Wuppertaler Volkslauf around the Ronsdorfer Talsperre

Tradition since 1969

The Wuppertaler Volkslauf is one of the oldest running events in the Bergisches Land. Organized by SV Bayer Wuppertal e.V. since 1969, it celebrates its 58th edition in 2026. The course leads around the Ronsdorfer Talsperre in the southern district of Ronsdorf – a wooded ridge above the Wupper river, which is one of the most scenic parts of Wuppertal.

Around the Reservoir

The Ronsdorfer Talsperre was built in 1898 as a drinking water reservoir and is now part of the recreational area in the south of Wuppertal. The circular route around the lake forms the backbone of the running course – wooded, hilly, and slightly challenging. Various distances are offered, from children's runs and popular running distances to the main distance for ambitious athletes. The exact routes and start times for 2026 will be published by the organizer in good time at sv-bayer.de.

SV Bayer as Organizer

SV Bayer Wuppertal e.V. is one of the largest sports clubs in the Bergisches Land, with a focus on athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and volleyball. The club also uses the Volkslauf annually to showcase its athletics department – main partners are AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, the Sport and Baths Office of the City of Wuppertal, and several local companies.

Motto: Movement Keeps You Fit

In the club's self-understanding, the Volkslauf is explicitly not just a competition event. The official motto is, in essence: "Movement keeps you fit, both physically and mentally." Runners of all performance levels are explicitly invited – from children and families to ambitious athletes. Advice and late registration are available at the AOK information stand on the day of the run.

Wuppertal-Ronsdorf and the Bergisches Land

Ronsdorf is the highest district of Wuppertal (340 m above sea level) and was incorporated in 1929. With Bayer sports facilities, the reservoir, and a nature-oriented recreational area, the district has its own profile within the large Bergisches city. The Volkslauf is its best-known recurring sporting event.