Actually, it wasn’t an official race but rather a privately organized event. Yet, with runners from different clubs coming together, it still felt like a genuine race experience to me.
Events like this often have a unique charm, with the focus on camaraderie and the shared love of running.
About the Run
When a group of runners comes together and even sets up refreshment points along the route, there’s clearly a lot of dedication involved to create a half-marathon for like-minded people. It’s not just about covering the distance but also about enjoying the day with others who share the same passion. This run was suggested by a friend who asked if I’d like to join. Since I didn’t have any other races planned, I thought, “Why not?” I didn’t want to miss the chance to run a half-marathon in a small group. It’s a very different atmosphere when you’re running through nature, motivating each other, compared to running in an anonymous crowd of runners.
The Course
The course was varied and ran along many kilometers beside the Fulda River. We started at the Georg Büchner School, and shortly after, we crossed the Fulda over the harbor bridge. From there, the route continued through fields and meadows toward Spiekershausen. It was wonderful to have the river beside us, watching the water flow and enjoying the close connection with nature – it really added something special to the run. After a few kilometers, we faced a real challenge: a steep incline that made our calves burn. Once at the top, we took a moment to enjoy the view and then crossed over the dam to the other side of the Fulda. The trail continued alongside the river until we finally returned to the starting point. The course was not only beautiful but also diverse, with a few challenging hills and scenic, varied paths through the landscape.
Conclusion
A truly beautiful half-marathon along the Fulda River, made memorable by the scenic route and the enjoyable company. Although it might seem like there’s only one main hill to conquer, the course actually has quite a few ups and downs. In total, the half-marathon covers over 300 meters of elevation gain. While the route isn’t overly challenging, it still requires a fair amount of strength and endurance. The hills add variety to the run, making it interesting and testing your legs without being overwhelming. For me, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and I’m glad I joined in.
