54. Ziegenhainer Silvesterlauf 2026

The Ziegenhainer Silvesterlauf, a New Year's Eve running tradition in Ziegenhain, located in the Schwalm region of northern Hesse, begins and ends by the pond at the Ziegelhütte. First held in 1970, the event uses a straightforward 2.7-kilometer course within the Schützenwald. Children and youth complete one lap, while adults run three laps for a total of 8.1 kilometers. The shorter race commences first, followed by the longer one, with children's awards presented in between. This is a local year-end race with genuine substance, not just a casual holiday run. It is part of the Schwalm-Eder-LaufCup and attracts club runners, families, and younger athletes, with fields typically around 270 finishers, including a notable number of children and youth. TuSpo Ziegenhain manages participant registration, refreshments, prizes, and music, supported by a catering team serving runners and spectators. A samba group provides an unusual, lively element, transforming the Schützenwald from a quiet forest path into the region's customary running farewell for the year.