Altötting does it again

Not even the Corona pandemic and all corresponding restrictions could stop the motivated organizers in offering a high quality race for the eager running community.

The race, decorated with a 5-star quality award by the European Athletics Association, could not shine with its usual service as no music, free massages, free child care or even showers were allowed. Nevertheless, the organizers could offer free public transportation by train and free guided city tours at least.

The fastest half marathon held on natural surfaces had to do without elite athletes this year.

So the way for the local hero, Josef Diensthuber was free to win in 1:12:08. The fastest woman was Sophie Crisholm from Scotland who set a new personal best in 1:24:48.

Both results are far outside the course records which are 1:01:39 and 1:08:38 respectively.

And also the number of participants was far below the usual level but even 1700 registrations are a success for a small town during the Corona pandemic.

Race director Guenther Vogl who founded the the race 30 years ago not only is among the most experienced race organizers worldwide but also an authorized athletes representative. So the running business is well located in the Bavarian town of Altötting.