Rennsteiglauf is unforgettable: Graphic artist Klaus Hobrack died

Rennsteiglauf is unforgettable: Graphic artist Klaus Hobrack died

Schmiedefeld, Deutschland - On Monday, June 25, 2025, the running community in Germany was confronted with sad news: Klaus Hobrack, the inventor of the iconic logo of the Gutsmuths racing run, died at the age of 90. Hobrack, a talented graphic artist from Jena, designed the striking "R" symbol in 1974, which has been inextricably combined with this traditional event since then. The logo, which consists of a green "R" with a black arrow and four lines, which is surrounded to the right, was developed to prepare the 3rd Gutsmuths racing run. Interestingly, the "R" is based on a marking symbol that has been used by members of the Rennsteigverein since the end of the 19th century. The all -round arrow and the lines symbolize the dynamics of running.

Jürgen Lange, the President of the Rennsteiglaufverein, paid respect to Klaus Hobrack and spoke of his lasting influence on running culture and the memory of his important contributions. The Gutsmuths-Rennsteiglauf itself has been enjoying a steadily growing popularity since its creation and has recently been voted the marathon of the year for the sixth time in a row. For this purpose, over 15,000 voters on the running portal "Marathon4you.de" made their vote.

a classic in the Thuringian Forest

The Gutsmuths racing run-up takes place annually in the Thuringian Forest in mid-May and attracts around 15,000 participants from Germany and all over the world. Der Rennsteig selbst erstreckt sich über 168,3 Kilometer und bietet zahlreiche Streckenrunning-Events, darunter den Supermarathon mit 73,9 Kilometern, der um 6:00 Uhr in Eisenach startet, und den Halbmarathon, der um 7:30 Uhr in Oberhof beginnt.

• super marathon: 73.9 km - almost 2,500 participants
• Marathon: 42.2 km - 1,403
• half marathon: 21 km - over 6,000 starters
• Wander- und Nordic walking routes: 21 km Nordic Walking, 17 km hiking, 10.7 km 1/4 hiking marathon

The goal of the Rennsteiglauf, Schmiedefeld, is often referred to as the "most beautiful goal of the world", and the participants are not only looking forward to the physical challenge, but also to culinary delights such as Thuringian dumplings and Köstritzer Schwarzbier.

history and development of the Rennsteiglauf

The roots of the racing ride go back to the post -war period. In 1973, four Jena students had the idea of ​​managing the Rennsteig in a multi-day orientation run, which ultimately led to the foundation of the non-stop racing run. The latter got the status of a competition in the mid -1970s and was launched in honor of Johann Christoph Friedrich Gutsmuth. Despite the initial concerns on the part of the sports officials, the run quickly developed into a mass event that welcomed people from different regions.

The racing ride has blossomed into one of the most popular landscape runs in Europe over the years. Even if he had to fail in 2020 due to the corona pandemic, his reputation remains unbroken. The participants also show lively interest in upcoming events that are scheduled until 2032.

• 9. May 2026
• 22. May 2027
• 13. May 2028
• 26. May 2029
• 18. May 2030
• 17. May 2031
• 22. May 2032

Klaus Hobrack will not only be remembered as a talented graphic artist, but also as someone who has left a lasting impression in the running culture. His logo, which stands for the Rennsteiglauf, will continue to inspire generations of runners.

For more information about the Rennsteiglauf, visit the official website of the Rennsteiglauf GmbH.

The run itself is not just a sporting event, but a very special experience that celebrates the connection with nature and the Thuringian Forest region.