Heidelaufserie, 4. Heidelauf

The 4. Heidelauf in the Heidelaufserie is a short loop of just under 5 kilometers, starting and finishing on the asphalt parking lot in front of the Heidebad by Heidesee. It is a local mass-participation race rather than a big-city spectacle, with roughly 500 to 1,000 runners and walkers involved. The opening kilometer follows the Heidesee on flat asphalt before the route leaves the lake and reaches the Dölauer Heide after about 1.3 kilometers. The hardest part comes soon after: a steep climb on partly sandy ground, followed by a downhill recovery, another shorter climb, rolling paths, a sharp descent near 3.8 kilometers, and a mostly downhill final kilometer back to the Heidesee parking lot. Entry is simple and low-cost, with online, phone, advance in-person, and race-day registration options, plus separate fees for children, youth, and adults.