AhrSteig FKT Report
Route: AhrSteig (Ahrquelle – Sinzig)
Distance: ~105 km
Style: Self-supported
Date: August 18, 2025
Elapsed Time: 18:03 h
The AhrSteig had long appealed to me—a trail with technical variation, significant elevation, and stunning scenery that delivers everything from flowy singletracks, steep climbs, and breathtaking views. Despite the logistical challenges of an FKT, its accessibility made it a suitable self-supported canvas.
I traveled ultra-light: running vest, water filter, and food for the early sections. I was prepared to replenish provisions at small shops and public taps en route. No support crew, no drop bags—everything I needed, I carried or sourced along the way.
Start at the Ahrquelle at 5 a.m.: Early morning, fresh legs, cool air, and a smooth start running in the dark.
Midsection: The undulating terrain demanded mental focus and it also got really hot. I maintained steady pace through varied ascents and descents and had to cross the Ahr river a couple times. Mid-route, I realized I'd lost my wallet. Fortunately, I was well-stocked and didn’t need to buy anything further—this didn't affect supply, but certainly added a mental twist. A little later I realized that I had also lost my headphone case, but I was lucky that at least one headphone lasted until the end. It was frustrating, but I quickly got back to good spirits.
Final stretch: Fatigue was mental more than physical. Quick water stops, but otherwise, consistent forward movement all the way to Sinzig.
Since the major flooding of the Ahr in 2021, which claimed the lives of more than 100 people and destroyed large parts of the entire region, the AhrSteig has been repaired and partially rerouted. The official gpx file shows the trail as 107 km long, whilst the official website references still note it around 100 km. It's worth noting that some sections have been completely repaired, while some are still permanently impassable. Thus, repairs to the AhrSteig are ongoing. I believe I ran a hybrid of mostly old and some newer segments—which aligns with my recorded ~105 km total.
Result:
- Elapsed time: 18:03h
- Garmin Strava Discrepancy: Strava had an error in data transfer and incorrectly displayed only 16:07 h instead of the true elapsed time of 18:03 h.
- Style: Self-supported, with all supplies carried or procured along the way.
- Tracking: Garmin Instinct Solar 2 (continuous recording, FIT file available)