The course markers are in place – Preparations for the 36th Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG are entering the final stretch

With over 20,000 weekly participants and around 110 sports courses, the RWTH Aachen University Sports Center (HSZ) is the largest sports provider in the region. It stands not only for physical activity but also for social interaction and networking within the university community. An impressive example of this is the Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG, which will take place for the 36th time on July 1, 2026. Nina Büscher, event coordinator at the University Sports Center, emphasizes the special significance of the event: “The Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG helps shape the identity of Aachen’s universities. Here, students, staff, departments, and professors come together as equals. For many, participating has become one of the highlights of their time as students.”

Final Training

After the event had to be canceled last year due to a storm, the approximately 2,000 runners are eagerly looking forward to this year’s race. The course is quite a challenge: First, runners must tackle an uphill climb of about 250 meters in elevation before the second part of the course leads downhill to the finish line. The course markers now in place allow participants to familiarize themselves with the route in advance and tailor their training specifically to the demands of the race.

But the Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG isn’t just a summer sporting highlight for students. With around 2,000 participants, it’s Aachen’s largest running event and a fixture on the city’s calendar of events. Yannick Helten from the City of Aachen’s Sports Department describes the race as a true cult event: “The Lousberglauf powered by STAWAG inspires both ambitious recreational athletes and experienced running pros, bringing together people from all walks of life.”

NRW University Running Cup

The NRW University Running Cup is also making a stop in Aachen again this year. The Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG is the fourth and final stage of the competition series. The Aachen university team is currently in third place and can earn more important points as early as next week at the race in Münster. The team is supported by funding from the student councils of the Aachen Sports Department. Juliana Kirchhoff from the Sports Department emphasizes: “It’s wonderful to see how initiatives from RWTH and FH Aachen—such as the Lousberg Run—have become established traditions in the city over the years.”

Widespread support

The Teufelsberg Run has always thrived thanks to the dedication of numerous supporters. This year, too, more than 200 volunteers will be on duty along the course, at refreshment stations, and in the finish area to ensure participants have a special running experience. The residential towers on Rütscher Straße play a special role in this. The race traces its origins to a student initiative launched by the residents there in the 1980s. To this day, the towers support the event, helping to keep its tradition alive. Jonathan Melin, who has lived there only since last year, is looking forward to his first running experience there: “During the preparations, you immediately realize how much history and culture lies behind the Lousberg Run. I’m looking forward to finally experiencing this special atmosphere for myself.”

The event is also supported by the Aachen Student Services Organization. In addition to technical and organizational support, the university’s food service department will provide catering on the day of the event. “The Lousberg Run has been a joint passion project of the Student Services Organization and the University Sports Center for many years. We’re very excited that the event can take place again this year—and, of course, we’ll be sending our own running team to the starting line once more,” says Ute von Drahten of the Student Services Organization. In keeping with the spirit of the event, students can once again look forward to special energy-boosting meals in the dining halls in the days leading up to the run.

Title Sponsor

In addition to the tremendous volunteer effort, long-standing partners SMS Group and STAWAG also play a key role in the event’s success. Jennifer Prinz from STAWAG’s Corporate Communications department explains: “We’re always delighted to support the run every year because it brings people from all over Aachen together. Whether students, companies, local residents, or visitors from out of town—the run connects a wide variety of groups. Of course, we’ll be at the starting line again with our own team.”

As of June 14, 2026, all starting spots for the Lousberg Run powered by STAWAG have been filled. The waiting list now includes more than 600 people. The University Sports Center looks forward to experiencing an unforgettable running event together with all participants, celebrating new personal bests, and perhaps even course records.