Kyffhäuser Bergmarathon

The Kyffhäuser Bergmarathon begins at Schlossplatz in Bad Frankenhausen, Thuringia, as part of the Kyffhäuser Berglauf, a long-standing spring mountain-running event held annually in April or May since 1979. Participants can select from multiple distances: shorter runs of approximately 6 km and 13.5 km, a half marathon, and the 42 km marathon. Additionally, walkers and Nordic walkers have distinct options over 6 km, 11 km, and 21 km. This is a community event, offering suitable choices for beginners, hikers, club runners, and experienced mountain runners to participate together. The marathon, introduced in 2003, is the primary competition. It follows a loop course starting from Bad Frankenhausen, ascending roughly 700 meters. The route initially proceeds along the base of the Kyffhäuser, passing the Falkenburg and Barbarossa Cave en route to Steinthaleen. The broader event also features cycling races, added after 2002, with half-marathon, marathon, and extended mountain-bike categories. This combination positions the weekend as a Kyffhäuser sports gathering centered on running, walking, Nordic walking, and cycling across hilly terrain, rather than a typical road marathon.