Burgstäffeleslauf Esslingen 2026

The Burgstäffeleslauf Esslingen is a stair race in Esslingen featuring a climb of 325 steps. A notable aspect is the firefighter category, where participants run in full gear, including helmet and oxygen tank. This adds a physical challenge akin to real emergency response. 116 runners participated, with 34 from the fire department. The course is demanding, even for stair race participants. Jens Kleinert, from a group that regularly competes in stair races, finished in uniform with an oxygen tank and reported difficulty breathing at the summit. The race, which recently resumed after a lengthy hiatus, attracts a diverse field including experienced stair runners, firefighters, children, older participants, and visitors from as far as Berlin, giving it broader appeal than a typical local event.