Rothaarsteig marathon
More than a thousand runners compete in the FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon every year. In 2013, the event marked its 10th anniversary.
When the runners arrived at the starting line of the FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon on 19 October 2013, the weather cooperated. The sun was shining as over a thousand athletes assembled at the Schützenhalle in Fleckenberg - in the German region of Sauerland - to take part in the marathon, half-marathon, walking and Nordic walking events. Many of the runners had travelled from other parts of Germany and from abroad - from places like Scandinavia or the Netherlands - to participate in the 10th anniversary edition of the event. The FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon is beloved among runners for its thrilling course, which traverses the untouched nature of the Rothaarsteig, a destination beloved by hikers year-round. This forest-rich low mountain range in Germany offers spectacular views of a diverse landscape. The run requires careful preparation by runners - its climbs and varied surfaces require extensive training especially.
The event wouldn't be possible without the help of approximately 150 volunteers, many of which are members of the region's running clubs. They help organise the event, take care of the athletes during the run and look after their well being when it's finished. The numbers testify to their dedication: 3,600 apples and 2,000 bananas were procured for the runners; 9,000 litres of water were given out in 108,000 cups; 1,260 medals were handed out.
The top spot on the podium went to Christian Härtel from Hamm, with a time of 2:47. Second place went to Thomas Braukmann from Helbertshausen, with 2:51. Frank Löschner, from Büschergrund, came in third after finishing the 42.195 km course in 2:52. The fastest woman in the marathon event was Marloes Hovestad from the Netherlands (3:46), followed by Ricarda Rink (4:18) and Anja Wegener (4:41). But the race wasn't limited to bipeds - dogs accompanied runners in all categories of the event, and these teams received special recognition.
After the run, it was time to indulge: with a "giant cake buffet" consisting of about 800 tarts.
FALKE heads Franz-Peter and Paul Falke are proud that "their" run - which began with about 300 participants - has become one of the most important running events in North Rhine-Westphalia. "The FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon is a way for us to express our closeness to the region", they wrote in their greeting. "We have our roots in the Schmallenberg region of Sauerland: We spent our childhoods and grew up here, and this is where we develop and create our products."
FALKE's running socks, functional undergarments and running clothes - now worn by athletes in over 60 countries - are produced just a stone's throw from the course itself. The Schmallenberg business used its years of experience in the knitwear sector to develop the first running compression sock, which prevents the twisting of the ankle during demanding runs through off-road terrain. The running outer- and underwear in FALKE's Ergonomic Sport System collection is conceived to be a reliable companion for indoor and outdoor - especially off-road - athletic pursuits. A premium-quality FALKE running shirt was given to all participants of the anniversary FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon.
Since many of the runners of the FALKE Rothaarsteig Marathon are repeat offenders, they won't miss the opportunity to be there at its next iteration, on 18 October 2014.
More information is available at Rothaarsteig MarathonText by Judith JennerPhotos by Boris Wodtke, courtesy of FalkeVideo by Roman Schauerte