After successfully completing several half marathons, which still required a fair amount of preparation and training, Natascha, my wife’s daughter, came up with the idea that I should try running a longer distance.
She was convinced I could handle the challenge, and since she herself is a passionate runner, I decided to take on the adventure. The Sylt Run was the one in focus – a very special race that I had only experienced as a spectator up until that point.
My wife and I had previously attended the Sylt Run to cheer on Natascha and other runners. We were deeply impressed by the breathtaking course that stretches across the island. The unique atmosphere, the combination of beaches, dunes, and coastal sections, along with the many enthusiastic spectators, left a lasting impression on me. This time, however, I wasn’t going to be just a spectator – I was going to take on the 33.333 kilometers myself.
The Sylt Run is unique because it takes you across the entire length of the island, from south to north. The race starts in Hörnum, a small town at the southern tip of Sylt, and finishes all the way up in List, the northernmost town in Germany. With its 33.333 kilometers, the race is longer than a half marathon but shorter than a full marathon – making it the perfect challenge for me to test my limits.
One of the key motivating factors for the race was the time limit. All runners had to finish within four hours to be officially counted. Anyone who exceeded that time wouldn’t be ranked, which added a sense of urgency to the challenge. I was determined to make sure I finished within the allotted time.
The race takes place in mid-March, a time when the weather on Sylt is still quite cool and unpredictable. We were prepared for everything – rain, wind, or even colder temperatures.
As soon as I left Hörnum behind, I knew this race was going to be something special. The course led us through small towns on the western side of the island and along stunning running paths through the dunes. The landscape was so varied and beautiful that the kilometers seemed to fly by. It was fascinating to experience Sylt from such a different perspective.
One of the race highlights was running along the promenade in Westerland, where the largest group of spectators had gathered. The atmosphere was incredible, and the cheering crowds provided a massive energy boost. Even away from the promenade, there were still plenty of supporters scattered along the course. Some were already enjoying a glass of wine, cheering us on as we passed – a truly unique sight that will stay with me.
But the real challenge of the Sylt Run lay between kilometers 17 and 23. This stretch includes a long, steady incline known among Sylt runners as the “Valley of Tears.” The name is well-earned – after already running 17 kilometers, this part of the course saps the strength from your legs. Luckily, my regular training in my hilly hometown had prepared me well for inclines, but I could see that many runners were struggling with this section.
Once I pushed through the “Valley of Tears,” I knew the finish line was within reach. The final kilometers took us through more of Sylt’s picturesque scenery, and I could hardly wait to cross the finish line in List. The feeling of running those last few meters after 33.333 kilometers was indescribable. I finished the race in 3 hours and 28 minutes – well under the four-hour goal I had set for myself.
More than satisfied with my result and impressed by the course, I knew that this wouldn’t be my last Sylt Run. The unique combination of a challenging race and breathtaking scenery had won me over, and I’m already looking forward to participating again in the future.
