Name: 25th Elstertal-Lauf Gera 2026
Start: 2026-08-29T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-08-29T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Hofwiesenbad Gera

Elstertal-Lauf

About Elstertal-Lauf

The Elstertal-Lauf of 1. SV Gera is one of the most traditional popular runs in East Thuringia. The 25th anniversary edition on August 29, 2026, leads along the picturesque White Elster through the Elster Valley. With distances from 800 m for children to 10 km and 15 km for adults, as well as a 5x3 km relay for clubs, companies, and schools, the run offers categories for all age groups. Start and finish are at the Hofwiesenbad in the independent city of Gera. The Elstertal-Lauf is an integral part of the Geraer Laufcup (Gera Running Cup).

Dates 29 Aug — 29 Aug 2026

Venue Gera (16052)

Prices —

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Elstertal-Lauf — edition 2026

Tickets →

The 25th Elstertal-Lauf on August 29, 2026, is the anniversary edition of the popular run in Gera. Routes for children (800 m – 2,000 m), adults (10 km and 15 km Gera–Bad Köstritz and back), and a 5x3 km relay for clubs, companies, and schools. Start and finish: Hofwiesenbad.

25th Anniversary Edition 2026

The Elstertal-Lauf celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. The organizer is, as usual, 1. SV Gera. The start and finish for all distances is the Hofwiesenbad on the outskirts of Gera. The run is part of the Geraer Laufcup and is considered one of the most scenic popular runs in Thuringia.

Route Description

The longer distances lead along the White Elster on developed cycle paths from Gera to Bad Köstritz and back – almost flat, ideal for personal best times.

Highlights Elstertal-Lauf 2026

25th anniversary edition, fast flat course along the White Elster, pasta party and outdoor pool use at Hofwiesenbad after the run, relay competition for teams.

Programme Elstertal-Lauf 2026

Distances 2026

Children's Runs: 800 m, 1,000 m, 2,000 m (depending on age group)
10 km Popular run Gera–Bad Köstritz and back
15 km Popular run Gera–Bad Köstritz and back
5 × 3 km Relay – Companies, Clubs, Schools

Schedule on Event Day

Morning – Bib pickup at Hofwiesenbad
Midday – Children's runs
Afternoon – Main runs 10 km and 15 km
After crossing the finish line – Award ceremony, pasta party, use of the outdoor pool

Flyer and registration via 1-sv-gera.de/elstertal-lauf.

Prices Elstertal-Lauf 2026

Entry fees per distance, online pre-registration is cheaper than late registration. Current rates via 1-sv-gera.de.

Practical information

Practical information — Elstertal-Lauf

Getting There

Train: Gera Hauptbahnhof (central station), city bus or walk to Hofwiesenbad. Car: A4 or A9 exit Schmölln/Gera. Parking available at the pool.

Registration

Online via 1-sv-gera.de. Late registration on the day of the event is usually possible.

Tip

Bring swimwear – the Hofwiesenbad is an ideal refreshment after the run.

25 Years of Running along the White Elster

Since 2001, 1. SV Gera has been organizing the Elstertal-Lauf – a popular run that connects the city of Gera with the neighboring town of Bad Köstritz. In 2026, the event celebrates its 25th anniversary edition. The Hofwiesenbad as the start and finish, the idyllic route along the White Elster, and the variety of distances make the run a classic of the Gera summer season.

Hofwiesenbad – Start and Finish

The Hofwiesenbad is a traditional outdoor swimming pool on the outskirts of Gera, on the banks of the White Elster. All distances start and finish here. Before and after the run, the outdoor pool offers a welcome cool-down – a special bonus on an often hot August Saturday.

Route Description

The routes largely follow developed cycle paths along the White Elster. The 15 km distance leads from Gera to Bad Köstritz and back, the 10 km distance follows a shorter variation of the same route. Children's runs take place on the grounds and nearby paths.

Geraer Laufcup

The Elstertal-Lauf is an integral part of the Geraer Laufcup – a regional ranking system that combines several popular runs of the season into an overall classification.