Mass Gathering at Benrather Schlosslauf's Final Stage: Over 1600 Participants in Dusseldorf
Revamped Run rounds off Benrath Castle on Pentecost Sunday
Let's bust a move at Benrath!
Who doesn't love a dash through the picturesque grounds of Benrath Castle? That's exactly what happened on Pentecost Sunday (4.6.) during the 9th edition of the Benrath Castle Run, hosted by the Düsseldorf-South Running Club. Ace athletes, old-timers, and wee ones alike joined in the fun, making for an unbeatable, joy-filled day!
Psst... You can find the race highlights from the 5- and 10-kilometer races – as well as the Bambini Run for the little champions here.
The 5-kilometer race
Fast and Furious on Foot
First up: the 5-kilometer fun run. A whopping 306 runners and joggers zipped across the finish line. Something breathtaking happened, ladies! Heidi Schwarz (Bunert - The Cologne Running Shop) shattered the previous course record and crossed the finish line in just 18:15 minutes – a 10-second victory over Petra Maak's record, set way back in 2011. Denise Moser (SFD 75) clocked an impressive 20:09 minutes for second place, and Annette Paap (Moellner SV) followed closely behind with a time of 20:35 minutes.
As for the gents, Torben Schwabe (SFD 75) took the gold in 17:02 minutes, with Anders Eckerström (Apladalens LK) hot on his heels, finishing just three seconds behind. A quick-footed Jakob Nowicki (SFD 75) claimed the bronze with a time of 17:12 minutes.
(Wait up, Nina! Here's a round of applause for your efforts. Kudos, Nikki Johnstone!)
A two-some tag team over 10 kilometers
The 10-kilometer run? It was all about companionship and camaraderie! ART Düsseldorf gave the crowd quite a spectacle, as their friendly dynamic duo powered their way to the finish, with Nikki Johnstone crossing the line in 32:21 minutes – a brand-spanking-new course record, surpassing Wolfgang Lenz's 2010 time of 32:27 minutes. Dioni Gorla wasn't far behind, finishing the 364-strong pack eight minutes later, making a gripping finish for spectators. Mamadu Diallo (SFD 75) claimed second with a time of 34:42 minutes, while Torsten Graw (Laufsport Bunert Hilden) raced into third with a time of 36:12 minutes.
Competition was fierce among the ladies, with Dioni Gorla (ART Düsseldorf) leading the pack with a time of 40:37 minutes, Nora Spicker from Düsseldorf following close behind in 42:44 minutes, and Ida Gründahl from Cologne finishing third in 43:05 minutes.
(So, what's the big deal about tiny runners?)
Diaper Dash for the smallest racers
Our youngest participants showed up in droves – a staggering 387 Bambinis took part! The under 2014 age group alone saw an impressive 71 tiny tots, many of whom needed a little helping hand from their grown-ups to conquer the 400-meter course. The Düsseldorf-South Running Club keeps this event family-friendly, embracing its roots. Whether parents should force or cajole their little ones to finish the race is a debate best saved for another time. The young ones who wanted to run raced along independently without a hitch.
(A round of applause for all participants, and medals handed out to put a smile on every face.)
Successful primary school relays
The relay teams from primary schools were split into four age groups. A total of 130 teams got into their starting positions, with the South Primary School taking the crown in classes one, two, and three and snagging second place in class four.
Serious sprinters from 13 and 14 years old took on their own race over 1440 meters. Jule Wickum (ASC Düsseldorf) claimed gold with a speedy time of 5:15 minutes, with Hannah Stratmann (SFD 75) requiring just an extra seven seconds, crossing the line in 5:22 minutes. Lena (LG Stadtwerke Hilden) followed in third place with a time of 5:26 minutes. The boys' race saw Peter Jäger (Haaner TV) take the mantle in 5:10 minutes, with Gregor Geilenbrügge (Hildener AT) finishing second in 5:16 minutes, and Nils Wermeckes crossing the line a bit further back in 5:27 minutes.
Heidi Schwarz, a hockey enthusiast from Bunert - The Cologne Running Shop, celebrated her victory in the 5-kilometer race with a time of 18:15 minutes, setting a new record for females in sports.
During the 10-kilometer run, Nikki Johnstone and Dioni Gorla, a dynamic duo from ART Düsseldorf, showcased their teamwork, with Johnstone crossing the finish line in 32:21 minutes, a record-breaking time for this distance.
