40th Heider Evening City Run

Forty Years of Heider Running History

What began in 1985 as a modest city run by MTV Heide has become one of Schleswig-Holstein's most traditional running events. The club, founded in 1860 and thus one of the oldest sports clubs in Northern Germany, has organized the run 40 times since then — every year on the first Friday in June, always at dusk through the streets of Heide's city center.

Three Distances for All Age Groups

The format distinguishes three courses: The Wichtel-Lauf (350 m) is aimed at the youngest runners (typically under 10 years old). The 5 km Jedermannslauf is the most popular distance — easily achievable for recreational runners, ideal for families and first-time runners. The 10 km main race offers ambitious runners a competition-ready course through Heide's city center. All courses lead through the center with start and finish in the area of the MTV sports grounds — flanked by spectators, club members, and local gastronomy.

Anniversary with a Running Shirt

For its 40th birthday, MTV Heide is making a special statement: All finishers of the 5 and 10 km distances will receive an anniversary running shirt — sponsored by INTERSPORT Ramelow, a traditional Heide sports store that has supported the run for years. The registration deadline for late entries is Whit Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Heide and Dithmarschen

Heide is the district town of Dithmarschen, with around 22,000 inhabitants and one of the largest undeveloped market squares in Germany (4.7 hectares). The city center with its characteristic Frisian gable house style is the ideal backdrop for the evening run — narrow enough for spectator interaction, spacious enough for a 10 km course. MTV Heide has perfected the format over the decades and annually guides between 500 and 1,000 participants through the city. The state of Schleswig-Holstein recognizes such popular sports events as an important component of local sports culture.