Running - Laufsport

Running - a popular popular sport in Germany and around the world

The To run is a popular leisure activity that has long gone beyond jogging in the park. It is now going higher, further and more extreme. There are running events and special leisure activities that are known throughout Germany.

background

In Germany there are a total of over 3200 approved running events every year, of which 1,340 are road runs, 100 mountain runs and 339 cross-country runs, as well as adventure runs, obstacle runs of various types in open terrain. Approved means that the running events are registered with the German Athletics Association (DLV). Only the results of approved running events are counted for the official best and running rankings. Approved events also benefit from the coordination of appointments at the appointment exchanges of the regional associations, so that appointment overlaps in a region are avoided.

preparation

Every runner who wants to start in competitions should prepare adequately for them. The preparation time fluctuates depending on whether you are already active in sports or are starting from scratch. For example, the DLV recommends regular running training in preparation for a 10 km competition at least six months, for a half marathon at least twelve months and for a marathon at least 18 months, each with increasing training units per week. This is the only way to achieve ambitious goals.

It is also important to have your health checked before taking part in a competition. With the PAPS test, developed by the Humboldt University Berlin, the DLV offers the possibility of a free health check on the Internet, which should not replace a visit to the doctor. The problem is less orthopedic complaints, in which runners forego a competition much faster, than cold symptoms or infections. Colds combined with physical exertion, such as running, can have fatal consequences. Carry-out infections can lead to heart disease, which can be life-threatening if you exert yourself. Unfortunately, this is shown time and again by deaths at running events, especially in the popular marathons.

It is also advisable to take part in smaller running events, such as fun runs, in preparation for participating in a large running event. For a small entry fee, you can check your form with like-minded people over different distances (usually 5 km, 10 km, 20 km) without being a member of a club, but you should not take the results too seriously due to the lack of roughly measured route length and possibly several meters in altitude.

Competitions (selection)

Below is a list of selected running events in Germany. Both large, well-known competitions as well as small, but still recommendable, competitions are listed. However, they all have special features and were therefore entered in this list. Have fun browsing.

Track runs and sports festivals / meetings
  • Adidas Boost Athletics Meeting - The Adidas Boost Athletics Meeting in Herzogenaurach was held for the first time in 2016. Due to the low qualification achievements to be achieved, both amateur athletes and international top athletes (including non-adidas athletes) start at the meeting on the Adi-Dassler sports field, there are no registration fees. The organizer is LAC Quelle Fürth im TV Fürth 1860 e.V in cooperation with adidas AG.
  • Ettelsberg Sports Festival / Ettelsberg Turn Festival - One of the oldest German sports festivals takes place every year on the 837.7 m high Ettelsberg in the middle of the Hochheide. In addition to other athletics disciplines (three-way fight), there are cross-country runs over 500 m, 1000 m, 2000 m and 4000 m, as well as 4000 m for adults Willingen (Upland) takes place by cable car or on foot.
  • For a list of all mountain gymnastics and mountain sports festivals see Wikipedia article Mountain gymnastics festival
People and street races
  • Paderborn Easter run - The oldest existing German people's and street run takes place every year on the Easter weekend in Paderborn and was first held in 1947. In addition to Bambini runs, a 5 km long route (including Nordic walking), a 10 km long route, a half marathon and an inline skating half marathon are offered. Together with the Kassel Marathon, a joint evaluation, the so-called PaKa Cup, is carried out.
  • City run Munich - The Munich city run is part of the city run series by SportScheck and BMW, in which the city championships are also held in the 20 locations of the series. A half marathon, a 2 km DAK children's run, a 10 km run, a 10 km run for baby joggers and a 5 km run including walking / Nordic walking are announced. There are also team and company valuations at the 5 km and 10 km run. Each participant receives an ASICS functional shirt / singlet.
  • Airport Run "RUNWAY 06" - The 10 km long route of the Airport Run "RUNWAY 06" is due to the start on the 2180 m long and 45 m wide runway of the Paderborn / Lippstadt Airport probably unique in Germany. The rest of the route of the event, which is limited to 1,300 participants, leads steeply down into the Almetal and back uphill via Wewelsburg to the airport, with a few vertical meters being collected.
  • Hockenheimring race - The Hockenheimring Race is held every year on All Saints' Day. In addition to Bambini and schoolchildren runs, there is a 5 km long route that runs once over the Hockenheimring, and a 10 km long route that runs twice over the Hockenheimring and has two simultaneous starts. This ensures that the width of the route at the start means that as little time as possible is lost in the hunt for new personal bests.
  • International special houses Kristalllauf - In the Brügman shaft (adventure mine) at Sondershausen, 680 meters below the surface of the earth, the crystal run takes place. A 10 km long route over four laps of 2.5 km is offered. For safety reasons, the right to start is only granted if a protective helmet is worn or a bicycle helmet brought by the runners. Furthermore, the starting field is limited to 450 participants for safety and logistical reasons.
  • Berlin BIG 25 - The biggest 25km run in Germany has a reputation for being the fastest 25km run in the world. Even if the respective annual world best times were not run in Berlin every year, the two world records still valid today over 25 km were in Berlin set up. In addition to the 25 km long route, a half marathon and a 10 km race are also offered. That is the goal of all competitions Olympic Stadium Berlin.
  • Schwerin Five Lakes Run - The Schwerin Five Lakes Run will be held with distances of over 10 km, 15 km and 30 km (simultaneous start on Bertha-Klingberg-Platz in the Schlossgarten). After starting with a view of the Schwerin Castle, you walk along the banks of a total of five lakes, the Burgsee, the Faulen See, the Schweriner See, the Ostorfer See and the Lankower See. Traditionally, pea and goulash soup are served at the finish.
Cross and landscape runs
  • Darmstadt Cross - The Darmstadt-Cross is one of the most famous cross-country runs Germany and is held annually in November at the Heimstättensiedlung sports and leisure area in Darmstadt carried out. The cross-country run is one of two races of the German Cross Cup of the DLV and attracts both competitive and amateur athletes. Among other things, the mostly well-attended cross-sprint is known, which has developed into the highlight of the event in just a few years.
  • Savings Banks Cross Pforzheim - The Sparkassen Cross Pforzheim, like the Darmstadt Cross, is one of two races of the German Cross Cup of the DLV and will also continue to be held in November. The venue is the Lohwiesenhof south of Pforzheim, in which a compact and spectator-friendly route including a small hill, a sand bunker and the so-called "Huchenfelder Rampe" is marked out every year.
  • GutsMuths Rennsteig run - Since 1973 every year in mid-May on the Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest The GutsMuths Rennsteig run is the largest landscape run or cross-country run Europe. The routes offered include a super marathon (72.7 km), a marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), a 17 km Nordic walking tour, a 35 km Nordic walking tour, a 17 km hike, the Rennsteig -Junior-Cross and the Rennsteig-Special-Cross (3.7 km).
  • Rothaarsteig marathon - Since 2004, every autumn starting from Fleckenberg, a district of Schmallenberg, the Rothaarsteig marathon. The competitions offered (round courses) over the marathon distance (with 838 meters of altitude), the half marathon distance and walking lead over large parts of the well-known Rothaarsteig, a 154 km long long-distance hiking trail through the Rothaar Mountains. There is the possibility of group registration (discount).
  • Brocken Challenge - The demanding charity ultramarathon run in winter leads by Goettingen on the Chunks in the resin and was first held in 2004. The track length of the "hardest race in the north" (NDR) varies between 80 km and 86 km annually. You can only register or apply for the Brocken Challenge (BC) in a one-week time window at the beginning of November. The limited starting places will then be raffled.
  • Sparkassen Alb Marathon Schwäbisch Gmünd - The Albmarathon has been held annually in October since 1991. The Sparkassen run (50 km; 1100 m ascent), the Gmünder Tagespost Rechberglauf (25 km; 740 m) and the Urnicore run (10 km; 70 m) can be run. Cup is. The school relay race for company and leisure teams is also offered over the 50 km.
  • Allgäu Panorama Marathon - The Allgäu Panorama Marathon includes an ultramarathon (69.5 km), a marathon, a half marathon, a 5 km run and a kids run and has been held annually since 2007. The competitions of the running event take place in an alpine environment and are mostly unpaved. The start and finish of all distances offered, which are designed as circular courses, are in Sonthofen.
Mountain runs
  • Brockenlauf - The Brocken Run is the oldest mountain run Germany and has been held annually (with interruptions) by the Brockenlaufverein since 1927. The start and finish of all routes is on the market square in Ilsenburg, but only the 26.2 km long route runs over the Chunks. Other distances carried out are 9.6 km (Ilsesteinlauf), 3.9 km and 1.8 km (junior run). Alternatively, the 9.6 km and 26.2 km long routes can also be hiked.
  • Nebelhorn mountain run - The highest, hardest, most beautiful and most challenging mountain run by its own account Germany with gradients of up to 40% is the Nebelhorn mountain run from Oberstdorf up to the Nebelhorn (2224 m) in the Allgäu Alps. The 10.5 km long route with 1405 m difference in altitude has already hosted the German Mountain Running Championships several times and is part of the Marmot Running Cup. The Nebelhorn Mountain Run was held for the first time in 1982.
  • Hochfellnberglauf - The most famous and best-manned mountain run in Germany is probably the Hochfellnberglauf of Bergen (Chiemgau) up to the Hochfelln (1674 m). Over a length of 8.9 kilometers, the Hochfellnberglauf has to conquer 1,074 meters of altitude. The mountain running world championship and several times the German mountain running championships were already integrated into the event, as well as the mountain running Grand Prix series in the meantime.
  • Palatinate Mountain Run Cup - The Palatinate mountain run series includes the seven independent mountain runs Donnersberglauf, Nanstein-Berglauf, Rockie-Mountain-Lauf, Rietburg-Berglauf, Bad Dürkheimer Berglauf, Potzberg-Berglauf and Kalmit-Berglauf. In order to get into the valuation of the mountain running series, at least four of the spring to autumn Palatinate offered seven runs will be contested. Overall winner and overall winner of the series will receive the Palatinate Mountain Run Cup.
Company runs
  • J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge - The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge (JPMCC) is a 3.5 mile (5.6 km) corporate run series that takes place annually in several major cities in the world takes place in which the bank JPMorgan Chase & Co. has branches. With Frankfurt am Main the run with the world's largest field of participants is in Germany (70,000 participants). Only permanent employees of companies, authorities and financial institutions are eligible to participate.
  • B2RUN German company running championship - The first and largest company run series is called B2RUN Germany in the annual final in Berlin the German company running championship is integrated. The goal of the approximately six-kilometer running routes are larger stadiums in various German cities. The run with the most participants of the 15 different running events is the B2RUN Munich with around 30,000 runners.
half marathon
  • Berlin half marathon - As with the 25 km and the marathon, the largest and fastest German half marathon is also in Berlin. The annual competition, usually held at the end of March or beginning of April, arose in 1990 from the SCC Half Marathon (West Berlin), which has existed since 1984, and the East Berlin Peace Run, which has existed since 1981. The Berlin half marathon is limited to a field of 30,000 runners.
  • SAS half marathon of TSG 78 Heidelberg - The SAS half marathon, also Heidelberg half marathon, connects several sights Heidelbergs such as the old bridge, the castle and the Philosophenweg. In contrast to other larger half marathons, the competition has a more pronounced height profile, i.e. several ascents and descents. The Henkel Team Run (3.1 km) and the HPK Dr. Natour Bambini run (1.2 km).
  • Tegernseelauf - Starting from the center of the village in Gmund am Tegernsee Since 2002, the shoemaker has been running along or around the Tegernseelauf on bike and footpaths Tegernsee. The Phicomm 21.1 km half marathon, the Kreissparkasse 10 km run, the 5 km youth run by DAK and the 1.5 km children's run by DAK are held. The Tegernsee run is limited to a total of 5000 runners.
  • Rothenburg half marathon - The very good preserved old town Rothenburg ob der Taubers and its surroundings can be discovered annually in June at the Rothenburg Half Marathon. The competitions held over 21.2 km (half marathon), 10 km, 10 km (team run), 6 km (fitness run), 6 km (walking), as well as the school cups and kigas run on circular courses, some of which run several times depending on the discipline Need to become.
marathon
  • Berlin marathon - By far the largest marathon Germany takes place annually on the last weekend in September in Berlin instead of. It is also one of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world, in which, among other things, the current world record in marathon running was set. Due to the high number of registrations, a lottery procedure is used for the Berlin Marathon, for which you have to register in a two-week time slot at the end of October.
  • Frankfurt marathon - The oldest city marathon and third largest marathon Germany has been held annually since 1981 in Frankfurt am Main instead of. Together with the Berlin Marathon, it is one of two running events with the IAAF Road Race Label Gold. The Frankfurt Marathon is known for the "Hammering Man" and the finish on a red carpet in the festival hall. A marathon relay, the mini marathon, the Struwwelpeter run and the pretzel run are also offered.
  • Time tunnel marathon - The time tunnel marathon run by the Indie Trail team Barfelde Near Hildesheim is probably the fastest marathon in the world, guaranteed with the best time. This is ensured by the annual time change; Between the start and the finish line, the clocks are set back one hour. Finally, the event, which incidentally was not a public event but an invitation run, had to be canceled due to lack of interest, but a new edition is planned for next year.
  • Royal castles romantic marathon - With start and finish in the Füssener In the old town, the King's Palaces Romantic Marathon (until 2007 King Ludwig Marathon) is held. The route connects several lakes and sights such as the Hopfensee, Forggensee, Tegelberg, Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau Castle, the Schwansee and the High Castle with each other. A half marathon and 10 km are also offered (Füssen city run).
  • Upper Elbe Marathon - The Upper Elbe Marathon runs on a point-to-point route between Koenigstein in the Saxon Switzerland and Dresden along the Elbe. The half marathon, which is also held, will be held in Pirna started the 10 km run (walking) at the Blaues Wunder bridge in Dresden. The goal of all competitions is in the Heinz-Steyer-Stadion, where the mini marathon (2.7 km) begins. The marathon field is accompanied by a historic paddle steamer.
  • Gerolsteiner Helgoland Marathon - The marathon on the German North Sea IslandHeligoland has been held annually in May since 1998 and takes place on an 8.4 km long circuit that has to be run a total of five times. Based on the marathon, the mini-marathon over a lap of 5.8 kilometers is, unlike other mini-marathons, not only reserved for children and young people. Travel and accommodation must be organized by the runners themselves.
  • Moor marathon - The moor marathon that takes place in summer runs through the approximately 640 hectare Goldenstedter Moor near Barnstorf between Bremen and Osnabrück. A marathon run, hiking and walking (18 km), a Bambini run (500 m), two school runs (1000 m and 3000 m), a half marathon and the moor run (approx. 9 km) are announced. Due to staggered start times, marathon and half-marathon runners reach the finish at about the same time.
  • Senftenberg indoor marathon - The indoor marathon in the Niederlausitzhalle Senftenberg (250 m track) is held every year in January. In addition to the marathon distance, runs over 1,000 m, 3,000 m, 5,000 m, 10,000 m, half marathons, 50 km and 100 km are also held. A maximum of 75 participants can start per run, for the 100 km run there must be at least 30 advance registrations in order to raise the four-digit hall rent.
  • Darmstadt prison marathon - On a circuit of 1.758 km (24 laps) within the prison Darmstadt the prison marathon is held every year in April or May. The event was created as a recreational project for prisoners, but the competition is also open to 180 external starters. The officially measured route is paved and has no inclines. When entering the institution there is a passport and personal check, similar to the handling at airports.
  • Merkerser crystal marathon - At the underground marathon in the Merkers adventure mine near Eisenach the route lengths 10 km, half marathon and marathon are offered, whereby several laps have to be run depending on the distance. The entry fee for the event, which is limited to 500 participants, includes entry into the mine and a 3 km trip to the mine. Underground, 500 meters underground, temperatures of 21 - 28 ° C prevail all year round.
  • Elbe tunnel marathon - Another underground marathon is the Elbe Tunnel Marathon in the Old Elbe Tunnel from Hamburg-Sankt Pauli. The completely asphalted route leads through both Elbe tunnel tubes, whereby a total of 48 laps plus 396.6 m have to be run. Due to renovation work on the tunnel tubes of the Elbe Tunnel, the Elbe Tunnel Marathon has been canceled since 2010; a new edition of the event, which is limited to 280 participants, is planned for 2018.
  • SPARKASSE 3-country marathon - The SPARKASSE 3-Country Marathon on Lake Constance is a marathon that takes place at the beginning of October and is run by Lindau to Bregenz leads. The Sparkasse Marathon route touches all three countries bordering Lake Constance, while the Sinfit Half Marathon and ImmoAgentur Quarter Marathon only pass through Germany and Austria run away. The VN-TEAM competition and an 11 km WALKING route are also offered.
Ultra marathon
  • Wings for Life World Run - Under the motto “Running for those who can't run”, the Wings for Life World Run has been held every year in May since 2014 in over 30 countries around the world. 100% of the income from the run, in which the runners are caught by a car that starts 30 minutes after the start, the so-called catcher car, goes to spinal cord research. Venues of the Wings for Life World Runs in Germany were so far Darmstadt and Munich.
  • TorTour de Ruhr - With a length of 230 km, the TorTour de Ruhr is one of the longest non-stop runs in Germany. The route follows the Dysentery from the source Winterberg up to the confluence with the Rhine at Duisburg. Runs over 160.9 km (100 mi) and 100 km are also offered. The TorTour de Ruhr is expressly not a public event but an invitation run, and private accompaniment is mandatory.
  • 100 miles Berlin / Wall Race - The Wall Trail follows the Wall Trail along the former Berlin Wall in a large lap around the western one Berlin and should remember the victims of the wall. Originally held every two years, the 100-mile route (160.9 km) has been held annually with a change of direction since 2013. In addition to a limited number of participants, the time limit for individual runners and relays is also limited.
  • Run between the seas - The run between the seas between Husum and Damp with a distance of 95.5 kilometers is a relay race, divided into 10 sections with distances from 8.1 to 11.7 kilometers. For a maximum of 800 teams, the route leads from the port in Husum above Wittbek, Hollingstedt, the Viking cultural monument Waldemar's Wall, Dannewerk, the 3 km runway at Jagel Air Base and Fahrdorf to the Baltic Sea Damp.
Adventure runs
Multi-day runs
  • EWE North Sea Run - 7 stages in 8 days. The EWE North Sea Run takes place every year in mid-June under the motto “Don't stop - run against violence!” Lower Saxony North Sea coast carried out. Every day there is a new island, as well as through the mudflats of Neuwerk to Cuxhaven. The EWE North Sea Run with stages of around 10 km can be completed as a complete program, in sections or as an individual stage - with or without accommodation.
  • International Brothers Grimm Run - 5 stages in 3 days. The Brothers Grimm Run takes place annually in June from Hanau, the birthplace of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm Steinau an der Straße, the place where the fairy tale collectors and linguists spent part of their youth. The individual stages with lengths between 14 and 17 kilometers are named after the fairy tales Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Frau Holle and Hansel and Gretel.
  • Ossiloop - 6 stages in 3 weeks. The traditional East Frisian stage run takes place every year in May from Empty by Ostfriesland to Bensersiel to the North Sea, or every two years alternately in the opposite direction and can be run as a complete program or as a single stage. The individual stages have an average length of 10 kilometers. Team ratings are also offered for sports clubs, schools and companies.
  • Riesenbeck Sixdays - 6 stages in 6 days. The Riesenbeck Sixdays run as a circuit starting from Riesenbeck (Start / finish) over Ibbenbueren, Tecklenburg, Mettingen, Dickenberg and the Aasee through the Teutoburg Forest. The individual stage lengths are between 20 and 28 kilometers, individual starts for the respective stages are not possible. After arriving at the stage destination on your own, you will be transported from there by bus to the start of the stage.
  • running experience Franconian Switzerland tour - 5 stages in 3 days. The "Franconian Switzerland Tour" is held every two years on the route network of the "Franconian Switzerland Running Experience". The individual stages, each limited to 200 participants, with finish times each start in the early morning or late evening hours and are continuously shorter depending on the length of the route. In 2016 the event had to be suspended due to capacity reasons.

security

In the case of larger street runs and running events, all streets and paths to be walked on are generally cordoned off, for example by the police or fire brigade, but also by people from the organizing team. In the case of smaller fun runs, on the other hand, roads may not be cordoned off for cost reasons or a lack of helpers, so that the competitive runners have to comply with the StVo and should run on the sidewalks or along the roadsides if possible. Furthermore, paramedics from the local associations stationed in the start and finish area are now present at almost every running event.

Web links

  • run.de - supported by the DLV (German Athletics Association)
  • German Road Races - Representation of the interests of currently 61 major German running organizers