Bad Hindelang Athletes Represent Germany at World Mountain Running Championships in Spain

Two athletes from Bad Hindelang, Madlen Kappeler and Marc Dürr, recently participated in the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships held in Canfranc, Spain, representing the German national team. The event, set in the challenging Pyrenees terrain, brought together elite mountain and trail runners from across the globe.

Kappeler entered the competition with the aim of securing a top-30 finish and contributing to a potential team medal. In the uphill race, which spanned 6 kilometers with an elevation gain of 990 meters, she faced early tactical challenges but managed to recover in the upper section. Ultimately, Kappeler placed 36th in the individual standings, while the German women's team narrowly missed the podium, finishing just outside the top three in fourth place.

Following the uphill event, Kappeler competed in the classic distance race, covering 14.3 kilometers with 775 meters of ascent. During this event, she encountered circulatory issues and a fall but persevered to complete the course in 47th position. Despite the difficulties, Kappeler regarded her participation in the championships as a formative experience and highlighted the supportive atmosphere within the German squad.

Marc Dürr, the second representative from Bad Hindelang, took part in the short trail race. He maintained a strong pace through the first half of the competition but was hampered by stomach problems in the latter stages. Dürr demonstrated resilience by finishing the race in 48th place. Reflecting on the event, he emphasized the technical demands of the course, favorable weather conditions, and the positive spirit among the German athletes.

Germany achieved an overall eighth place in the national rankings during the championships. Notable achievements for the team included two gold medals won by Nina Engelhard in the Vertical and Classic events, as well as a title in the Classic U20 category secured by Julia Ehrle. The presence of two athletes from Bad Hindelang at a world championship level marks a significant accomplishment for their local club, TV Hindelang, and provides both Kappeler and Dürr with valuable experience and motivation for future competitions.

The World Mountain & Trail Running Championships in Spain showcased the determination, skill, and sportsmanship of athletes from around the world, with the German team delivering commendable performances in a highly competitive field.