Trail Marathon Heidelberg

The Trail Marathon Heidelberg is one of Germany’s most extraordinary trail-running events and takes place on September 20, 2026. Under the motto “HERRLICH.HÖHER.HÄRTER” (“GLORIOUS.HIGHER.HARDER”), the race offers challenging and varied courses with plenty of trails, steep climbs and impressive views. The event includes three distances: the Base Trail (20 km), the Half Trail (30 km) and the Heart Core Trail (45 km), with more than 2,000 metres of elevation gain. The route passes, among other places, the Thingstätte, the Philosophenweg, the Heiligenberg and the Königstuhl, offering a unique atmosphere for trail runners of all levels.

The Heart Core Trail crosses the Alte Brücke and passes through the Hirschgasse to the Philosophenweg. The course includes 178 steps at the Thingstätte and a challenging section along the Himmelsleiter, with natural steps, rocky ledges and loose stones. The upper station of the Heidelberg funicular, at an elevation of 567 metres, is a notable point shortly before the steep and dangerous descent to the finish at Karlsplatz. The event offers distances of 20 km, 30 km and 45 km, including a 20 km Base Trail, and is known for its scenic beauty and sporting challenge.