Sunday, August 10, 2025

Marathon #170 (country #34): Monschau Marathon, Germany

4:29 finish, 244/443 place overall. Scenic and very challenging race in the area around Monschau in far western Germany, just a few minutes from the Belgian border. Most of the course is on rural dirt roads and paths through woods, farmland and small towns - the largest of which is the historic center of Monschau. Ideal cool weather with nice scenery and friendly local supporters, but the hills are steep and relentless - about twice as much elevation gain as the tough Victoria Falls race last month and harder than any regular marathon since Portugal in April 2024. Much slower than usual finish time as expected.

Race map and details