Rivers Twice in Lower Rhine, Part of North Sea Navigation Route Experience Incident
Getting a Sneak Peek at the North Sea Run
Down by the Lower Rhine, Werner Kamps (Hamminkeln) and Helmut Buteweg (Wesel) got a taste of the coastal event, sharing their experiences of beautiful, exhilarating, yet challenging days.
For the past two decades, the North Sea Run has been a crowd-pleaser. This time around, the event was themed under the thought-provoking motto "Don't stop - run against violence", backed by the Protestant Church.
More than a thousand runners and walkers, hailing from Germany and beyond, marked their participation in the event featuring seven stages and a friendly competition. Among the contenders were Werner Kamps (Hamminkelner SV) and Helmut Buteweg (Lauffreunde Hadi Wesel).
Bombarded by Heat
Kicking off in Norden-Norddeich, temperatures even on the coast soared over 30 degrees. Participants had to conquer two rounds of 5.2 km each, navigating dikes that featured ascents and descents. The harsh sun prompted some participants to call it quits after the first round.
Island Stage on Langeoog
A ferry ride took the participants to Langeoog Island, where Pastor Antje Wachtmann delivered a powerful sermon on a grassy hill. Although the temperatures were slightly cooler, competitors faced long stretches of beach and challenging coastal sand, as well as sections through the dunes with troublesome headwinds.
The third stage began in Neuharlingersiel, an enchanting 300-year-old fishing village, home to imposing fishing boats. The route mainly followed the dyke for 10.2 km.
Plunging into Deep Sand
Participants from the Lower Rhine ventured to the tranquil, car-free island of Spiekeroog, offering breathtaking views of pristine nature. Pastor Wachtmann invited everyone to the old island church and shared its tumultuous history. The running route involved two rounds of 5.85 km each, with 1.2 km of beach running through deep sand. Despite the offered respite, some participants found themselves unable to continue after one round due to the exertion.
The fifth section led participants to an inland stop in Bad Zwischenahn, a day's rest before the 12.6 km race around Zwischenahner Meer.
Struggling Calves on Norderney
Just a brief rest was needed before embarking on the ferry to Norderney Island, where stage six was completed. The 9.1 km track included a longer beach section, leaving competitors feeling the distance in their calves. The day concluded with melodious entertainment in the concert shell.
The final day of the coastal run took place in the Wangerland, where temperatures increased significantly for the participants. The 9.2 km distance featured over a thousand meters trudging through thick mud. "Some competitors got stuck in the mud and struggled to put their shoes back on," Kamps recalled.
Triumphing in Age Groups 60 and 75
At the closing ceremony, Werner Kamps (60 age group) and Helmut Buteweg (75 age group) celebrated their respective triumphs, clocking in at 5:38,17 hours and 7:14,4 hours. As the participants from Hamminkeln and Wesel reflected on the event, they agreed on the remarkable camaraderie and outstanding organization.
Despite the lack of specific details about the 2021 North Sea Run, we can surmise that it typically serves as a running event in coastal locations, featuring multiple competitive distances and age groups. Weather conditions have been known to vary from cool and breezy to scorching, based on past events' accounts and general understanding. Accessible running event data or the official North Sea Run website can provide the most accurate details about the 2021 race itself and this specific event.
- The pastoral sermon on Langeoog Island, delivered by Pastor Antje Wachtmann, provided a moment of respite amidst the rigorous North Sea Run, where participants competed in sports.
- In the final day of the North Sea Run, the camaraderie among runners was evident as Werner Kamps (Hamminkeln) and Helmut Buteweg (Wesel) triumphed in their respective age groups, showcasing the sportsmanship and competitive spirit that defines sports events.
