This is more than a race. It's a promise. A promise of 2000 kilometers of relentless gravel, untamed paths, and the unforgettable feeling of being self-supported. Starting and finishing in the heart of Leipzig, around2k takes you on a wild track through the raw terrain of Eastern Germany.

Forget perfectly manicured roads. Wild tracks through the remote areas of the Thuringian Forest are waiting for you, followed by some juicy steep climbs in the Ore Mountains, the sandy tracks leading up North, the rustic islands along the Balltic coastline, and the grasslands and swamp regions before meeting your final boss of the race: the Harz Mountains.

Signing up for this event is a thoroughly made decision! It is certainly not beginner-friendly and requires a lot of experience, skills, and strength. It's for those who seek a genuine challenge, who believe in the power of community, and who know that the most beautiful moments are born where the tarmac ends.

The clock is ticking. #yourturn

The opening act of around2k is a rugged immersion into the Thuringian Forest. You'll navigate the legendary Rennsteig trail, a relentless series of punchy, rooty climbs that will constantly test your legs. This section's saw-blade profile demands disciplined pacing from the very start. Don't burn your matches early; a wide gear range and a steady rhythm are the keys to surviving this beautiful but brutal introduction.

Leaving the forest, you ascend into the formidable Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge). This section is defined by long, grueling climbs to exposed, windswept plateaus, culminating in the ascent of the Fichtelberg (1,215m). The weather here can be harsh and unpredictable, making a windproof layer essential gear. Consistent fueling and finding a solid climbing rhythm are critical to conquering the roof of the race.

Next, the route plunges into the fairytale labyrinth of Saxon Switzerland. Ride beneath spectacular sandstone towers on a network of technical and punchy trails where the climbs are short but brutally steep. This visually stunning section is a test of your handling skills and sharp navigation, not just your raw power. Stay focused through the labyrinth and enjoy the incredible scenery. Checkpoint 1 is waiting for you at the end.

After the mountains, the world goes flat. Welcome to the Spreewald, a lush green labyrinth of canals, traditional villages, and ancient forests. The challenge here is not elevation, but sharp navigation and mental endurance. It’s a fast section where a lapse in focus can be costly. Keep your wits sharp as you navigate this unique, watery landscape on your way north.

Brace yourself for the notorious Schorfheide biosphere reserve. While beautiful with its vast forests and pristine lakes, this section hides the route's most infamous challenge: deep, soul-crushing sand. This is a true test of patience, power, and equipment. The right tire pressure and a strong mind are your only allies here. This section can make or break your race long before the final mountains.

Reaching the Baltic Sea coast line is a huge psychological milestone. Checkpoint 2 is awaiting for you. After getting your stamp, you'll ride along coastal paths, cross onto Germany's largest islands, and hit the northernmost point of the race at Cape Arkona. The reward is the sea breeze and stunning views of the chalk cliffs, but the challenge is the relentless coastal headwind. This is a beautiful battle against the elements before you finally turn south after getting your third stamp while clapping the sand off your clothes.

After the drama of the coast, the Wendland offers a quiet, rural transit south. This is a subtle but demanding section of rolling hills, vast farmland, and potentially sparse services. The primary challenge here is purely mental: staying focused and motivated through a long, lonely stretch. This is where your grit is forged before the final mountains loom.

With nearly 1800km in your legs, the final challenge awaits: the mythical Harz Mountains. This is the race's grande finale, a land of dark forests, rocky trails, and brutally steep climbs. Your entire journey culminates in the legendary ascent to the summit of the Brocken. It's the ultimate test of your remaining strength and willpower - the final boss standing between you and the finish line in Leipzig. After receiving your final stamp you absolutely deserve to rest some hours or days camping at our last Checkpoint.

• Location: At the end of the Saxon Switzerland National Park

• Approximate Distance: ~600 km

• Open: August 8th, 2026 18:00 - August 12th, 2026 00:01

You've conquered the first three major challenges: the relentless forests, the high peaks, and the sandstone labyrinth. CP1 is your chance to catch your breath before the race changes character completely. Here, you'll find a warm welcome from our volunteers, a place to refill your water bottles, and a moment of peace after the intense opening act. As you leave, prepare your mind for the vast, flat, and sandy northern plains. The climbing legs can rest; the mental grind begins.

• Location: At the beginning of the Baltic Sea coast

• Approximate Distance: ~1070 km

• Open: August 9th, 2026 18:00 - August 15th, 2026 00:01

After navigating the watery maze of the Spreewald and surviving the infamous sand traps of the Schorfheide, reaching CP2 is your reward. You can almost smell the sea. This checkpoint marks a huge psychological milestone as you arrive at the coast. Our team will be here to check you in and share in your relief. Restock, regroup, and get ready to battle the coastal winds. The northernmost point of the adventure awaits.

• Location: At the end of the Baltic Coast section

• Approximate Distance: ~1480 km

• Open: August 10th, 2026 18:00 - August 19th, 2026 00:01

You've done it. You've battled the headwinds, ridden the islands, and stood at Cape Arkona. CP3 marks the end of your coastal journey and the crucial turn south towards the finish. It's the last checkpoint before the final, mountainous boss. Our volunteers will welcome you back to the mainland. It's time to swap the sea breeze for the quiet roads of the Wendland as you begin the long, focused push to the Harz.

• Location: Leipzig, Germany

• Approximate Distance: ~2000 km

• Open: August 11th, 2026 18:00 - August 23th, 2026 00:01

Welcome home. You have conquered the forests, the mountains, the sand, the coast, and the final, brutal test of the Harz and your inner Schweinehund: you have completed the Around2k!

The finish line is more than just a stopping point; it's a sanctuary. Our Finisher's Camp in Leipzig awaits you with a warm campfire, food, drinks, and a place to rest your weary legs. We invite you to pitch your tent, stay for a few hours or a few days, and share your stories with fellow finishers. Your epic journey deserves a legendary welcome.

You won't find any large corporate sponsors here. around2k is built on a philosophy of "Community, Not Commercials." We believe the soul of our sport lies with the independent makers, the local bike shops, and the passionate people who form the true backbone of the cycling scene.

Our partners are not sponsors in the traditional sense; they are friends, collaborators, and local heroes who share our vision for a grassroots, adventure-focused event. We don't accept money in exchange of logos on a banner. Instead, we use our platform to celebrate and promote the businesses we genuinely admire and work with. It’s a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared desire to support the independent spirit of cycling.

By supporting those partners, you are strengthening the entire community that makes events like this possible.

Below are the businesses and people who share our passion and are part of our journey. We are incredibly proud to work alongside them.

Every cycling scene has a heartbeat, a central place that is more than just a business - it’s a home. For Leipzig, that place is unquestionably Café Zwischenfisch.

Led by the tireless passion of Anja, Zwischenfisch, along with its community club the Zwischenfisch Velobande, has become a foundational pillar of our city's cycling culture. It is one of, if not the most, important institutions in the Leipzig cycling scene. It's the pre-ride affogato stop, the post-ride story-swapping nerd-talk hub, and the starting point for countless adventures.

This is the absolute embodiment of the local, community-driven spirit that around2k was created to celebrate. We are incredibly proud to have them as friends of the event and to meet you there at the start!

Zwischenfisch Velobande Café Zwischenfisch

Lawi isn't just a high-quality cycling apparel brand; they are a cornerstone of the Leipzig cycling scene. We've been relying on their expertise and gear long before around2k was even an idea, and we admire their unwavering commitment to the local community and to producing top-tier equipment while never stop thinking out of the box.

rothai-sports.de/lawi

Some partnerships are forged in boardrooms. Ours was forged over countless hours of deep "nerd talks" with Xaver, the mind and hands behind Bockstein Bikes and Aikon Carbon Wheels.

Long before around2k was official, we were deep in conversation with Xaver, geeking out over the finest details of frame geometry, the nuances of carbon layups, and what truly makes a bike perfect for an ultra-distance adventure. His passion for independent craftsmanship and his incredible depth of knowledge are what make his custom carbon and titanium frames and Aikon carbon wheels so special.

This partnership is a natural fit. Xaver embodies the spirit of the independent maker that around2k is proud to champion. He’s not just building bikes and wheels; he’s pouring his heart and expertise into every single one.

bockstein.bike www.aikon.bike

Live tracking - or "dotwatching" - is the heart of any unsupported race. It’s the most critical tool for safety and the way your friends, family, and the global bikepacking community share in your journey. For this essential task, there can be no compromises. That’s why we have partnered with Follow My Challenge.

While other options might be cheaper, we made a conscious decision to invest in the most reliable, professional, and proven platform in the ultra-distance scene. The team at Follow My Challenge provides a robust system that ensures every rider's position is tracked accurately from start to finish.

This is a direct investment in rider safety and in a seamless experience for everyone watching from home. We believe our riders deserve the best and most dependable technology, and when it comes to tracking, Follow My Challenge is it, even if it is not local.

followmychallenge.com

Do you run an independent or local business that shares our values? We would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us!

My name is Mirko, and I am the heart and head behind around2k. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of organizing the ultra500, a 500km gravel event series that has brought our incredible local community together.

There's a funny irony in all of this. I originally started gravel riding to get away from people, to find some peace and solitude on forgotten roads. Yet, that same path has led me to this moment - creating an event dedicated to bringing our incredible community together. It turns out the journey wasn't about escaping, but about finding the right people to share the adventure with.

That realization is the foundation of around2k. It's a vision born from a simple but powerful belief: Germany is the perfect place for a truly epic, ultra-distance gravel adventure. We have one of the most passionate cycling communities in the world, and our landscapes are wonderfully diverse - or 'abwechslungsreich', as we say.

Finally, a core part of this vision is a deep commitment to sustainability. I believe the greatest adventures don't require a flight across the globe; they are waiting to be discovered right here on our doorstep. around2k is a celebration of that idea - an epic, life-changing experience with a lower environmental footprint. This philosophy guides everything from our "support local" partnerships to our absolute commitment to "Leave No Trace" principles on the trail.

While this journey started as a personal vision, it has grown into something much bigger, and I am certainly not alone anymore. I am incredibly happy and grateful to have a wonderful team of passionate people coming together to help build around2k by providing parts of the track, and helping organize stuff. The spirit of these events is found just as much in the volunteers who support the riders as it is in the riders themselves. If you are inspired by this project and want to be part of the adventure from the other side of the checkpoint, we would be thrilled to welcome you. Please get in touch with us to learn more about volunteering.

This race is a celebration of our community and the sustainable discovery of our home trails. Thank you for helping me bring this vision to life!