Finnelauf - Running event in Billroda-Laucha

Friday, 02 May 2025 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

Once again, a huge challenge for the residents and organizers during Finnelauf of the villages of Laucha and Billroda, as for the 45th time, the diverse disciplines, from the half marathon to Nordic walking, were prepared and held on the Finne.

This Running event in Billroda-Laucha takes place for the 45th time

Finnelauf - Over 100 Trays of Cakes Baked

This challenge wasn't just in the organization of the race itself, as the almost 1,000 registered running and walking participants not only wanted to practice their sports, but also wanted to be treated to a treat along with their often family companions. The residents alone baked around 100 trays of various cakes, which were then collected on the day of the event and distributed during the event. Quite a challenge, isn't it? Of course, there was also a large catering tent and drink stands with all kinds of offerings for the estimated 3,000+ participants on the sports field.

The evening before, the SG Finne had already invited people to an introductory event, this time to a talk by photographer and adventurer Robert Neu, who reported on his 4,500-kilometer cycling trip along the coast of the island of Ireland. A further article on this will follow shortly.

Finnelauf – longer Nordic Walking route

On Saturday, April 26, the starting gun fired for the 45th time, once again becoming a mecca for all running enthusiasts, who, depending on their personal fitness level, could tackle distances from two kilometres to the half-marathon. The organizers of the SG Finne Billroda also responded to the athletes' requests and, in addition to the 6-kilometer loop, once again included a longer Nordic Walking route of 11.5 kilometres. The sports program of Finnelauf is rounded out by the Bambini Run for the little ones and the popular hike through the Rastenberger Forest.

Schools compete in a sporting competition

For local students, the day begins early, as the region's elementary schools compete in a sporting event. After morning exercise, the school relay teams line up at 9:00 a.m. to compete for the 11th School Cup in the 600m and 1,200m distances. Loudly cheered on by teachers, parents, friends, and classmates during the race and at the subsequent awards ceremony, the winners receive the challenge cup, sponsored by the An der Finne municipality.

New this year: for organizational reasons, all start times for the subsequent races will be postponed by 15 minutes. The competitions will begin as follows:

10:15 a.m. Hiking
10:20 a.m. Half Marathon
10:25 a.m. 2.0 km
10:30 a.m. 12.5 km
10:45 a.m. Children's Run (600 m for those born between 2018 and 2022)
11:00 a.m. 6.0 km; 6.0 km and 11.5 km Nordic Walking

The half marathon route has become established during the Finnelauf.

The half marathon route through the Rastenberger Forest, tested for the first time last year, received a positive response and will therefore remain on the route in 2025. The half marathon runners will be the first to be sent out onto the course at 10:20 a.m. The other running distances are, as before, the 2 km, 6 km, and 12.5 km.

In the so-called Bambini Run, the fox in front has to hurry to avoid being caught by the three- to seven-year-olds.

Hiking is less about speed than about the beauty of nature, providing all sorts of interesting information about the local flora and fauna along the way.

Timing and Scoring

Timing is done using a disposable transponder integrated into the bib number. This eliminates rental or deposit fees. The main distances are scored separately for male and female participants according to the German Athletics Association's athletics regulations. Starting in the M 30 age group, the races are divided into five-person increments. On the 2 km course, only the children's and youth U14 and U16 age groups are considered. There is an overall ranking for the Nordic walking distances. In addition, the fastest runners on each distance receive a trophy.

Colourful supporting program at the Tauhardt sports field

The SG Finne Billroda, as the organizer, has put together a colourful program for the time before, during, and after the race: In addition to children's crafts, face painting, and a bouncy castle, coffee and cake will be provided by the village residents and members of the Lossa Volunteer Fire Department, providing a treat with both sweet and savoury treats.