Rennsteiglauf will not be forgotten: graphic designer Klaus Hobrack died

Rennsteiglauf will not be forgotten: graphic designer Klaus Hobrack died

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-Rennsteiglauf, died at the age of 90. Hobrack, a talented graphic designer from Jena, designed the striking “R” symbol in 1974, which has since become inextricably linked to this traditional event. The logo, which consists of a green “R” with a black arrow running around to the right and four lines, was developed in preparation for the 3rd GutsMuths Rennsteig Run. Interestingly, the “R” is based on a marking symbol that has been used by members of the Rennsteig Club since the end of the 19th century. The surrounding arrow and the lines symbolize the dynamics of running.

Jürgen Lange, the president of the Rennsteig Running Club, paid tribute to Klaus Hobrack and spoke of his lasting influence on running culture and the memory of his important contributions. The GutsMuths Rennsteig Run itself has enjoyed steadily growing popularity since its inception and was recently voted marathon of the year for the sixth time in a row. Over 15,000 voters cast their votes on the running portal “Marathon4you.de”.

A classic in the Thuringian Forest

The GutsMuths Rennsteig Run takes place every year in mid-May in the Thuringian Forest and attracts around 15,000 participants from Germany and all over the world. The Rennsteig itself stretches over 168.3 kilometers and offers numerous distance running events, including the 73.9-kilometer super marathon, which starts at 6:00 a.m. in Eisenach, and the half marathon, which starts at 7:30 a.m. in Oberhof.

• Supermarathon: 73,9 km – fast 2.500 Teilnehmer
• Marathon: 42,2 km – 1.403 Höhenmeter
• Halbmarathon: 21 km – über 6.000 Starter
• Wander- und Nordic Walking-Strecken: 21 km Nordic Walking, 17 km Wandern, 10,7 km 1/4 Wandermarathon

The destination of the Rennsteig Run, Schmiedefeld, is often referred to as “the most beautiful destination in the world”, and the participants not only look forward to the physical challenge, but also to culinary delicacies such as Thuringian dumplings and Köstritzer black beer.

History and development of the Rennsteig run

The roots of the Rennsteig run go back to the post-war period. In 1973, four Jena students had the idea of ​​tackling the Rennsteig in an orienteering run lasting several days, which ultimately led to the founding of the non-stop Rennsteig run. This was given the status of a competition in the mid-1970s and was created in honor of Johann Christoph Friedrich GutsMuths. Despite initial concerns from sports officials, the run quickly grew into a mass event that welcomed people from different regions.

Over the years, the Rennsteig Run has become one of the most popular landscape runs in Europe. Even though he had to miss 2020 due to the corona pandemic, his reputation remains unbroken. The participants are also showing keen interest in upcoming events that are scheduled until 2032.

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

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

For further information about the Rennsteiglauf, visit the official website of 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.