Mourning a memorable life - LAG Saarbrücken grieves over the demise of Hans Knauf
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Hans Knauf, a long-standing member of the Saarbrücken Athletics Club, passed away on 10th July 2025 at the age of 91. Known for his record-breaking performances and unwavering dedication, Knauf left an indelible mark on the running community in Saarbrücken.
Knauf began his running career in the 1990s, initially unattached and later for the Alpine Club. He joined the Saarbrücken Athletics Club in 2001, and it was there that he truly flourished. His athletic accomplishments are numerous and impressive, with twelve Saarland championships to his name across road, track, and cross-country events.
In the M65 age group, Knauf ran 10km in just 45 minutes and the half marathon in 1:42 hours. His record-breaking performance in the M80 age group for the half marathon, set in 2014 with a time of 2:21:02 hours, has remained unbeaten since. This impressive feat is likely to remain unbeaten for some time, a testament to Knauf's mastery of his craft.
Dirk Eichler-Ubel, chairman of LAG Saarbrücken, described Knauf as a role model of discipline, joy of life, and sporting dedication. His passion, modesty, and perseverance inspired many within the club and beyond. Knauf was not just a prolific starter, but a true master of running, with over 300 recorded participations on laufdaten.de, ranging from the Westspangenlauf in 1990 to the Saarbrücken City Run in May 2019.
Knauf's achievements and character inspired generations of runners in the Saarbrücken Athletics Club. His last Saarland championship win came in 2013, over 10km, at the age of over 80. This victory, much like his entire career, was a testament to his enduring love for the sport.
LAG Saarbrücken plans to keep Knauf's memory alive, honouring his legacy and the impact he had on the running community. Knauf's family is being supported by the club during this difficult time.
In a career spanning decades, Hans Knauf proved himself to be a true champion, both on and off the track. His passion, dedication, and humility will continue to inspire runners for years to come.
Football was a passion that Knauf pursued in addition to his running exploits, playing for the Saarbrücken FC veterans team till his late 70s. His sportsmanship and team spirit on the football field mirrored his running career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in Saarbrücken.
Reminiscing about Knauf's multi-faceted athletic career, one cannot overlook his fervor for football, a testament to his deep-rooted love for sports.
