25th Elstertal-Lauf Gera
Volkslauf (popular run) along the White Elster – 25th anniversary edition 2026
About Elstertal-Lauf
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Elstertal-Lauf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
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.
Elstertal-Lauf — edition 2026
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.
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.
Highlights Elstertal-Lauf 2026
Prices Elstertal-Lauf 2026
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.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
Max. 5 photos, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Spotted an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Each suggestion is reviewed by our team before being published.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Elstertal-Lauf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Elstertal-Lauf
Hofwiesenbad Gera
Hofwiesenbad, 07548 Gera