Even though I had one of the highly coveted bib numbers for the Syltlauf 2017, I decided to skip the race because I wasn’t in good enough shape. Despite that, we didn’t completely cancel our plans. All our accommodation was already booked, and we decided to go to Sylt anyway to cheer on Natascha, who was running in the race.
Around the Run
By the time the 2018 Syltlauf came around, I was fit enough to compete again. It would be my second Syltlauf, and I was excited to take part. My time from the 2016 run, which I was more than satisfied with, gave me hope that I could perform well again. Perhaps I could even shave a few minutes off. We once again opted for an apartment in List, just a short walk from the finish line. It was the perfect setup—after the exhausting run, we could simply stroll back to the apartment and jump into a nice hot shower.
Event and Organization
The Syltlauf is known for its special atmosphere and outstanding organization. The local sports club Tinnum 66 took care of everything in 2018, just as they had in previous years, and, as always, everything was planned to perfection. The bib number collection at the Congress Center in Westerland was quick and easy, which wasn’t surprising given the limited number of participants in the Syltlauf. The start, the refreshment stations along the course, the finish line, and the post-race services were all meticulously arranged. It’s always impressive to see the dedication and passion the club puts into organizing this race.
The Course
The Syltlauf course has remained unchanged for years. It stretches from Hörnum in the south of the island, through Westerland, and all the way to List in the north. The route is as beautiful as it is challenging, particularly the infamous “Valley of Tears” between kilometers 17 and 23, which always presents a tough test for runners. In 2018, we once again had to confront this notorious section of the race.
Even though the course was the same as in 2016, this year’s race felt completely different. The conditions were much tougher. For nearly the entire race, we were battling strong headwinds with temperatures hovering around freezing. The wind was relentless, and I quickly realized this wouldn’t be an easy run. Nevertheless, I managed to keep a pace of under six minutes per kilometer up until kilometer 16. But then I hit the “Valley of Tears,” and with it, my energy began to fade.
The next few kilometers became increasingly difficult, and I could feel the wind and exhaustion slowing me down. My pace gradually increased to over seven minutes per kilometer and then to more than eight minutes. It was frustrating, but I had to accept the reality: the time I had hoped for was no longer within reach. At that point, my only goal was to reach the finish line within the four-hour limit.
The last few kilometers seemed to stretch on forever, but the thought of not finishing kept me pushing forward. Finally, after 3 hours and 49 minutes, I crossed the finish line—tired but relieved.
Conclusion
Despite all the challenges, the 2018 Syltlauf was another unforgettable experience. The 33.333 kilometers, combined with the fierce headwinds, took much more out of me than I had anticipated. The wind cost me nearly 20 minutes compared to my previous Syltlauf, but I was proud to have made it to the finish line. Once again, this race reminded me that no matter how familiar the course may be, you can never predict what you’ll face on race day. Each event is different, and even if the route stays the same, the external conditions can change everything.
Although I didn’t achieve my best time, the Syltlauf remains a run I won’t soon forget. The unique atmosphere, the stunning landscape, and the camaraderie among the runners make this event truly special. It certainly won’t be my last Syltlauf, as the run and its atmosphere are simply too enticing. There’s something magical about Sylt that keeps pulling you back—no matter how tough the run was.
