50. Holzlandlauf 2026

The Holzlandlauf begins and ends at the Werner-Seelenbinder Sports Hall in Hermsdorf, leading runners into the forests and small hills of the Thuringian Holzland. This nature-focused trail and cross-country race, traditionally held on the second Saturday in September, offers main distances of 5 km, 11 km, and a half marathon. The program also features an 11 km Walking and Nordic Walking option, stadium races over 400 m, 800 m, and 1600 m, and a short Zuckertütenlauf for younger children. The half marathon covers approximately 21.3 km with about 530 meters of climbing and descent, distinguishing it from a flat road race run in trail shoes. The course consists of runnable forest roads, natural paths, meadows, gentle inclines, and a few short technical sections, supported by two aid stations and a 3:30 time limit. Typically, 300 to 500 participants, ranging from children in the stadium races to older juniors and adults on the longer routes, enter the event. Finishers are awarded a wooden medal, a fitting tribute to a race named after the Holzland, and the forest races contribute to the ITRA National League, the Osterlandcrossserie, and the Saale-Cup.