Höhlerfestlauf Gera — 11th Edition
Road race through Stadtwald and Hofwiesenpark — September 26, 2026 with new 22-km cross-country course
About Höhlerfestlauf
Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Höhlerfestlauf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Road Race Meets Cross-Country — Gera's Biggest Running Event
The Höhlerfestlauf is the largest running event in the East Thuringian city of Gera, in the state of Thuringia. Since 2016, Post-Sportverein Gera e.V. has organized a road race every September that leads through the Stadtwald (city forest) and the traditional Hofwiesenpark. The format combines classic road race distances with a challenging cross-country course — a mix that attracts over a thousand participants annually from Thuringia, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
Distances for Every Skill Level
The 2026 program covers the entire spectrum: 0.8 km for the youngest children, 2.5 km for beginners and families, 5 km for hobby runners, 12 km for ambitious runners with challenging climbs (around 210 meters of elevation gain in total), and the 22-km cross-country for the hardcore. The cross-country format is to be run twice — meaning four climbs, plus obstacles, water features, and 420 meters of elevation gain in total. The 12-km walking race participants will also get their money's worth.
New in 2026: Inclusion and Family
Two new competitions mark the 11th edition. For the first time, there is a dedicated 12-km race for people with disabilities, with an adapted course. Additionally, the 'Höhlis Parent-Child Obstacle Run' will start — a child-friendly obstacle race for preschoolers who finish with a parent. A concept that puts family-friendly sports at the center and teaches children the joy of running.
Music and Atmosphere at Start and Finish
Unlike pure competition events, the Höhlerfestlauf focuses on a festival atmosphere. Live music at the start and finish in Hofwiesenpark will be provided by: the band gOldfinger, country artist Andrew York, and DJ Quaas. Food and drinks are available, and families often stay on-site all day. The award ceremony is traditionally handled by the current Mayor of Gera.
Höhlerfest — Gera's Underground Tradition
The name 'Höhlerfestlauf' refers to the traditional Höhlerfest, a Gera specialty: the medieval beer cellars, known as 'Höhler', beneath the city center are open to visitors in the summer, offering tastings and tours. The running race is part of this cultural connection, making sports a companion to local tradition.
Höhlerfestlauf — edition 2026
11th Höhlerfestlauf — Anniversary with New Formats
On September 26, 2026, the 11th edition of the Höhlerfestlauf and the 6th Höhlerfest-Cross will start in Gera's Hofwiesenpark. New formats characterize the anniversary edition: a 22-km cross-country with obstacles and water features (420 meters of total elevation gain), a dedicated 12-km race for people with disabilities, and the Höhlis Parent-Child Obstacle Run for preschoolers and one parent.
Classics Plus Family Program
The traditional distances of 12 km (with around 210 meters of elevation gain), 5 km, 2.5 km, and 0.8 km remain. The 12-km walking race is also included. This makes the Höhlerfestlauf accessible to every skill level, from toddlers to cross-country pros.
Programme Höhlerfestlauf 2026
Program and Distances 11th Höhlerfestlauf 2026
- 22 km Cross (new): Cross-country course to be run twice with obstacles and water features, 420 meters of elevation gain, through Stadtwald
- 12 km Main Race: 210 meters of elevation gain, through Stadtwald and Hofwiesenpark
- 12 km Walking Race
- 12 km Race for People with Disabilities (New in 2026, adapted course)
- 5 km Fun Run
- 2.5 km Family Course
- 0.8 km Kids' Run
- Höhlis Parent-Child Obstacle Run: Preschoolers with one parent, obstacle race
- Music Program Start/Finish: gOldfinger (Band), Andrew York (Country), DJ Quaas
- Award Ceremony: by the Mayor of the City of Gera
- Registration: opens on June 1, 2026, at hoehlerfestlauf.de
Course maps, elevation profiles, and aid stations on the official website.
Highlights Höhlerfestlauf 2026
- 11th edition of the Höhlerfestlauf
- New 22-km cross-country with obstacles and water features (420m elevation)
- New: 12-km race for people with disabilities
- New: Höhlis Parent-Child Obstacle Run for families
- Live music with gOldfinger, Andrew York, DJ Quaas
- Award ceremony by the Mayor of Gera
Prices Höhlerfestlauf 2026
Entry fees vary depending on the distance and early bird rates. Registration via the online portal at hoehlerfestlauf.de starting June 1, 2026. On-site registration possible if spots are available. Children up to 0.8 km receive a reduced entry fee.
Practical information — Höhlerfestlauf
Date and Start
Saturday, September 26, 2026. Start and finish area in Hofwiesenpark, Gera (Stadtwald for the cross-country courses). Start blocks staggered by distance — detailed start times via registration confirmation.
Registration
Online registration via the official portal of hoehlerfestlauf.de — registration opens June 1, 2026.
Distances 2026
- 22 km Cross (new, with 420 meters of elevation gain, obstacles, and water features)
- 12 km Main Race
- 12 km Walking Race
- 12 km Race for People with Disabilities (new in 2026)
- 5 km Fun Run
- 2.5 km Family Course
- 0.8 km Kids' Run
- Höhlis Parent-Child Obstacle Run (Preschoolers + Parent)
Getting There
Gera Hauptbahnhof (main train station). About a 15-minute walk from the station to Hofwiesenpark. A4 highway exit Gera. Parking available at the stadium and in surrounding streets.
Organizer
Post-Sportverein Gera e.V. Further information, course maps, and logistics at hoehlerfestlauf.de.
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 Höhlerfestlauf al mejor precio.
Sponsored link
Where it takes place Höhlerfestlauf
Stadtwald und Hofwiesenpark, Gera
Stadtwald und Hofwiesenpark, 07548 Gera