You founded the Usedom Running Club "Laufmützen". How did you come up with the idea of getting others excited about this hobby and organizing group running events?
It all started when Rolf-Seelige Steinhoff, the CEO of Seetel Hotels, personal trainer Andreas Stübs, and I wanted to compete in a relay at the Usedom Marathon. It turned out that it wasn’t all that easy to find enough teammates. After running just the half-marathon in our first year, we organized monthly runs to build a relay team for the following year. At first, we ran in a small, private group with just five people. Over the years, more and more runners joined us. It worked like a snowball effect. The participants enjoyed the athletic atmosphere, and everyone encouraged new people from their own circles to join and brought them along. Back then, I never would have thought it possible that we’d one day have 300 people at the starting line, as we did at the Moon Run, for example.
Since the first Santa Hat Run in 2014, the running events have benefited a good cause. The voluntary entry fees and proceeds from beverage sales are donated to the “Leuchtturm” Children’s and Youth Hospice Support Association. Why did you choose this organization?
The island is always very busy during Christmas. Many guests enjoy ringing in the New Year here and take time for themselves and their families as part of a pampering experience. And at Christmas, most people spend a lot of time eating. That’s how we came up with the idea of offering something to get people moving. Running & doing good—not just for yourself, but for others as well. At the first Santa Hat Run on Boxing Day 2014, 69 runners already participated. In addition to the 5-euro entry fees, many passersby donated spontaneously, raising 1,000 euros right off the bat. Running, donating, and bringing joy: it was so incredibly motivating.
I chose the “Leuchtturm” e.V. children’s and youth hospice service in Greifswald intentionally. It’s so important to provide professional support to families in this difficult situation. This isn’t just about grief counseling, but also about concrete help with everyday life and caring for siblings. There’s usually no time left for them in this stressful situation. There’s no inpatient children’s hospice in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. That’s where we want to help with the donations. Since 2014, the Laufmützen have raised nearly 82,000 euros—I can hardly believe it myself.
Incidentally, our name “Laufmützen” came from that first Christmas Hat Run. We couldn’t very well keep calling ourselves that in the summer…
The runs aren’t about setting distance records; instead, the focus is on fun and socializing. Can anyone join in?
Absolutely anyone. We want to break free from the pressure to perform. Everyone participates at their own pace and can run fast, run at a walking pace, walk, or simply take a stroll. Above all, it’s about getting to know people and seeing the beautiful island with fresh eyes. The monthly runs are hosted by a different person each time, so the start and finish points change. This way, even the islanders get to discover new routes time and again.
Is there a core group among the “Laufmützen” who regularly participate in the runs? I’m sure friendships have formed by now?
By now, many “Laufmützen” are part of the core group, and many close friendships have formed. Most of them didn’t even know each other before. We’re united by our passion for running, which brings together people from all kinds of professions. That’s incredibly inspiring. Plus, it allows us to support each other really well. What’s also great is that social status doesn’t matter at all when you run together. You meet on equal footing, whether you’re a hotel manager or recipient of Hartz IV benefits.
Your latest project is the book "Lauflust", which was published in mid-May by Edition Braus Berlin. What can readers expect? Who is the book aimed at?
“Lauflust” offers personal recommendations from enthusiastic runners to anyone who wants to be active—whether it’s jogging, biking, hiking, or just taking a walk. Behind every route is a different facet of the island. We’ve practically turned the project into a full-fledged travel guide, as the sights along all the routes are described in detail and illustrated. By the way, the book is also a charity project. We’re not charging any fees for our writing or for the photos by island photographer Matthias Gründling. All proceeds from sales go directly to the “Leuchtturm” Children’s and Youth Hospice Support Association.
Herzogenrunde – Dünenschleife – Steilküstentrail – Mühlenromantik: You ran all 16 routes while researching the book “Lauflust.” Which route do you like best? Do you have a personal favorite run?
I don’t really have a favorite route. But while doing my research, I discovered a few new routes that I’m totally excited about. For example, I see Wolgast in a whole new light now that I’ve taken a closer look at the route. Its centuries-old history as a ducal seat, the medieval old town, the Peene shipyard, and its beautiful location on the Peene River make the route very appealing. I also find the pilgrimage route through Wolgast fascinating—the one that Duke Wartislaw IX had modeled after the Way of the Cross following a trip to Jerusalem in the 15th century. Or the section in the Lassaner Winkel, which partly follows the Via Baltica route of the Way of St. James: the small town of Lassan, the artists’ village on Lake Pulow, and the road from Pulow to Lassan, lined with mirabelle plum trees, are simply enchanting.
Thank you very much for the interview!
