Marathon races near Stein

The Mountainman Nikolaus-Trail Pommelsbrunn is a trail running and hiking event held on Saint Nicholas Sunday, based at the football club in Pommelsbrunn, within the Hersbrucker Schweiz area of Nürnberger Land. It combines elements of a winter trail day with a family outing. Runners can select challenging routes, including the 44 km XL Nussknacker-Trail, which features approximately 1,582 metres of elevation gain and qualifies for the UTMB Index. Hikers and families have access to shorter route options. The 32 km L route, named the Krampus-Trail, reinforces the event's Saint Nicholas theme. The routes traverse the Franconian hill country, incorporating local landmarks such as the 1000hmr.de path, the Hohlen Fels viewpoint overlooking the Happurger Stausee, and the Höhenglücksteig climbing and cave area in Hirschbachtal. The XL category is substantial, with over 250 finishers in a recent edition, suggesting a significant competitive field. However, the event's scope extends beyond competitive trail running. The Family Wichtel-Trail, a 5 km hike with around 130 metres of climbing, includes participants like Saint Nicholas, elves, alpacas, children, adults without children, and even dogs available for booking, offering a playful contrast to the longer mountain trails.