We did this race in 2017

The Rennsteiglauf Marathon is a challenging trail race through the Thuringian Forest, featuring beautiful scenery and a festive atmosphere. The race attracts runners from all over the world.

With a elevation gain of 5500ft (1800 mtr) up and 5000 ft down, this is not an easy run. Steep at times and pending on the weather, very slippery.

My colleague, Jessica Schumman, is also a passionate ultra-fool and she introduced me to this particular race, since she had done this race in previous years.

Here we are at 05:00 am, standing in the hotel lobby after having oats, bananas and tons of sugar for breakfast. The hotel we stayed in was only 100 ft away from the start which made it very easy for us. Only the way back wasn’t that easy, as the finish is 45 miles (72KM) further down the road….

at 5:30 am the first runners start to assemble for a very long day of running

Now, you think that not a lot of people do these long runs, but that’s actually not true

More than 5000 runners at the start, 5000 runners with 5000 different strategies but only 1 goal….crossing the finish line

Here are my stats for the run. Not the best time, but…that’s coz I’m a terrible climber.

And after 45 miles, getting this medal is such a great feeling. Actually thinking about going there again next year…Just because I can 🙂