This running event—known far beyond the city limits and featuring two races—will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The shorter race, covering approximately 5.4 kilometers with 350 steps and 246 meters of elevation gain, starts at 11 a.m., while the main race, covering approximately 8.1 kilometers with 510 steps and 468 meters of elevation gain, starts at 12 p.m. As always, the start and finish are at Oberstein’s market square.
In addition to Mayor Frank Frühauf, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has also agreed to serve as a patron of this year’s Felsenkirche Stair Run. “It’s really something special for us to have this event supported by the second-highest-ranking representative of our nation,” emphasizes organizer Rainer Hagner. He and his wife, Ilonka, are also delighted that the 100th participant registered just today. “There are still just under two weeks until the registration deadline, so we’re hopeful for a high turnout.” And looking at the registration list, the track and field expert—who, as always, will be hosting the event—remarked, “We already have a really strong field of participants.”
The event’s popularity is certainly also due to the media coverage it has received. Ilonka Hagner posts Reels on social media from the running meetups that take place every Tuesday in preparation for the stair run. “They’ve been viewed a total of about 300,000 times—that’s great publicity for the event and the town,” says Rainer Hagner. The running meetups themselves are also well-attended, with between 20 and 40 participants each time. Among them are members of the fire department, who are once again using the stair run this year as training for the Oberstdorf Ski Jump Run. After the main race, the firefighters will walk the route up to the Felsenkirche and the castle in full gear and with breathing apparatus.
Rainer and Ilonka Hagner are also delighted by the continued strong support for the stair run. “Without our wonderful team, which has been supporting us for ten years, and without the dedication of our many sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to put this event together.” Among other things, the sponsors ensure that runners will once again receive a goody bag and have the chance to participate in a raffle featuring regional prizes. “But we also receive support from other government agencies and organizations, including the city’s public works department,” the Hagners emphasize. “This wonderful sense of community makes us proud.”
Registration for the Felsenkirche Stair Run is open online at https://my.raceresult.com/377205/ through Sunday, September 13, 2026. Late registration is not permitted. The entry fee is 14 euros per race. For more information, visit www.marathonteam-hagner.de.