Valentinslauf in den Gärten der Welt

Running Festival with a Valentine's Day Concept

The Valentinslauf in the Gärten der Welt was founded in 2020 as a small Berlin sports event and has become a regular fixture in the Berlin running calendar within a few years. Its format clearly distinguishes it from other city runs: Instead of a time-focused best-performance event, the Valentinslauf is a themed fun run around Valentine's Day, with its own competition category for couples, running partners, family duos, and best friends.

Three Distances, One Garden

In 2026, runners will start on three distances:

• "Erste Liebe" — 3 km (Start approx. 10:35 AM) — Beginner distance, school run, walking/Nordic walking category
• "Kleine Liebe" — 5 km (Start 11:00 AM) — one lap through the garden
• "Große Liebe" — 10 km (Start 12:00 PM) — two laps

All distances can be completed in individual or couple mode — couples start and finish together, with their time recorded in the dedicated couple's competition.

The Route through the Gardens

The course runs entirely on asphalt paths without elevation gain through the meticulously maintained gardens — past the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Oriental Garden, and Christian Garden. Every kilometer is marked, and a refreshment station on the route provides water. In case of snow or ice, the paths are cleared by the park administration.

The Gärten der Welt as a Venue

The Gärten der Welt are part of the Erholungspark Marzahn and, with their approximately 43 hectares, are among Berlin's largest themed park areas. In February — the typical winter season — the park is usually rather quiet; the Valentinslauf brings several hundred runners, walking groups, and companions to the park once a year.

Couples, Friends, Dogs

The event concept is explicitly inclusive: Classic romantic couples are recognized, as are running friendships, parent-child duos, or dog-human teams. Every participant receives a souvenir at the finish line and finisher refreshments. Timing is handled by Berlin-Timing.