Banz, Vierzehnheiligen and Staffelberg make the first half demanding
The 2027 programme separates the marathon’s 08:30 start from the half marathon at 08:45 and the 12.5 km event at 09:00. The stated finish closure is 14:30. Use the full-marathon schedule and a realistic elapsed estimate for the hills, rather than borrowing the shorter distances’ pace or timing.
The course description highlights a demanding first half: an early climb toward Kloster Banz, another rise toward Vierzehnheiligen and a short, steeper approach to the Staffelberg plateau around kilometre 22. Avoid trying to hold a flat-road target pace on each climb. Practise sustainable uphill effort and controlled descents on suitable local terrain.
Asphalt, gravel and woodland paths all appear on the route. Choose footwear that works for the final surface and weather, and rehearse carrying or handling the supplies you intend to use. The organizer lists aid around landmarks including Banz, Reundorf, Staffelberg and the later villages; check the final station menu and spacing before race week.
The finish is in the municipal stadium beside Adam-Riese-Halle, rather than on the starting street. The later course returns through Uetzing, Stublang, Loffeld and the Riedsee area before the stadium. Plan your supporter meeting and post-race journey around that finish, and download the current GPX rather than assuming the half-marathon route covers the same climbs.
Confirmed race date
Obermain Marathon: April 11, 2027. Verified on October 14, 2026 against the official event information.
Current race profile
The organizer remains authoritative if the course, distance program, venue, registration or schedule changes. Historical conditions are not a forecast; use current organizer advisories and the race-week forecast.
Training calendar anchors
These dates are calendar arithmetic, not proof that a plan length is appropriate.