“Trails are constantly changing,” says Nancy Hobbs, the founder and Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association. “Trails keep changing, from start to finish, from one season to another, which means there’s always a new way to empower yourself.”

If you are looking for running events or training opportunities for your marathon, take a look at this article: Marathon Training on Vacation and Running Events.

World-Athletics definition of different trail running disciplines

• Trail Running:
  Running on various types of natural terrain. These include sand, forest trails, single-track paths, and snow tracks. There are no restrictions on distance or elevation gain, and no special equipment is required. However, poles etc. may be allowed.
• Cross-Country Running:
  An athletic discipline that describes races run by teams or individuals. The races take place outdoors, on grass and forest trails, and may include roads, hills, and natural obstacles. (A typical course length is 2000 meters.)
• Mountain Running:
  Mountain running takes place in a variety of mountainous terrain and there is no limit to the length of the course. (Races can be as short as a 15-minute mountain sprint or as long as several hours). Any type of equipment (poles, ropes, compasses, backpacks) is strictly prohibited. Mountain running also includes special uphill and downhill races.

Tip: Conquer mountains and inclines with a power walk. This saves energy and allows you to lengthen distances.

Tipp: Leave your running tracker at home! Many people run with smartwatches, focusing on their pace and mileage. But when you’re trail running, you’re bound to be slower than on a flat road or paved trail-and that shouldn’t discourage you. Instead, you can (at most) measure your time or keep an eye on your heart rate – or maybe stay away from electronic metrics altogether and just listen to your body 🙂

“Thanks to the proximity of the Baltic Sea, trail runners can run directly on the sandy beach. If you prefer to run on asphalt, the beach promenade along the Brodtener Steilufer in the direction of Niendorfer Hafen to Travemünde is an ideal route. Runners always praise this route.” – Lifestyle Hotel SAND

#3 Forest trail running in Glonn

To get an idea of the terrain, you can watch this video on the private YouTube channel “flow me in action”. As you can see, the 13-kilometer course takes you through forests, across meadows, past streams and lakes – a beautiful nature experience combined with the wonderful autumn sun.

#4 “Royal trail run” in the Allgäu

The route is 16.5 kilometers long and climbs 980 meters, with some technically challenging passages. You will also pass the Schutzengelweg and the Rohrkopfhütte, which belongs to the Hotel Das Rübezahl. (If you prefer something less challenging, you can take the Schutzengelweg to the Rohrkopfhütte and then continue to the Tegelberg summit station.) You can find more pictures and information about the track at Laufbar

#5 Trail running to the Siplinger Kopf, Allgäu

The German Alpine Club offers several trail running routes in around the Siplingerkopf on Outdooractive. You can also see the beautiful trails through the landscape here on YouTube. However, YouTuber Julia Mrozek hiked the 10-kilometer route (instead of running).

The spa town of Bad Herrenalb is known for its clean air, healing waters and thermal springs. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA even has its own indoor thermal pool. For those guests who enjoy running, the hotel recommends the Schweinbachtal. Here the Black Forest shows its romantic and magical side. Waterfalls, toadstools, moss – you’re just waiting to run into Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.

The 10.2 kilometer circuit through the Schweinbachtal valley has a high percentage of trails and is technically demanding. It goes through the woods along a babbling stream. You can also see the historic Hirsau Monastery complex. You can find a detailed description at Outdooractive.

Sealed surfaces, such as asphalt roads and parking lots, are not only hard on the joints, they are also an environmental problem. According to the Bundesumweltamt, soil sealed with concrete or asphalt loses its valuable functions as a habitat for plants and animals. It also prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground. So trails are extra eco-friendly – and you will notice it, too – because the flora and fauna are right at your feet when you go trail running in Germany. You just have to be careful not to step on them;)

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