2027 race date
Schwarzwald Marathon: October 10, 2027. The official full-marathon page specifies Sunday within the October 9–10 weekend. Checked October 14, 2026.
Climb to halfway, then manage the forest descent
The official marathon page now lists Sunday, October 10, 2027, with a 09:30 start. The wider event runs over October 9–10, but the Saturday programme should not be used as the full-marathon date. The organizer describes approximately 80% firm forest paths and 20% asphalt, with the course rising towards halfway before descending.
That profile rewards a different plan from equal kilometre splits on a flat road. Use controlled effort on the outward climb and expect pace to vary with gradient. Reaching halfway slightly slower than a flat-road prediction does not automatically mean you are behind a sensible race plan. The important test is whether you can still run the descending section with stable form and without forcing the pace.
In training, include manageable climbs and descents on firm paths as well as road running. Test shoes on both surfaces: aggressive trail tread is not automatically the best choice for every forest path, while a shoe that feels fast on clean asphalt still needs dependable grip on the day's surface. Use the forecast and final route instructions when making that choice.
For race morning, distinguish the marathon's Sunday reporting time from Saturday's activities and check how much time is needed to reach the start. Plan aid and fueling against the actual profile, since an uphill stretch can take longer than the same distance later in the race. Put the finish journey and dry clothes into your schedule too; a downhill second half does not remove the need to recover after a full marathon.
Turn the course into training
Use the marathon training hub to choose a runway and the race-time predictor for a range rather than one promised pace. Practise mixed-surface long runs, controlled climbing, downhill form and the fuel you will use. Recheck the organizer’s final course, weather, aid and start instructions before travel.
Training calendar
These start dates count back from the Sunday marathon. Select a runway that fits current fitness, consistent training and recovery.
Use the training start-date calculator for another runway. Do not compress missed weeks to meet the date.
