49th Cologne New Year's Eve Run
Participants compete in 5 km, 10 km, relay, or youth running events on a flat, officially measured course. The route winds through the traffic-free grounds of Merheimer Heide before heading onto the stadium track. Finishers receive a fresh New Year's pretzel at the finish line.
What to Expect
New Year's Eve road races through the traffic-free Merheimer Heide park.
Event Details
Ages
950m Schülerlauf (Jg. 2018 - 2013), 5 km Lauf (ab Jg. 2014), 10 km Hauptlauf (ab Jg. 2012)
Neighborhood
Merheimer Heide
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
TuS Köln rrh. 1874 e.V.
Food & Drink
All finishers can receive a fresh New Year’s pretzel at the finish, while supplies last; no other food or drink.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Runners and families with young participants
Vibe
Sporty and communal
Energy Level
High
Budget
€
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Student run: €6 (late registration +€2). 5 km and 10 km: youths €10 (late registration +€7); adults €15 (late registration +€7). 10 km relay: €25 (late registration +€7). – Get tickets
- Hours: Student run: 10:50; 5 km: 11:10; 10 km: 12:00 for target times faster than 51 minutes and 13:00 for slower than 51 minutes; relays start at 13:00.
- Pets: Accompanying dogs are not allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Register online by December 27 to avoid the late-entry surcharge, though on race day entries are still taken up to 45 minutes before your start.
- Collect your start documents on race morning at the registration office in the TuS tennis clubhouse beside the tennis courts on the grounds.
- Pick your 10 km wave by target time: runners aiming under 51 minutes start in the first wave, and everyone else and the relays start in the second.
- Leave valuables at home, because you can drop your clothes on the club grounds but no one supervises the storage.
- Dress for whatever the day brings, because the run goes ahead in any weather, and use the showers in the TuS building afterward.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: gross and net times for the first time.
- 2026 is the 50th edition of the Cologne GAG Silvesterlauf.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which race can I run at my age?
The 950 m student run is for children born 2015 to 2021. The 5 km is open to those born in 2016 or earlier, and the 10 km main race to those born in 2013 or earlier. There are also family, team and student relays.
What is the course like?
It's flat and fast, through the traffic-free Merheimer Heide park. The course is DLV-approved, officially measured and counts for ranking lists. The 10 km covers three big loops and the 5 km two shorter ones, with a lap in the stadium between loops. The finish is on the stadium track.
How do the relays work?
Each team member runs one big loop, and the changeover zone is in the stadium. Your start number on a number belt is the baton. You can borrow a belt or bring your own.
Are there changing rooms and somewhere to leave my things?
Changing rooms and showers are in the TuS building. You can leave your clothes on the sports grounds, but storage isn't supervised, so leave valuables at home.
What do finishers get?
Every finisher gets a fresh New Year's pretzel at the finish while supplies last. Results and certificates can be printed or downloaded after the event. Every student-run child gets a certificate, and the top three in each birth year get medals.
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