A slightly different run, one that challenged me more than I expected. The Syltlauf from last week was still weighing heavily on my legs. Despite the disappointing time, I don’t regret doing the run. It taught me when it’s the right time for a long run and when it’s better to take a break from running.
Around the Run
Right after the Syltlauf, I found myself signing up for another race in northern Germany—just a week later. I figured if I could handle the 33.333 km of the Syltlauf, the Kieler Hochbrückenlauf with its 29 km shouldn’t be a problem. So, once again, I got in the car and drove 400 kilometers to Kiel. After the success of the Syltlauf, I was feeling optimistic and ready for another challenge. Why not keep the momentum going?
Kiel wasn’t exactly home turf for me, but I had spent a lot of time there in the past. I also took the opportunity to catch up with an old colleague, which made the trip even more appealing. It wasn’t just about the run; it was a chance to revisit old memories and reconnect with friends. That made the trip to Kiel something I was really looking forward to.
Event and Organization
The Kieler Hochbrückenlauf is a small, local event organized by the Laufgemeinschaft Albatros Kiel. Races like this, run by local clubs with a lot of passion, always have a charming, familiar atmosphere. You can feel the dedication in every detail, and it’s easy to feel at home right away. It’s a stark contrast to the big, impersonal city marathons—this race had a warm, welcoming vibe that immediately made you feel part of the community.
The Course
The course itself runs along the North Sea-Baltic Canal, through wide-open fields and beautiful forests. It’s truly a scenic route with fresh air and lovely views. However, what I completely underestimated were the inclines leading up to the bridges. These bridges tower high above the canal, and at times the climb was so steep that I had no choice but to walk.
Although the landscape was stunning, I quickly realized that the Syltlauf was still taking its toll on my body. Every step felt harder than I anticipated, and the race drained my last reserves of energy. The final kilometers were tough, and I wasn’t happy with my time. To make matters worse, my iPhone gave up partway through the race and failed to record the entire distance, which didn’t help my mood.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the Kieler Hochbrückenlauf is definitely worth it. The course is beautiful, the organization is excellent, and the friendly, community-driven atmosphere makes it a unique event. However, it’s not an easy race. The steep climbs to the bridges are tough, and you need to be well-trained to handle them. But if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with a memorable running experience.
