The Erzberglauf in Austria's state of Styria is one of Central Europe's most unusual mountain running races.

Participants run or walk up the terraces of the Erzberg ("Ore Mountain"), an enormous open-pit mine which rises above the old mining town of Eisenerz.

The route is 12.5 kilometres long. It includes about 750 metres of climbing.

The finish line is at an elevation of 1475 metres on the summit of the mountain.

With an average gradient of six per cent it's not too tough a course, and the time limit is a very generous three hours. The race is also open to nordic walkers.

Supporters get the chance to hop on a free bus to the top of the Erzberg to watch the field of more than 1000 competitors winding its way up the mountain.

Country: Austria

Venue (Map): Erzberg, Eisenerz (Graz 83km, Linz 157km, Klagenfurt 162km, Vienna 190km)

Date: 10 August 2013 (Saturday)

Distance: 12.5km (+745m)

Start time: 10.30

Entries: online or by post or fax (until 7 Aug 2013); late entries on the day until 10.00

Entry fees (run): € 24/27/30 (until 30 June/7 Aug/10 Aug 2013)

Entry fees (nordic walking): € 18/21/24 (until 30 June/7 Aug/10 Aug 2013)

Race centre: at the start (Friday 9 August 2013, 17.00-20.00; on the day 7.00-10.00)

Timing: ChampionChip — use your own chip or rent a chip for € 3 (€ 30 deposit)

You get: transport of personal clothing from start to finish; finisher medal, certificate, pasta party; shuttle bus service from the finish to the start; pre- and post-race shuttle bus service for spectators (between start and finish)

Prizes: to the winners and to the first 3 in each category

Showers and changing facilities: yes

Award ceremony and prize drawing: 15.30

Number of finishers 2012: 933 runners, 216 nordic walkers

Event website (in German and English): erzbergsport.at

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