Olbersdorf (Germany), Sunday 28 April 2013

Over 1200 runners took part in last year's Zittauer Gebirgslauf, which forms part of a weekend of sports for runners, hikers, nordic walkers, inline skaters, mountain bikers, and children. Overall, there were about 4000 participants.

The event is held in the lovely Zittauer Gebirge (Zittau Mountains), situated near the town of Zittau where the borders of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic meet.

The mountains are beloved for its bizarre rock formations, its many idyllic spots, and the narrow-gauge railway that runs from Zittau into the mountains.

Runners can choose between four routes — 4km, 7.5km, 17km, and 35km long.

All routes are very hilly and scenic, mostly on dirt roads or trails.

The start and finish are at an elevation of about 300 metres on the sports field in the village of Olbersdorf. The highest point on the 35km-course is at approximately 700 metres above sea level on the border with the Czech Republic.

Country: Germany

Venue (Map): Olbersdorf (4km from Zittau, 98km from Dresden, 135km from Prague, 205km from Wroclaw, 250km from Berlin)

Date: 28 April 2013 (Sunday)

Race distance: 4km; 7.5km; 17km; 35km

Start time: 9.00 (35km), 10.00 (17km), 10.10 (7.5km), 10.15 (4km)

Start and finish: Sportzentrum in Olbersdorf

Entries: online (from 1 Jan 2013), late entries on the day

Entry fees (4km): € 2 (until 28 Feb 2013), € 4 (until 21 Apr 2013), € 6 (until 28 Apr 2013)

Entry fees (7.5km): € 5 (until 28 Feb 2013), € 8 (until 21 Apr 2013), € 10 (until 28 Apr 2013)

Entry fees (17km): € 7 (until 28 Feb 2013), € 10 (until 21 Apr 2013), € 15 (until 28 Apr 2013)

Entry fees (35km): € 10 (until 28 Feb 2013), € 15 (until 21 Apr 2013), € 20 (until 28 Apr 2013)

Race centre: Sportzentrum Olbersdorf (26 Apr 15.00-18.00; 27 Apr 12.00-18.00; 28 Apr from 6.30)

You get: chip timing, finisher medal, massage service, baggage storage; participants can buy a technical T-shirt for € 4.90

Changing facilities and showers: Volksbad Olbersdorf

Prizes: to the first 6 M/F; category prizes

Award ceremony: 12.00 (4km), 12.30 (7.5km), 13.00 (17km), 13.30 (35km)

Number of finishers 2012: 230 (4km), 519 (7.5km), 358 (17km), 117 (35km)

Event website (in German): www.zittauer-gebirgslauf.de

No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.