Stretching through the quiet wilderness of the Šumava National Park, the Šumava Marathon presents both a challenge and an invitation. Centered in Kašperské Hory, this event combines rugged trail running and mountain biking over mixed terrain that demands respect. You’ll cover approximately 42 kilometers, with an elevation gain nearing 900 meters, threading through dense forests where pine trees lean close and rivers dare you to keep pace. Paths vary from packed dirt and root-crisscrossed single tracks to stony descents, each segment shaped by the forest’s ancient presence.

Starting in the timbered streets of the historic town of Kašperské Hory, the course quickly pushes into the wild. The forest breathes around you, and the river currents seem to carry your momentum forward as you tackle climbs and breakaways. Early sections give way to sweeping meadows offering brief respites with views that stretch toward the Bohemian Forest’s rolling ridges. The trails are technical enough to demand solid focus yet inviting for seasoned adventurers and fit newcomers alike.

Prepare for shifting weather and varied footing by choosing trail running or biking shoes with aggressive grip. Hydration stations are spaced every 10 kilometers—don’t rely solely on them; bring your own supply too. The best times to race or train here fall between late spring and early autumn when the forest floor is firm and the air holds steady. Mornings reveal mist hovering over the valleys, the kind of condition that sharpens the senses and excites every step or pedal stroke.

While the marathon pulses with competition, the environment maintains a fierce individuality. The forest doesn’t simply accompany; it commands attention with its living presence—branches sway deliberately, wildlife rustles in the underbrush, and the shifting light plays on leaf and stone with quiet pride. Respect this force with steady pacing and mindful navigation.

For those planning this adventure, aim to arrive in Kašperské Hory at least a day early. Use that time to gather local maps, check weather trends, and survey trailheads. Post-race, the town’s modest inns offer restorative comfort and traditional Czech meals to replenish both body and spirit. Venturing beyond race day, Šumava continues to reward with countless interconnected trails, making it a destination that pushes limits while offering room to breathe.