There it was, my third Sylt Run. After the 2018 Sylt Run, where strong headwinds posed a major challenge, I was curious about the conditions this year.
Excitement was high, and at the same time, this race was a sort of dress rehearsal for my first marathon, which was just around the corner.
About the Race
The 2019 Sylt Run was a pivotal milestone on my path to the marathon. My training had gone well, and I felt ready. I was confident that if I managed this race successfully, I would also be well-prepared for the marathon.
Adding to my motivation was the fact that my wife fulfilled a long-held dream this year: she participated in the Sylt Run for the first time. She had trained hard for the 33.333-kilometer course, and I was thrilled that she took on this challenge.
Event and Organization
As with my first two Sylt Runs, the organization once again impressed across the board. Everything was meticulously arranged, from picking up the race bibs to the aid stations along the course. The marshals and volunteers ensured everything went smoothly, and the support at the finish line was exemplary. The Sylt Run is renowned for its professional organization, and this year was no exception.
The Race Course
The course remained unchanged: starting in Hörnum, running along the dike, through Westerland, over the promenade, through the infamous “Valley of Tears,” and finally crossing the finish line in List. Sylt showed its best side that day.
Unlike last year’s grueling winds, I got lucky this time: there were even sections with a gentle tailwind, which made running much more pleasant. The fresh sea air and the diverse landscape made the effort almost disappear.
For me, the race went perfectly. I was surprised by how well it was going and managed to beat my previous time by an incredible 20 minutes. With a broad smile and great satisfaction, I crossed the finish line.
But the real highlight was my wife: she completed the course in 3 hours and 48 minutes, staying well under the 4-hour time limit. That was almost identical to my time from last year! I was incredibly proud of her, and she was overwhelmed by her achievement.
Conclusion
The 2019 Sylt Run was an unforgettable experience. Perfect weather conditions, outstanding organization, and personal bests made the day truly special.
The absolute highlight, however, was my wife’s participation. It was inspiring to see her take on this challenge and finish the race with such a fantastic performance. Her pride and joy perfectly encapsulated what makes the Sylt Run so special: it’s more than just a race; it’s an experience that stays with you.
The decision to participate again next year was quickly made – but life had other plans. What happened next will be shared in an upcoming post.
