All races
Hike

Karwendelmarsch

Karwendelmarsch takes place on Sat, Aug 29, 2026 in Scharnitz, Austria. The main route is 52 km.

Date
Sat, Aug 29, 2026
Start
Scharnitz 🇦🇹
Distance
52 km
Climbing
2,281 m
Level
Open to all
Add race day to your calendar

The Karwendelmarsch is a legendary long-distance hike and mountain run covering a challenging 52-kilometer or 35-kilometer route through the pristine landscapes of the Karwendel Nature Park from Scharnitz to Pertisau.

Official event page

What this race demands

The Karwendelmarsch demands exceptional muscular endurance and aerobic capacity to sustain hiking and mountain running across 52 kilometers and 2,281 meters of elevation gain.

Distance and Duration

Covering 52 kilometers on foot requires extensive time-on-feet conditioning and pacing discipline to prevent premature fatigue.

Climbing Volume

Accumulating 2,281 meters of vertical gain places a high structural load on the quads and calves, requiring specific training for prolonged ascents and descents.

Terrain Durability

Navigating a mountain route through nature park landscapes demands joint resilience and stabilizing strength to handle uneven terrain over many hours.

Given the extended duration, athletes should target consuming 60 to 90 grams of carbohydrates per hour to maintain energy levels throughout the hike.

Estimated finish times

Competitive mountain runner (sub-3:00 marathon ability)5:30–6:30
Strong endurance hiker7:00–8:30
First-timer and general participant9:00–11:00

Estimates by level, not promises. Your own number depends on your fitness on the day.

Similar races

Organising this race?