Michendorf was awash in festive colour on Sunday as around 1,000 participants dressed as St Nicholas took to the streets for the town’s 17th annual holiday run. The event, organised by the Michendorf Running Club, transformed the community into a lively sea of red coats, white beards and jingling hats, setting a joyful tone for the start of the Christmas season.
Held each year in the run-up to Christmas, the St Nicholas Run has grown from a small local gathering into a widely loved regional tradition, drawing runners of all ages from across Germany.
Participants arrive outfitted in full St Nicholas attire, embracing the light-hearted spirit that has become the hallmark of the event. For many families, the run is now a cherished start-of-season ritual, combining exercise with festive celebration.
This year’s edition offered multiple race categories to ensure that both seasoned runners and casual participants could join in. Distances of 2.5, 5 and 10 kilometres gave adults and older children a range of options depending on their fitness level, while younger children participated in the one-kilometre Zipfelmützenlauf — the “pointy hat run” named after the classic red St Nicholas cap.
Organisers emphasised inclusivity rather than competition, encouraging participants to prioritise fun and community over athletic performance.
“No athletic standard is required,” said a spokesperson for the Michendorf Running Club. “All you need is enthusiasm and a costume. This event is about bringing the community together and celebrating the season in a playful way.”
As runners set off through the town’s streets, spectators lined the route to cheer on friends, family members and costumed strangers. Laughter, music and the sound of hundreds of running shoes created an atmosphere reminiscent of a community festival, with many onlookers stopping to take photos of the red-clad crowd.
Beyond the fun and spectacle, the event also highlights the role of local sports clubs in fostering cohesion and tradition. The Michendorf Running Club, which launched the St Nicholas Run nearly two decades ago, continues to organise it as a volunteer-driven effort.
The group views the run not only as a sporting activity but as an opportunity to strengthen ties among residents and bring people together at a time of year often focused on generosity and togetherness.
Local businesses supported the event by providing refreshments, warm drinks and small treats, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many runners lingered after their race to socialise, enjoy seasonal snacks and take group photos in their bright red costumes.
For Michendorf, the St Nicholas Run has become more than just a race; it is an emblem of community spirit and a highlight of the town’s holiday calendar. As participants crossed the finish line — some sprinting, others strolling — the message was clear: the holiday season in Michendorf has officially begun, carried forward by joy, colour and a shared sense of celebration.