11. Höhlerfestlauf 2026

The Höhlerfestlauf is a running weekend in Gera centered on the Höhlerfestlauf, the Höhlercross, and Höhlis Eltern-Kind-Lauf. The Post-Sportverein Gera organizing team runs the program, offering runners several options: classic races of 12 km, 5 km, 2.5 km, and 0.8 km, plus a 12 km walking event. A more challenging addition is a 22 km cross-country race over two laps, featuring obstacles, wet feet, and 420 meters of climbing. The 12 km run and walk omit the obstacles but still involve about 210 meters of ascent. The routes traverse the Geraer Stadtwald and Hofwiesenpark, with the main races winding through forest paths and parkland instead of flat city streets. A new 12 km race is available for participants with disabilities. The family race, Höhlis Eltern-Kind-Lauf, is an obstacle run for preschool children accompanied by parents or grandparents, beginning near the Panndorfhalle, proceeding toward the Stadion der Freundschaft, and concluding at the cave in the start-finish area. The event also has a festival atmosphere: the mayor presents awards, gOldfinger perform near the tennis courts, and Andrew York and DJ Quaas play at the start and finish. York also composed the Höhlerfest song, now a small event tradition.