Sporting Events & Running in Straubing: Discover Herzogstadtlauf
Sporting Events & Running Events in Straubing: What's Coming Up Next
This overview shows you which running events are coming up next in Straubing, how you can prepare, and where to find official updates – from the Herzogstadtlauf to the Volksfestlauf, the weekly running meet-up, and nighttime charity formats.
Overview: Upcoming Running Events in Straubing
Straubing offers running opportunities throughout the year. These formats are usually back on the schedule and are announced in advance on the official channels:
- Herzogstadtlauf (start and finish area at the "Am Hagen" site): City run weekend with children's and youth runs, 5 km, 10 km, half marathon as well as team and walking formats.
- Volksfestlauf (stadium at Alburger Rennweg): Summer run with 10 km, 5 km, and a short health run; mood highlight around the Volksfest.
- Weekly Running Meet-up (Tuesdays, city center): Open training in performance groups – ideal to stay motivated and prepare for upcoming runs.
- Charity Run at Night ("Runners Night" character): Running together without timekeeping, participation via donation; dates are announced separately.
Important note: Dates, distances, start times, and routes may change. Check the current information from the organizers before planning.
Herzogstadtlauf: Next Edition
The Herzogstadtlauf is considered Straubing's sporting flagship. The event weekend is usually organized over two days: On the first day, children's and youth runs are the focus, followed by the main runs on the second day.
Distances and Formats
- Children's run (about 1 km) and youth runs including inclusive offers
- 5 km run and 5 km walking
- 10 km main run
- Half marathon (21.1 km)
- Team formats (varying total distances)
Schedule and Start Times
The exact start times are announced in advance. Typically, children's and youth races start the afternoon before; the longer distances follow in stages the next day from late morning onwards.
Participation and Registration
- Registration is usually online via the organizer, limited starting places per course.
- Distribution of race materials and timekeeping are described in detail in the participant information.
- For families and beginners, 5 km or walking are suitable, ambitious runners choose 10 km or half marathon.
Atmosphere
Along the route and in the start/finish area "Am Hagen", spectators, music, and commentary regularly create a city run flair – ideal for personal bests or your first finish moment.
Volksfestlauf: Next Date in August
The Volksfestlauf is linked to the Straubing Volksfest and promises stadium atmosphere and short distances. Routes are again planned that recreational runners can also manage well.
Distances and Framework
- 10 km main run
- 5 km for beginners and advanced runners
- short health run
The routes combine stadium sections and parts around the Alburger Rennweg. Start times are set to best take summer temperatures into account.
Tips for Warm Conditions
- Drink early and start with light, breathable clothing.
- Plan for a cap/sunglasses and sun protection.
- Find your own pace, pay attention to body signals.
Weekly Running Meet-up: Tuesdays in the City Center
If you want to train in company, use the open running meet-up in Straubing. The meet-up is aimed at all performance levels and is divided into several groups with different paces.
Performance Groups (Guidelines)
- Advanced: brisk pace, up to about 10 km
- Health group: moderate pace, usually 5–7 km
- Beginners: short, guided laps with regular walking breaks possible
The meet-up takes place on Tuesdays in the early evening in the city center. Check the current times and meeting point in advance on the channels of the respective organizer.
Social Component
Running together motivates: Many participants find training partners here and arrange to start at upcoming events.
Charity Run at Night: Running Without a Stopwatch
The evening charity format in Straubing ("Runners Night" character) focuses on shared experience instead of competition. Participation is usually via a voluntary donation; official timekeeping is not planned.
What to Expect
- Guided groups with pacemakers on short to medium distances (e.g., about 3.5 km and 7 km)
- Start in the late evening, atmospheric city ambiance
- Focus on community and charitable purpose
The next dates will be announced separately. For night runs, highly visible clothing and – if required – a headlamp are recommended.
Practical Planning: Registration, Training, Safety, Arrival
Registration and Deadlines
- Registration is usually online; starting places are limited per distance.
- Late registrations may be possible as long as quotas are available.
- Participation info contains details on race number distribution, timing, bag drop, and if applicable, cut-off times.
Training and Preparation
- Plan 8–12 weeks for 5–10 km and 12–16 weeks for the half marathon – with 2–4 runs per week.
- Use the running meet-up for pace, technique, and motivation.
- Include recovery, mobility, and stabilization.
Safety and Health
- In heat: drink enough, consider salt/electrolytes, adjust pace.
- In cool/wet conditions: dress in layers, ensure visibility.
- Only start if healthy; follow the organizers' medical advice.
Arrival & Organization
- Arrive early; observe parking and public transport information from the organizers.
- Have your race number, safety pins/race number band, if necessary your own refreshments and a change of clothes ready.
- If possible, do not bring valuables or store them at the bag drop if offered.
Official Info & Sources
Current dates, start times, and routes are published by the organizers. Check these links regularly:
- City of Straubing – Official City Page — Event information and local details (retrieved 2025-11-24)
- Gäubodenvolksfest – Official Page — Framework and dates around the Volksfest (retrieved 2025-11-24)
- German Athletics Association (DLV) — Information on running events and rules (retrieved 2025-11-24)
- German Weather Service (DWD) — Weather and heat warnings for event planning (retrieved 2025-11-24)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the next dates be published?
- The organizers usually announce dates, start times, and distances several weeks to months in advance – check the official pages regularly.
- Which distances are likely to be offered?
- Herzogstadtlauf: children's/youth runs, 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, and team formats. Volksfestlauf: 10 km, 5 km, and a short health run. Deviations are possible.
- How do I register?
- Via the online portal of the respective organizer. Late registrations on site are only possible if starting places are available.
- Are there pacemakers?
- At large city runs, pace groups are often offered. Details are in the participant information shortly before the event.
- Are strollers or dogs allowed?
- The rules vary by event and course. Check the participation conditions; for safety reasons, dogs are usually not allowed in the main runs.
- What happens in case of heat, thunderstorms, or heavy rain?
- Organizers may adjust start times, change routes, or cancel/interrupt the event. Official notices take precedence; observe up-to-date weather warnings.
- How do I find the meeting point for the running meet-up?
- The exact meeting point is announced via the organizer's channels. Allow a few minutes buffer for warming up and finding your group.
- Is there a medal or certificate?
- At city and Volksfest runs, finisher goodies are common, exact info follows with the participant documents. Charity runs often do without timekeeping and competition framing.




