Heiligabend-Lauf Thüringer Wald

10 Kilometers through the Vessertal — on Christmas Eve

The Heiligabend-Lauf Thüringer Wald is one of the most charming small running events in Central Germany. Every year on December 24th, around 300 runners and recreational athletes gather at the sports field in Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig (town of Suhl) to complete the 10-kilometer loop through the lower Vessertal — in the morning, in snow or slush, with a mulled wine break at the refreshment station and the firm intention of having 'earned' their Christmas dinner.

Route through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The route leads from the Schmiedefeld sports field on a circular course through the lower Vessertal, past the Vessertal-Schanze (ski jump), through the district of Vesser, and back to Schmiedefeld via the upper Vessertal and the Schwarze Crux. The area is part of the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve — the natural scenery with snow-covered fir trees, streams, and old miners' paths makes the run a special experience.

No Entry Fee — Donations Instead of Registration

The run is held without an entry fee — there is no pre-registration. Instead, donations are collected, which benefit the youth work of WSV Schmiedefeld and the Tambach-Dietharz children's hospice. The organizers are the GutsMuths-Rennsteiglauf-Verein, Rennsteiglauf Sportverwaltung & Tourismus GmbH, and WSV Schmiedefeld.

Schmiedefeld, Vesser, and Suhl in the Thuringian Forest

Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig and Vesser are districts of the town of Suhl in the state of Thuringia, in the heart of the Thuringian Forest. The Rennsteig — the traditional high-altitude hiking trail along the ridge of the Thuringian Slate Mountains — runs directly through Schmiedefeld. Those arriving for the Heiligabend-Lauf often combine the sporting event with a stay in one of the guesthouses or ski accommodations around the Rennsteig.