It was the perfect opportunity to combine a visit to Düsseldorf with a race. A running friend from our group also has family in Düsseldorf, so we decided to make it a shared experience and run together.
About the Run
The event took place in Himmelgeist, a neighborhood in the southern part of Düsseldorf. Unlike most urban areas, Himmelgeist is a charming, peaceful spot that feels more like a quaint village than part of a bustling city. With its historic houses, small gardens, and close proximity to the Rhine, it’s a unique setting that feels worlds away from Düsseldorf’s downtown. After registering well in advance and planning an overnight stay with family, we felt like we had a home-court advantage for this race.
Event and Organization
Despite attracting a sizeable number of participants, the Himmelgeister Brückenlauf (Himmelgeist Bridge Run) has managed to maintain its warm, community-centered vibe. The event has been organized by a dedicated team in cooperation with the Fortuna Düsseldorf running club since 2004. The volunteers are not only professional and well-prepared but bring an extra level of passion and enthusiasm that makes participants feel welcomed and appreciated.
The race is organized with great attention to detail, from the clearly marked course to the well-positioned aid stations, which offered plenty of refreshments. It was clear that the organizers genuinely cared about providing a memorable experience for everyone. Special shout-out to the enthusiastic Fortuna volunteers who helped create a fun and lively atmosphere along the way.
The Course
The race course is flat and stretches along long portions of the Rhine, making it a perfect spot to enjoy nature and soak up the village-like charm of Himmelgeist. Starting in Himmelgeist, runners cross the Fleher Brücke, which offers beautiful views of the Rhine, before continuing on the other side of the river. Later, the route circles back over the Josef-Kardinal-Frings Bridge, returning runners to the finish line in Himmelgeist. Running alongside the Rhine with wide-open skies and greenery everywhere made it feel like a scenic retreat rather than a city run.
What really made the race special, however, was the enthusiastic support of the local residents. Himmelgeist’s inhabitants came out in full force to cheer on the runners, adding an extra layer of energy to the atmosphere. Many set up tables with refreshments and even offered sprinklers or garden hoses to cool down runners in the high temperatures. It was a perfect example of how small communities can bring a race to life.
For me, the weather became a challenge. Running in high temperatures is never my favorite, and unfortunately, the sun was out in full force that day. Each water station became a lifeline, and I made sure to drink more water than I ever have during a race. The additional cooling stations, set up by the kind residents, were a welcome reprieve, as I could splash myself with cold water and keep going. Heat like that can make even a flat course feel difficult, and I found myself focusing on staying hydrated and not pushing too hard.
Interestingly, my wife seemed entirely unfazed by the heat. She kept a steady pace, and as we neared the final stretch, she even had enough energy left to surge ahead, ultimately ending up beside me just before the finish. She looked so determined that I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for her. In a spontaneous show of encouragement, I decided to let her cross the finish line ahead of me. Watching her speed up and pass me gave her a final time just one second faster than mine—a little victory I was more than happy to celebrate with her.
Conclusion
The Himmelgeister Brückenlauf has become one of my most cherished race memories, even though the weather wasn’t ideal for me. The combination of the scenic, flat route by the Rhine, the warm and welcoming vibe from the community, and the organization’s careful planning made it a standout experience. There’s something very special about these local events that bigger races can’t replicate—their familiar, close-knit feeling brings an extra level of enjoyment.
And my wife crossing the finish line ahead of me? That was a highlight that made the experience even more memorable. For me, it was the perfect reminder that races aren’t just about individual accomplishments or personal bests; they’re about the joy of running and sharing these experiences with others.
