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg (Königsforst, near Cologne, Germany), organised by TV Refrath running team. Covering three laps of a DLV-measured 21.1 km forest circuit that’s about 85% woodland trails, this green ultra offers roughly 63.3 km of rolling terrain through the “green lung” of Cologne under the motto RUN GREEN – RUN HAPPY.
The Königsforst Ultra Marathon is 63km long.
The Königsforst Ultra Marathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
Runna classifies the Königsforst Ultra Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
On Sunday, 15 March 2026 at 09:00, the Ultra-Marathon 63,3 km at the Königsforst Marathon starts in Bergisch Gladbach-Bensberg (Königsforst, near Cologne, Germany), organised by TV Refrath running team. Covering three laps of a DLV-measured 21.1 km forest circuit that’s about 85% woodland trails, this green ultra offers roughly 63.3 km of rolling terrain through the “green lung” of Cologne under the motto RUN GREEN – RUN HAPPY.
How long is the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
The Königsforst Ultra Marathon is 63km long.
Where does the Königsforst Ultra Marathon take place?
The Königsforst Ultra Marathon takes place in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.
What is the elevation gain of the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
Runna classifies the Königsforst Ultra Marathon elevation profile as Rolling.
How can I prepare for the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Königsforst Ultra Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Königsforst Marathon or TV Refrath. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Königsforst Marathon website.
