Photo: Milseburg / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0) (opens in a new tab)Schwäbisch Gmünd
Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
Saturday, 24 October 2026
Alb-Ultra 60K
60km D+ 1800m
Sparkassen-Lauf 50K
50km D+ 1229m
Alb-Trail 37K
37km D+ 1252m
25K
25km D+ 600m
10K
10km D+ 150m
Race data
Terrain
Trail
Difficulty
Intermediate
Distance
5 modalities
Alb-Ultra 60K
- Distance
- 60 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1800m
- Max Time
- -
Sparkassen-Lauf 50K
- Distance
- 50 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1229m
- Max Time
- -
Alb-Trail 37K
- Distance
- 37 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1252m
- Max Time
- -
25K
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 600m
- Max Time
- -
10K
- Distance
- 10 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 150m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alb-Ultra 60K | 60 km | D+ 1800m | - | - |
| Sparkassen-Lauf 50K | 50 km | D+ 1229m | - | - |
| Alb-Trail 37K | 37 km | D+ 1252m | - | - |
| 25K | 25 km | D+ 600m | - | - |
| 10K | 10 km | D+ 150m | - | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~11 h of Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd?Worked out for the longest course (60 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchYour checklist for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)Garmin Forerunner 165
Sharp AMOLED display at an entry-level price
Downside: No multi-band GPS (less accurate in canyons and dense forest)
Gear
The descents off Rechberg and Stuifen are covered in leaves and mud in October: medium lugs and good grip
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Salomon Speedcross 6
Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico
Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto
Nutrition
Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Maurten Gel 100
Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica
Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles
Sun Protection
Cold and wind crack your lips: use a balm with SPF
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
Piz Buin Mountain SPF 50+
Specifically formulated for altitude and cold
Downside: Thicker texture, takes longer to absorb
Body Care
Thermal arm warmers: roll them down without stopping once you warm up
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm
Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands
Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly
Car Rental
Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd requires mandatory gear: get it sorted early
Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.
Swipe to see all 4 comparisons
Historical weather
What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
8°C – 15°C
Average 11°C
Rain
50%
2.8 mm avg
Wind
16 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
6h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (50% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove
Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove
Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
Sealskinz
Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove
Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Bring thermal layers (low of 8°C)
Buff
Buff Thermonet
Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.
Craft
Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top
Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.
HANKER
HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica
Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.
Icebreaker
Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe
Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.
Odlo
Odlo Active Warm Eco
Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.
Odlo
Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer
Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.
ROCKBROS
ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento
Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.
Salomon
Salomon Agile LS Tee
Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Run Tight
Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.
Salomon
Salomon Cross Warm Glove
Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock
Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.
Under Armour
Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre
Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.
Forecast for 24 October
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
The Alb Marathon is one of the classics of German ultrarunning: since 1991 it has followed the northern edge of the Swabian Jura (Schwäbische Alb) from Schwäbisch Gmünd, a medieval town an hour from Stuttgart. Its flagship course, 50 km with 1,229 metres of climbing, links the three “imperial mountains” (Kaiserberge) tied to the Staufer dynasty: Hohenstaufen, Rechberg and Stuifen.
A course over the Kaiserberge
- Alb-Ultra 60K: the big news for 2026, starting in Essingen and passing Heubach and the Furtlepass before finishing in Schwäbisch Gmünd.
- Sparkassen-Lauf 50K: the classic, starting at 10:00 and taking in all three Kaiserberge.
- Alb-Trail 37K: more technical per kilometre, with 1,252 m of climbing.
- 25K, 10K and 5K for those who want the atmosphere without the distance.
The terrain mixes forest tracks, deciduous woodland trails and short, steep climbs to the summits, with open views over the Rems valley.
October in the Swabian Jura
In late October the forest is in full autumn colour and temperatures sit around 5-12 °C. Ideal conditions for running fast, but mud and wet leaves on the descents call for grippy shoes and a little caution.
Schwäbisch Gmünd beyond the race
The old town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, with the Holy Cross Minster and its goldsmithing tradition, is worth an afternoon stroll. Stuttgart, home to the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums, is close by. Find more races in Baden-Württemberg, the rest of the races in Germany and plan your season with the race planner.
Mandatory Gear
According to the official race regulations
Recommended: aid stations are cutting back on disposable cups
360Complete Pack
Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd 2026 registration
RegistrationOnline registration (via datasport) closes a few days before the race, with race-day entries possible if places remain. The new 60 km Alb-Ultra has a limited field.
Tips
- •Register early for the Alb-Ultra: it is the first edition and places are few
- •There is a relay option on the 50 km to race as a team
Where to stay for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
AccommodationSchwäbisch Gmünd has hotels in the old town a few minutes from the start. Stuttgart, 50 km away, offers far more choice if you cannot find a room.
Tips
- •Stay in the old town: you can walk to the Großsporthalle
- •October is quiet season: good prices if you book a month ahead
Gear for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
GearRunnable mid-mountain terrain: forest tracks, rooty singletrack and short climbs. A versatile, well-cushioned trail shoe beats an extreme mud shoe here.
Tips
- •The descents off Rechberg and Stuifen are covered in leaves and mud in October: medium lugs and good grip
- •If it rains the week before, go for 4-5 mm lugs
- •Technical trail socks to avoid blisters on the descents
Which shoes for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.
Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide
The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.
Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison
Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.
Nutrition for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
NutritionLong distance: plan 60-90 g of carbs per hour mixing gels, bars and real food, and replace salts from the start.
Tips
- •Eat before you feel hungry: every 30-40 minutes
- •Alternate sweet and savoury to keep your stomach happy
How to get to Schwäbisch Gmünd
TransportThe nearest airport is Stuttgart (STR), about 60 km away. Regional trains run directly from Stuttgart Hbf to Schwäbisch Gmünd in around 40 minutes.
Tips
- •The train is easy: the station is a 15-minute walk from the start
- •If you drive, use the car parks signposted by the organisers
Car rental in the Swabian Jura
Car RentalA rental car gives you freedom to get around the Swabian Jura, reach the start early and combine the race with some sightseeing.
Tips
- •Book early: local supply runs out on race weekends
- •Pick the car up at your arrival airport to save transfers
Sports insurance for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
InsuranceGermany has no mandatory racing licence, but the organisers do not cover your medical costs or a rescue. Sports or travel insurance covering competitions is essential if you travel from abroad.
Tips
- •Carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC)
- •Check that your policy covers mountain rescue and competitions
Sun protection for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
Sun ProtectionEven when it is cold, autumn and winter sun burns, especially with snow reflecting it. An SPF50 stick and lip balm take up almost no space.
Tips
- •Cold and wind crack your lips: use a balm with SPF
- •Stick on your face before the start, even if the day dawns cloudy
Body care for Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd
Body CareCold and damp stiffen muscles, and wet clothing multiplies chafing. Protect skin and feet and look after recovery.
Tips
- •Thermal arm warmers: roll them down without stopping once you warm up
- •Compression socks and recovery sandals after the race
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Alb Marathon 2026?
- On Saturday 24 October 2026, starting and finishing at the Großsporthalle in Schwäbisch Gmünd (Baden-Württemberg).
- What distances does the Alb Marathon offer?
- The 60 km Alb-Ultra (new in 2026, around 1,800 m of climbing), the classic 50 km (1,229 m), the 37 km Alb-Trail, 25 km, 10 km and 5 km.
- Is it a good first ultra?
- Yes. The 50 km has moderate climbing and frequent aid stations, making it one of the most popular entry-level ultras in southern Germany.
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