The July 4th Volkslaufe Tradition Continues (Virtually)
Almost every July 4th since 1986 I have run in the Volkslaufe event in Frankenmuth, MI. “Volkslaufe” means “The People’s Race” in German, which is the heritage of Frankenmuth, Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.”
Some years I ran the 5k but mostly I do the 10k. The 10k course takes runners through a couple miles of cornfields then winds through several tree-lined neighborhood streets in town before crossing Michigan’s largest covered wooden bridge to finish at Heritage Park along the Cass River.
COVID 19 Changed Everything
Every year this is a fun way to celebrate Independence day with crowds cheering and excitement throughout town. But this year was different. COVID 19 has forced the cancellation of all large gatherings and events. Fortunately, the organizers of the Volkslaufe shifted gears and planned a virtual event. Runners got a nice race shirt, bib number and finisher’s medal through the mail. There were no awards but runners could still enter their finishing time to see where they would have placed.
Fast and Flat
The traditional Volkslaufe course can be challenging with several rolling hills, lots of turns and stretches with no shade. It’s a scenic course with country and small town views but it’s not a course to set a PR. One advantage of the virtual version is I could run it anywhere I wanted. So I headed out early to a local junior high track. With a predicted high temperature of 90 today I wanted to beat the heat of the day.
As I ran the track alone I tried to picture the Frankenmuth course and although I missed the crowds and competition of picking off other runners, I think the flat course helped my time. I was pleased with a sub-8 minute pace on a hot day at 62 years old.
Although I’m not normally a fan of virtual races, I can now display another well-earned Volkslaufe medal on my running display wall.
Thank you, Volkslaufe event team. I certainly pray that on July 4, 2021 we can all be gathered along the Cass River for the National Anthem, prayer and starting gun then head up the hill to celebrate another year of health and fitness.