An Unforgettable End to the Year: The Berlin New Year's Eve Run 2025
The Berlin New Year's Eve Run as a Highlight of the Running Scene
In the early morning hours of the event day, Frau Holle shook out her featherbeds and covered Berlin with a thick blanket of snow. But it wasn’t just the capital—large parts of northern Germany were affected by heavy snowfall. While running events in Lower Saxony had to be canceled due to the weather, the course managers at SCC EVENTS reacted flexibly and made last-minute adjustments. Since safety is always the top priority for SCC EVENTS, alternative routes were established that avoided steep ascents and descents. With these “softened” courses, the event was able to start as planned. In total, around 3,500 athletes participated across all distances, starting in front of the Mommsen Stadium in Berlin-Charlottenburg. From the 4-kilometer run for younger participants and beginners to the main race of around 10 kilometers, the event was once again a highlight for the entire running community. With the mentioned number of participants, the event ranks among the largest of its kind in Germany.
For many runners, dressing up is part of the Berlin New Year’s Eve Run. The first meeting point is the photo wall. © SCC EVENTS / Tilo Wiedensohler
Colorful Costumes and Challenging Course to Ring in the New Year
The start in front of the Mommsen Stadium alone created goosebumps: runners in imaginative costumes—from brightly colored superheroes and bubble cans to quirky animal outfits and NASA astronauts—raced against each other, sending a cheerful, colorful message against the gray winter. A photo wall served as the playground for countless costumed participants.
All three distances offered views of Drachenberg and Teufelsberg, which, at 99 and 120 meters respectively, are among Berlin’s highest elevations. Read more about the fascinating history of Teufelsber here. Former professional cyclist Jens Voigt also joined the race again this year. Svea Schnee, who placed third among the youth, seemed to embrace the motto nomen est omen today in particular.
Nature Experience in Grunewald: Panorama, Elevation, and Medals
The course through Grunewald offered not only sporting challenges but also scenic highlights: trees adorned in a wintery, white coat and views of Teufelsberg and Drachenberg made the races a unique nature experience. Every step and effort was rewarded at the finish line with the popular finisher medals—this year for the first time in pancake shape—as well as fragrant pancakes, warm tea, and non-alcoholic sparkling wine as a sweet reward for the physical effort.
The first to cross the finish line in the 10-kilometer distance were:
Women: 1. Lisa Felicitas Rihm (Berlin Track Club), 2. Katja Fischer (Marathon Team Berlin), 3. Anja Krüger
Men: 1. Tim Mogilka (Berlin Track Club), 2. Laurids Koster (SCC BERLIN), 3. Lucas Hermann (SCC BERLIN)
Due to the weather conditions, participants had the option to complete the 10-kilometer race after one lap (4.9 km) or the full distance. Because of the last-minute adjustments, there was no intermediate timing. Therefore, only an alphabetical listing of times exists, without ranking—more information and results here.
At the finish line, a newly designed pfannkuchen-shaped medal awaited this year – and, of course, the namesake was also available in real life. © SCC EVENTS / Tilo Wiedensohler
Sustainable New Year's Eve Run in Berlin: Reusable Cups and Innovative Eco-Toilets
A special highlight of the event was its strong commitment to sustainability: refreshments were served exclusively in reusable cups, an important step in combining sports with environmental awareness. For the first time in the event's history, eco-toilets were used. These dry/separating toilets operate with a litter flush and urine separation—completely water-free! The collected nutrients are then transformed into high-quality fertilizer through a pick-up and recycling service. The toilets are hygienic, clean, and odorless. More information can be found here.
Community, Emotions, and Outlook: Why the Berlin New Year's Eve Run Inspires
The Berlin New Year's Eve Run 2025 once again demonstrated that sports connect people, that creativity knows no bounds, and that New Year’s Eve can be colorful, wild, and emotional even without fireworks. The thoughtfulness and consideration of all participants, combined with the organizer’s flexibility, ensured safe races where fun and safety took precedence over chasing times. Those who took part left not only with medals and pancakes but also with unforgettable memories of a run full of passion and community. Pictures of happy faces in our photo gallery attest to this.
Even though all starting spots for the New Year's Eve Run were fully booked, the Berlin New Year’s Day Run on January 1 offers the perfect sporting alternative for everyone who wants to start 2026 actively. With a relaxed jog at the Brandenburg Gate, the new year is celebrated—a shared moment of joy, movement, and togetherness.
