Hinkelstein hiking marathon, trail run starts in Otterberg

Courtesy of Otterbach-Otterberg, Winnweiler and Enkenbach-Alsenborn tourist offices
Courtesy photos
Participants of the Hinkelstein hiking marathon mainly run on forest paths passing fields and ponds. The hiking event is scheduled for March 26 and starts at Otterberg’s Stadthalle.

Right in time, before the beginning of spring, hikers and trail runners can show off their fitness at an outdoor event. The Otterbach-Otterberg union community, in cooperation with the Winnweiler and Enkenbach-Alsenborn tourist offices, will sponsor its third Hinkelstein hiking marathon and trail run March 26.

The hiking marathon is 42 kilometers and starts at 7:30 a.m. The half-marathon is 22 kilometers and starts at 8 a.m. The trail run is 42 kilometers and starts at 9 a.m. All events start at Otterberg’s Stadthalle, the local community hall.

The certified route called Hinkelsteinweg offers nature forest paths, fields, historical border stones, menhirs, ponds and views to the highest hill in the Pfalz, Donnersberg.

No matter if in a slow or fast tempo, hikers and trail runners have to overcome a height difference of 700 meters on the marathon route. The half marathon route has a height difference of 325 meters. Participants must follow the black and white menhir signs. Food and beverage stations will be put up along the route.

Hiking experts will be available for support. Juergen Wachowski, a certified hiking guide from the German Hiking Organization will take care of the participating marathon runners. Markus Merk, sports expert and former referee of the Federal International Football Association, will help the trail runners.

Starting fee is €14 and includes a surprise gift, certification, food and beverages. For online registration, visit www.hinkelsteinweg.de. Late registrations will be possible until shortly prior to starting time on the day of the event. Free parking is available at Stadthalle.

For additional information, visit www.hinkelsteinweg.de.

Participants of the Hinkelstein hiking marathon scheduled to start March 26 in Otterberg need to follow the black and white menhir signs.