August Regional Running Review

by Maj. Ryan M. Coyne
Contributing writer


Earlier this week, I caught myself saying, “I’m just going to go run three miles” just as I was leaving the office to go for a quick jog. After about 2 miles I thought, “three miles could be a daunting distance for someone just starting out.”

Conversely, there are probably some local runners who regularly go out for an “easy” 10 miles before their work day even starts ― something I wouldn’t even contemplate tackling right now. We all have our limits. What makes running so accessible is that it doesn’t matter what distance you like or can run.

Whether you run 5 or 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, ultra marathons, or the very important 1.5 mile run, you are a runner. Don’t let someone else’s mileage intimidate you; just get out there and start logging your own miles for better fitness.      
  
Fresh off a recent respectable finish at the beautiful Königsschlosser Half Marathon in Füssen, my quest to seek out and provide great regional racing suggestions has been invigorated.

We are moving into the time frame (late summer into early fall) when traditionally there are the greatest number of races available to match most training cycles and good weather. After some research, I’m happy to report August is not going to disappoint. I suggest the following three races should be on your calendar.

On Saturday, a short 30-minute drive west on the A6 will allow you the opportunity to compete in the Integrationslauf (5 and 10K) in Speisen. The 5K starts at 3 p.m. followed by the 10K at 4.

For those runners looking for an extra challenge, this might be an opportunity to compete in both races.

Two weeks later, if you’re willing to make the couple hour drive to
the Nürburgring, there will be an awesome opportunity to compete in a 24, 10 or 5K road race on this famous stretch of road usually reserved for the fastest cars in Europe.

The races are scheduled for Aug. 20, starting with the 24K at 8:45 a.m. My suggestion is to sign up early for this one since it will probably fill up before race day.

Finally, a great venue to round out your month of racing should include the Weinstrassenlauf in Bad Bergzabern, which is a little over an hour south of Ramstein. Don’t miss this race scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Aug. 28.
These events are just a small example of races offered in our local area during August.

If you would like to do some more in-depth research, just type “Germany running races” into your Internet search engine of choice. The first two or three hits should give you some good leads.

If you use one of the many online translation programs, it’s easy to navigate through the various race details to ensure you have the facts for a successful race day. Good luck and keep running.