On December 31, 2024, the annual Silvesterlauf from Werl to Soest, celebrated as Germany's largest New Year's running event, witnessed record-breaking participation, with over 7,580 runners from various backgrounds taking to the streets. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as both seasoned athletes and newcomers gathered to welcome the New Year through this traditional competition.
The forecast for the day appeared to play to the runners' advantage, with dry and cool conditions—an ideal setup for those aiming to set personal best records. “It was cold but perfect conditions for running,” remarked one participant, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many competitors who were eager to tackle the 15-kilometer stretch.
The Silvesterlauf, now in its 43rd iteration, saw the first events kicking off with walkers and children's races at 11 am, setting the stage for the main event scheduled to start at 1:30 pm. The anticipation built as local residents and international competitors alike warmed up with both excitement and nervous energy. Local favourite and last year's champion, Tim Wagner from Bunert Wuppertal, was determined to defend his title, having secured victory the previous year with his time of 45:36 minutes.
“I improved my time by 14 seconds this year,” said Wagner, grinning after crossing the finish line at 45:22 minutes, positioning himself as the race’s fastest male runner once again. Following closely was Lars Franken from LGO Dortmund, who finished strong at 45:47 minutes, securing second place. Marco Giese took the third spot with 46:34 minutes.
Within the women's competition, Anna Büttner from LC Paderborn stood out, finishing first with a remarkable time of 50:47 minutes. Lara Kiene from LG Hamm, another strong contender, who placed third the previous year, ranked second this time at 51:27 minutes. “I’m just thrilled with my performance; it’s rewarding to see my hard work pay off,” Kiene shared post-race.
The event resembled not just a competition but also a community celebration, as thousands of spectators lined the route, cheering passionately for all participants. The cheers echoed along the route from Werl to Soest, especially during the final stretch on the Soester Marktplatz, where emotions ran high as runners arrived. "This is such a wonderful way to end the year—a blend of competition and community spirit," remarked one of the organizers, highlighting the essence of the event.
The logistical arrangements were impressive as well, with shuttle services operating to accommodate spectators and runners traveling between the start and finish locations. Attendees enjoyed the ease of transit as they planned their day around the race timeline. All race participants had their gear transported from the start line to the finish line, ensuring they were comfortable for the after-race festivities.
With participants receiving commemorative medals upon finishing, the sense of achievement was palpable. The ceremonial award presentations commenced at 3:15 pm on the Soester Marktplatz, celebrating not only the winners but all those who completed their challenging runs.
Reflecting on the day, one runner noted, “This event truly captures the spirit of New Year’s celebration. It’s about finding the joy of running, the thrill of competition, and coming together as a community one last time before the new year.”
Looking forward, the success of the 2024 Silvesterlauf is paving the way for continued growth and enthusiasm around this incredible event. With record numbers participating and strong communal support, the question isn’t whether to return next year, but how to be part of this inspiring New Year’s tradition. For those who want to get involved, registration details and event logistics are already available for 2025’s anticipated event.