It was once again one of those smaller running events that took place almost right on our doorstep—perfect for a spontaneous entry. We seized the opportunity and signed up at the last minute.
These local runs often have their own special charm and offer a refreshing alternative to the larger events, where you often have to register weeks or even months in advance.
About the Run
This time, it was the “Rund um den Stahlberg” run, which took place in a neighboring town, just six kilometers from our home. One of the unique features of this race was that it didn’t start in the morning like most other events, but in the evening.
Event and Organization
As with many smaller running events organized by local clubs, there was a lot of dedication and passion behind the scenes. The FTSV Heckershausen, the club responsible for organizing the race, relied on the support of numerous volunteers. These volunteers are essential for ensuring the smooth running of such events, whether it’s during preparation, on the course, or providing refreshments. As a participant, I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who contributed. Without these individuals, it would be nearly impossible to hold such events.
The Course
While I was familiar with the course since it was practically in my backyard, I had never actually run it before. So this was a first for me. When the starting gun went off, I, like so many times before, let myself get carried away by the excitement and fast pace of the front runners. This turned out to be a mistake. After the first two kilometers, the course took a steep uphill turn—two full kilometers of climbing. I quickly realized that I wouldn’t be able to maintain the fast pace on such a challenging course for long. It became clear that if I continued like this, I wouldn’t make it through the two loops required for the 10-kilometer race.
So, I deliberately slowed down and focused on finding my own rhythm. That was the best decision I could have made, as it allowed me to enjoy the rest of the race and ultimately finish in under an hour. This had been a personal goal of mine, though at the start, I wasn’t sure if I could achieve it.
Conclusion
Smaller running events, like the “Rund um den Stahlberg” race, are always a lot of fun due to their friendly, almost family-like atmosphere. What I learned from this experience, however, is not to let myself get swept up by the fast runners at the start—especially when the course includes some elevation. It’s much wiser to find and maintain your own pace from the beginning. In the end, it’s not just about the time, but also the feeling that you’ve paced yourself well and conquered the race on your own terms.
