Frankenmuth Volkslaufe 2019 – Race Recap
After running the Volkslaufe 10k on July 4th in Frankenmuth for about 30 years, I finally won a beer stein. Instead of medals, the Volkslaufe awards beer steins to the top three finishers in each age group to celebrate the German heritage of Frankenmuth.
The 2019 Volkslaufe was similar to most years. Meaning it was hot and sunny in mid-Michigan farmland. However, the race committee was smart this year and moved up the start time to 7:00AM instead of 8:00AM as in past year. That hour made a difference. Although it was warm at the start it wasn’t full sun overhead and the temps were manageable.
The Volkslaufe is a well-organized, well-supported event. I started running it in about 1985 when I met my wife who is from Frankenmuth. We spent most July 4th holidays in Frankemuth visiting family so I’d run the race. Usually the 10k and occasionally the 5k.
The course starts in town at a city park by the river then runs up a hill to leave the park and goes through a few city blocks before heading out into the country past the corn fields. After about a mile in the country it comes back into town and has several turns through neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and an occasional group of fans with water hoses offering a cool-down to the runners. Just after the 5 mile mark the runners cross a covered bridge and head back to the park for the finish. The final 100 yards or so is on grass along the river lined with cheering fans. That always helps with my kick as I watch the race clock click.
This year I started at a good pace that felt fast but manageable and was able maintain for the entire race. There were times around the 4-5 mile marks where I felt I may be slowing down but I focused on keeping the pace. When I finished I didn’t think the time would be enough to place but was pleasantly surprised to check the results later and see I was second in my age group. And I was even more pleased when someone reminded me of the beer stein awards.
So, all in all, it was good day.