Braveheart Battle vs XLETIX Challenge : distance, stations, prix et difficulté comparés (2026-27)

The Braveheart Battle is an old-school obstacle race held each March on the slopes around the Skiarena Silbersattel in Steinach, Thuringia. It is organised by Be Brave Go Hard GmbH, based in Steinach. The event moved from the Rhön to the Thuringian Forest in 2019.

The main challenge is the natural terrain: a hilly cross-country course with steep climbs in wintry conditions, plus added obstacles that need no complicated rulebook. The race starts with a mass start and the 'KillHill' sprint from the valley station to the middle station. Runners choose between the Rookie distance of about 10 km and the Original distance of about 20 km. The organiser requires participants to be able to swim, to wear trail shoes with good grip and gloves, and to be at least 16 years old, and sets a time limit of five hours. Awards go to the fastest women, men and teams. It suits fit trail runners and experienced obstacle racers.

The XLETIX Challenge (presented by MaxiNutrition) is a team-focused obstacle race series organised by XLETIX GmbH, a Berlin company founded in 2013 by Jannis Bandorski and Matthias Ernst. Events take place at seven locations in Germany and Austria, including Berlin, Tirol Innsbruck, München Erding, NRW, Norddeutschland and, from 2027, the Nürburgring.

Participants choose one of three distances, 6 km, 12 km or 18 km, with up to 35 obstacles involving mud, water, walls and slides. The course is run in 6 km loops, so team members can pick different distances and anyone can stop after a completed loop. The focus is on getting through the course together rather than on finishing times. The series suits groups of friends, colleagues and first-time obstacle racers as well as fitter runners who want the longest distance. The same company also runs XLETIX Kids for children aged 5 to 15 and the women-only Muddy Angel Run.