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Premiere at the Kinzigstausee: Almost 100 runners tested the route for a planned charity marathon – the event is scheduled to take place annually from 2027.
Ahl/Steinau – On Sunday (April 12th), the runners set off around the reservoir between Ahl and Steinau, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds and a woodpecker that beat its hammering rhythm. It had rained during the night, so they were able to take a deep breath with single-digit temperatures and good air quality.
In any case, organizer Philipp Merz was the winner. Although no times were recorded, he was the only runner that day to complete the entire marathon distance. To run the 42.195 kilometers, he circled the reservoir a total of six times.
Successful start to the planned Kinzigstausee marathon in 2027
Several of the participants took the opportunity to run a half marathon on Sunday morning, others ran as many laps as they felt comfortable. The half marathon involved circling the reservoir three times. A green marker on the dam wall indicated the end point of the half marathon, a red marker the end point for a full marathon. The starting point for everyone was the boathouse on the banks of the reservoir near Ahl.
Annette and Philipp Merz from Steinau had set up a covered refreshment stand here. They were supported by Bettina and Daniel Solero from Bad Soden-Salmünster. The participants gathered here before, during and after the run.
Almost 100 people came to this kick-off event, which will take place once a year from 2027 with a charity marathon.
However, the marathon and half marathon routes would then have to be professionally measured in advance. It is also important to build the infrastructure. Organizer Philipp Merz reports that food, health care and a safety concept must be in place, as well as changing and parking facilities for the athletes. For him, the event on Sunday was a “get together for the local running scene”. Some runners even came from Hilders in the Rhön.
The Steinau pharmacist, who loves running, would like to organize this charity marathon in collaboration with the cities of Steinau and Bad Soden-Salmünster and also appeal to clubs, private individuals and companies.
He imagines establishing the charity marathon in the running calendar every year and would like to give the event the opportunity to grow “organically”. He sees running as having both health and community aspects.
Half marathon and relay race planned
In addition to a marathon route, a half marathon and a relay race are planned. For a relay race, for example, six people from a company or club would each run one lap and complete the marathon route together.
There is no marathon nearby and the reservoir is suitable for such an event, explained Merz. He also hopes that running groups will get together for training in advance. The idea came to him during the corona pandemic when he ran a marathon with a friend. He has been carrying the project around with me ever since and would now like to put it into action: “We are grateful for any support.” (By Barbara Kruse)
If you don't want to wait until 2027 to lace up your running shoes in the region, you'll soon have your next opportunity: At the RhönEnergie Challenge in Fulda The starting signal will be fired on Saturday (May 9th) at 3 p.m.
