The mystique of running under the Run Green - Run Happy banner reaches its 52nd edition on March 15, 2026, cementing the Königsforst Marathon as one of the purest endurance events on the German calendar. It’s more than just a bib number; it’s a technical assault on a DLV-certified 21.1-kilometer loop that winds through a Natura 2000 protected area, where asphalt gives way to fast, hard-packed forest trails.
Three Distances and a Vertical Wall: Mount Troodelöh
The course offers no respite for those chasing a PB. Runners in the 63.3 km Ultramarathon must complete three laps of a circuit that hides its biggest trap between kilometers 3 and 4: the climb up Monte Troodelöh. At 118 meters above sea level, it is the highest point in the city of Cologne and the 'judge of peace' that punishes the quads before reaching the first aid station. Pacing is critical, especially in the ultra distance, which is part of the prestigious Bergische 126.6k series alongside the Röntgenlauf in Remscheid.
Elite Logistics and Environmental Stewardship
The TV Refrath organizing committee has perfected a staggered start system to prevent crowding and protect the forest ecosystem. Chip timing activates in specific windows: ultra-runners kick things off at 09:00, followed by the full marathon at 10:30 and the half marathon at 11:30. This structure ensures that aid stations and passing zones don't bottleneck, allowing runners to maintain a steady rhythm without interference.
For record hunters, the incentive is real. The organization offers €250 bonuses for breaking course records and €50 for Master category records (M/W40+). The logistical hub is located at the Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium in Bergisch Gladbach, the site for bib collection and post-race recovery. Flexibility is key: athletes can switch distances even during the race, adjusting their goals based on how their legs feel before the 17:00 finish line cutoff.