Ottersleber Stundenlauf

A Magdeburg Running Tradition

The Ottersleber Stundenlauf is one of the oldest public runs in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Since 1989 — and thus since the last weeks of the GDR — VfB Ottersleben e.V. has been inviting participants to the sports field on Schwarzer Weg on a September weekend. The format is simple yet fascinating: on a 400-meter tartan track, runners try to complete as many laps as possible within a set time. The faster you are, the further you go — the one who endures gains distance. The 37th edition is scheduled for 2026.

Distances for Everyone

The offering is broad and tailored to all performance levels: The classic Stundenlauf (60 minutes) is for ambitious hobby runners; the Halbstundenlauf (30 minutes) for moderately trained adults; the Viertelstundenlauf (15 minutes) for beginners and shorter distances. Particularly charming: the Paarlauf (couples' run), where two people take turns on the track — perfect for parent-child or sibling pairs. Plus, children's and youth races for the whole family.

Magdeburg-Ottersleben — A Sporting Quarter

Ottersleben is located in the south of Magdeburg, a traditional district with its own history, which was incorporated into Magdeburg in 1979. The sports field on Schwarzer Weg is home to VfB Ottersleben e.V. and the venue for many regional competitions. The facility is well-equipped, the tartan track is state-of-the-art, and the volunteer organization of the Stundenlauf has relied on the commitment of the Leichtathletik (Athletics) sports group (SRL) for decades.

Registration and Best List

The announcement for 2026 has been online since March. Registration opens on July 1, 2026. Those who are quick secure a spot — the run is popular and participant numbers are limited. Furthermore, the club maintains a continuous best list dating back to the 1980s, where every lap run finds its place — athletic memories in the form of a club archive. If you are looking for a run with history in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, this is the place.