Illustration of skaters in knitted hats on an outdoor ice rink ringed with trees and string lights (28th Cologne St. Nicholas Run)

28th Cologne St. Nicholas Run

Participants run along an officially measured circuit through the scenic Kölner Stadtwald. The event features a competitive TopLauf, an open-pace FunLauf, and a dedicated KidsLauf for younger participants. Young finishers in the kids' category are rewarded with a chocolate St. Nicholas at the finish line.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

koelner-nikolauslauf.de

When

Tickets

TopLauf: 19,00 EUR (03/01 - 10/01), 21,00 EUR (10/02 - 11/30); KidsRun: 11,00 EUR; FunRun: 19,00 EUR (03/01 - 10/01), 21,00 EUR (10/02 - 11/30).

Ages

All ages

Going?

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Kölner Stadtwald · Kitschburger Straße, 50935 Köln-Lindenthal, Cologne, NW Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Runners, including children and youth

Vibe

Sporty and festive

Energy Level

High

Photo Friendly

Moderate

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Enter the TopLauf only if you expect to run 10 km in under 55 minutes, because that race closes 55 minutes after the start.
  • Choose the FunLauf if you're unsure how far you want to go, since you can turn into the finish after any lap or keep running.
  • Sign up children born between 2011 and 2018 for the KidsLauf, where finishers get a chocolate St. Nicholas and a Nikolaus hat.
  • Dress for a December morning in the forest, as every race is run on laps of the loop through the Kölner Stadtwald in Lindenthal.

Special Events & Promotions

  • TopLauf and FunLauf have different registration fees for March 1–October 1 and October 2–November 30.

Links & Contact

Run by Leichtathletik-Team Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln e.V.

Website / Tickets Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which race should I enter?

The TopLauf is for runners aiming to finish 10 km in under 55 minutes, and it is 10 km only (3 laps). The FunLauf is for everyone expecting to take longer, with 3.4 km, 6.7 km or 10 km options. The KidsLauf is one 3.4 km lap for children.

Do I have to pick my FunLauf distance in advance?

No. During the race you decide how many laps to run, and after each lap you can turn into the finish or add another lap.

What do kids get for running?

KidsLauf finishers get a chocolate St. Nicholas and a Nikolaus hat. The race is for children born between 2011 and 2018.

Is the course officially measured?

Yes. The loop through the Kölner Stadtwald is measured by a licensed DLV surveyor and is eligible for official rankings. The event runs as a road race.

How long do I have to finish?

The TopLauf closes 55 minutes after its start, and the FunLauf closes 1.5 hours after its start.

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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