It doesn’t always have to be a serious race; sometimes it’s all about having fun, like at the Nikolauslauf in Cologne.
Sometimes, it’s nice to set aside the pressure of achieving personal bests and just focus on running for the joy of it, surrounded by a festive atmosphere. The Nikolauslauf in Cologne offers the perfect blend of movement, fun, and Christmas spirit. This is one of those races where the goal isn’t about setting records but enjoying the experience – with everyone wearing red Santa hats, no less!
Around the Run
Running a few laps through Cologne’s city park, surrounded by a sea of red hats, is simply delightful. Once again, my wife and I took the opportunity to combine a family visit in Cologne with a spontaneous race. No need for intense preparation or worrying about the course; we just signed up and joined in. That laid-back approach, where there’s no pressure about training or performance, is what makes the Nikolauslauf so special for us.
Event and Organization
The winter race, organized by the athletics team of the German Sport University Cologne, attracts a lot of young people who live in the city. But it’s not just for the younger generation; runners of all ages, including those of us in the “older crowd,” have the chance to enjoy it. The whole event is wrapped in a festive Christmas mood, and the organization is flawless. From the start area to the refreshment stations and the course itself, everything runs smoothly, and the friendly volunteers ensure that every runner feels welcome. Kudos to the organizers for putting together such a fantastic event in the heart of Cologne.
The Course
The 10-kilometer course took us on a loop through the city park, with winter temperatures hovering around freezing. We completed three laps through this green oasis, which is located right in the middle of the city, yet feels like you’re running in nature. The flat course made for an easy and enjoyable run, without any major challenges to overcome.
What made the race even more fun was that nearly all participants were wearing traditional Santa hats, giving the event a unique charm. It felt like we were part of a giant festive costume race, with hundreds of runners all sharing in the Christmas cheer. The emphasis was clearly on fun, with lots of smiling faces and cheerful conversations both during and after the run.
Conclusion
The Nikolauslauf in Cologne is a wonderful event with a unique, festive atmosphere. This race isn’t about achieving athletic greatness or breaking records but rather about moving in a fun, Christmassy environment with great people. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the winter chill, enjoy the fresh air, and get into the holiday spirit. A race like this is something everyone should experience to truly understand the magic of pre-Christmas togetherness.
