Hamburg, Germany – Despite challenging weather conditions, the third installment of the SVE-Winterlaufserie (SVE Winter Running Series) took place on February 22nd, 2026, drawing runners of all ages and abilities to the Sportpark Steinwiesenweg. Persistent rain and a previously icy course presented significant hurdles, but organizers successfully adapted to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all participants. The series, a popular fixture in the Hamburg running calendar, continues to build momentum as it heads towards its finale next month.
The SVE-Winterlaufserie, organized by SV Eidelstedt Hamburg in cooperation with Niendorfer Laufladen, offers a range of distances catering to different skill levels, from 2km youth races to a challenging half marathon. This year’s series includes both “Big,” “Little,” and “Youth” categories, each with its own set of races and scoring system. The event’s popularity underscores the growing enthusiasm for running in Hamburg and the dedication of the local running community. The series began on November 23, 2025, and will conclude on March 15, 2026.
Challenging Conditions and Top Performances
The February 22nd race was marked by particularly difficult conditions. Overnight freezing temperatures created a dangerous layer of ice on the course, prompting organizers to closely monitor the situation. While the ice ultimately melted due to rising temperatures and rain, it left behind a muddy and slippery track. Marking the course with spray chalk proved nearly impossible, requiring constant maintenance and ultimately leading to a slight adjustment to the half marathon route to ensure runner safety. Despite these challenges, the event proceeded smoothly, with a positive atmosphere prevailing among participants.
David Hinske of Hamburg Running emerged victorious in the half marathon, completing the course in a time of 1:15:39. This win followed his success in the Silvesterlauf (New Year’s Eve Run), solidifying his position as a leading runner in the region. Christoph Albers finished second with a time of 1:19:43, while last year’s winner, Yolan Chériaux, secured third place in 1:19:52. In the women’s division, Katharina Voß from Hamburger Sportclub claimed the top spot, finishing in 1:40:39. Sarah Greimeier (1:43:28) and Inga Petersen-Lund of SG Wasserratten Norderstedt (1:45:38) rounded out the podium.
Series Standings Heat Up
With only one race remaining, the competition in the “Big Series” is fierce. Milan Stupar currently leads the standings with 279.32 points, followed closely by Jan Boeger (264.90) and Konrad von Borries (263.56). The series scoring system considers the three best results, meaning the final race on March 15th could significantly alter the rankings. Katharina Voß maintains a strong lead in the women’s “Big Series” with 250.36 points, ahead of Sarah Greimeier (240.29) and Julia Fehling (232.05).
The “Small Series” saw a surprising victory from Jonas Wendt, a young athlete born in 2013, who completed the 7.5km race in an impressive 33:15 minutes. He was followed by Joern Fröhlich (33:50) and Jan Wendt (34:17), who as well occupy the top three positions in the series standings. Currently, Joern Fröhlich leads with 254.56 points, narrowly ahead of Jonas Wendt (251.97) and Jan Wendt (248.18). Caroline Gesser-Wendt dominated the women’s “Small Series” race, finishing in 35:48 minutes, followed by Beatrix Lorenz (38:16) and Miranda Ussher (39:52), who also hold the top three spots in the series rankings.
Youth Runners Shine
The day began with races for younger athletes, showcasing the next generation of running talent. Käthe Marit Schmersow of SVE won the 3km race in 12:19 minutes, while Josephine Wendt (SVE) finished second in 12:49 minutes and Clara Schöntaube (HSV) took third in 13:22. Till Rinne won the boys’ 3km race in 12:21, followed by Niklas Eysel (12:23) and Johann Schaub (13:49). In the “Youth Series” standings, Till Rinne leads with 337.62 points, followed by Johann Schaub (309.15) and Nathan Maas (295.61). Josephine Wendt leads the girls’ standings with 327.73 points, ahead of Clara Schöntaube (320.34) and Luise Riemer (304.01).
Participants can uncover complete results from the February 22nd race and the current series standings at my.raceresult.com. The final race of the series is scheduled for March 15th, 2026, at the Sportpark Steinwiesenweg, promising a thrilling conclusion to the winter running season.
Looking Ahead: The Final Race
The upcoming final race on March 15th will be a decisive moment for runners vying for overall series titles. With the “Big Series” standings particularly close, expect a competitive field as athletes push for their best performances. The event will also feature races for the “Small” and “Youth” series, providing opportunities for runners of all ages and abilities to showcase their skills. The SVE-Winterlaufserie has develop into a cornerstone of the Hamburg running community, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and athletic achievement. The series is organized by SV Eidelstedt Hamburg, a local sports club dedicated to promoting health and fitness within the community. More information about SV Eidelstedt Hamburg can be found on their official website.
The SVE-Winterlaufserie offers a range of entry fees depending on the series chosen and whether participants opt for a full series registration or individual race entries. According to the series information, the “Big Series” costs €50.00 for the entire series, while the “Small Series” is €40.00 and the “Youth Series” is €30.00. Individual race entries are priced at €12.00 for the “Big Series” (with an additional €8.00 for the half marathon) and €10.00 for the “Small Series,” and €8.00 for the “Youth Series.”
The event also provides essential amenities for runners, including refreshment stations during the half marathon, parking facilities near the Steinwiesenweg entrance, and medals for all series finishers. Each finisher of a complete series receives a high-quality medal, recognizing their dedication and achievement. Participants can also obtain official certificates of completion after each race.
The next confirmed event hosted by SV Eidelstedt Hamburg is the Eidelstedter Frühlingsspiele (Eidelstedt Spring Games) on March 29, 2026, marking the finale of the Winterlaufserie. Stay tuned to the SV Eidelstedt Hamburg website for further updates and information on upcoming events.
What are your thoughts on the SVE-Winterlaufserie? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow running enthusiasts!