A run on an island is always something special, especially when part of the course leads directly along the coast. The vastness of the sea, the scent of salty air, and the sound of the waves create a unique atmosphere that you rarely experience during other races.
At that point, running a marathon wasn’t on my agenda yet, but a half marathon seemed doable again. Fehmarn is known for its unpredictable weather, and the wind from the sea can often challenge runners. However, on this particular day, it was unusually calm, which is rare for the island. Instead, there was high humidity, and the temperature was around 22°C. For many, these may be perfect running conditions, but personally, I prefer cooler weather. The muggy air made the race more exhausting than I had anticipated. Fortunately, the course was mostly flat, with only six meters of elevation gain, which didn’t seem too challenging.
What surprised me, though, was how many fellow runners, especially locals, struggled with even the slight incline up to the dike. Perhaps it was because I’m used to running with elevation gains in my hilly hometown, so overcoming inclines is second nature to me. Here on Fehmarn, such slopes were rare, and many runners clearly felt the difference.
Despite the warm temperatures and humidity, the course was a dream. Running sections directly along the coast are definitely among my favorite highlights during a race. The feeling of running by the sea, with the vast horizon stretching out before you, is simply unparalleled. There are few better backdrops that motivate you to keep moving, step by step. Even though the weather didn’t entirely suit my preferences, the flat course more than made up for it. And in the end, it’s not just about your personal time, but about the experience you take with you during the race.
Fehmarn has firmly established itself as a running destination for me, and I’m already looking forward to the next time I can run there again.
