Henrik Hoffmann clinches victory in bobsled competition — spectacular images captured
The Bobbahn-Run in Winterberg, a unique five-kilometre running event held on a bobsleigh track, continues to attract participants and spectators alike, with its latest edition seeing a strong turnout.
Since its inception, the Bobbahn-Run has steadily gained popularity, drawing runners with the allure of a challenging course on a bobsleigh track. In recent years, participation numbers have typically ranged from several hundred to over 500 runners, including both amateur and more competitive athletes. Spectator attendance has also been moderate to strong, with family members, local fans, and sports enthusiasts coming to support the runners and enjoy the atmosphere of the event.
The COVID-19 pandemic did cause disruptions in 2020 and 2021, with reduced participation and attendance due to health restrictions. However, post-pandemic editions have seen a rebound, with numbers returning close to or exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
The event is well-regarded for its unique setting, making it a niche but attractive race. Organizers have enhanced safety and event features to encourage all levels of runners. Local media coverage has helped boost awareness and participation year on year.
In the 3rd Bobbahn-Run, Henrik Hoffmann, a member of MC Menden, clinched a "home victory" with a time of 25:56 minutes. For Hoffmann, many of his successful starts at local running events often coincide with visits to his family. In the women's category, Franziska Espeter emerged victorious with a time of 32:06 minutes, with Ina Haas finishing second (32:30 minutes) and Elisabeth Nottelmann coming in third (33:39 minutes). Markus Mockenhaupt, a former running fan favourite, also participated, finishing third in the men's category with a time of 26:21 minutes. Malte Baehr from SC Hagen-Wildewiese secured the second position in the men's category with a time of 26:17 minutes.
The Bobbahn-Run in Winterberg, whether in winter or summer, offers a spectacle of high-speed races. In winter, bobsleds and skeleton sleds race down the ice channel at speeds of up to 140 km/h, while runners tackle the concrete pipe at speeds determined by their individual abilities. In the summer, the event attracts a growing number of spectators for its spectacle in the thawed ice channel.
Stephan Pieper, CEO of SZW, expressed pride in the growing popularity and establishment of the Bobbahn Run in running calendars. The event's success has led SZW to expand its sports offerings, making the Bobbahn Run a success story.
For updates on the Bobbahn-Run in Winterberg and other sports events in the Sauerland region, follow Sauerlandsport through social media, podcast, email newsletter, and the website.
The Bobbahn-Run's unique setting, with its racing on a bobsleigh track, attracts not just avid runners, but also sports enthusiasts who attend to witness the thrilling competition. Post-pandemic editions of the event have seen handsome participation numbers, reflecting the resurging interest in sports gatherings.
