camino de santiago de compostela luxembourg

The idea of running the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Luxembourg (180km and 2,800 metres in altitude) non-stop was first conceived in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, when all my runs were cancelled. But something always got in the way, so my plan was repeatedly postponed: curfew (not going out from 23:00-6:00), self-isolation, a strained muscle after a run... 

But the end of September 2023 was the right moment. I just knew it and felt it: right now! And first of all: it was an incredible, intense and emotional experience. 

Three weeks beforehand, I took part in the Ultra Trail Mullerthal, as I do every year. The 112 kilometres were perfect training for my plan to run the Camino de Santiago non-stop. I prepared everything in detail, I went through every part of the route thoroughly and planned my breaks and refreshments. I also set the arriving times in advance. However, they seemed a little optimistic. But I thought to myself that it would be doable somehow. I also combined my run with a fundraising campaign for ASA Honn, a non-profit organisation that sponsors and finances assistance dogs. 

I started the Way of St James at 12 noon on 29 September in Lieler, the border triangle. First, I crossed the north of Luxembourg, which was characterised by fir trees and slate. Then I ran along the Our valley via Vianden, past the castle. There I was accompanied by a runner for a while. The weather was mixed, and when it got dark, it also started to rain heavily. I took my first break after about 68 kilometres at my home in Echternach. My partner Mike was waiting for me in the pedestrian zone, and I ran past the basilica. I was pretty soaked, took a warm shower, ate something and continued on the Mullerthal Trail towards Jakobsberg, where ultra-runner Claude Stiefer was waiting for me in his campervan. He was supposed to accompany me at night, as I was a little worried about being out alone all night. But then Claude told me a few days before the start that he had a bad cold and wouldn't be able to run with me. However, he accompanied me the whole night in the campervan and waited at certain points every 5-6 kilometers.

The whole night was characterized by heavy fog and a full moon, so I had to switch off my head torch as I couldn't see anything else. Apart from quite a few glowing animal eyes, I couldn't recognize much. And every now and then a startled owl flew over my head. It was really scary. But I overcame my fears and just ran, through the forest, along seemingly endless field paths. I tried not to think about "Blair Witch Project" & Co. I have to admit I really got my panties in a bunch at times. As I kept trying to get to the camper quickly, I stepped on the gas so that I was well on time and kept to my time barriers. 

When I arrived in Grevenmacher at midnight, around kilometre 90, I was really tired and decided to lie down for half an hour. I couldn't sleep properly, but I recovered a little from the tiredness. I then continued over the Potaschberg through an industrial area where large trucks were parked and resting.  It was a bit of a horror film scene, and when a large truck suddenly pulled up behind me, I accelerated to get onto the cycle path quickly. I continued along endless agricultural roads, past old empty farms and an abattoir. And it was always a good feeling to see the camper. It gave me a certain sense of security. 

I arrived at a car park in Syrdall at 6am, where I planned an hour's break in the camper. At 7am I met up with two runners who accompanied me for about three hours. And as we ran through Luxembourg City, the sun rose, and the fog lifted. The time passed until Kockelscheuer, where Claude was waiting again with the campervan, croissants and a café.

Then I continued my way alone. At around kilometre 130, I ran through the forest in Bettenbourg and suddenly saw a familiar face that I couldn't immediately recognise. It was a work colleague of mine and somehow this coincidence gave me a boost of motivation and I was so happy to see someone. 

A few kilometres further on, a runner, Chantal, was waiting for me and accompanied me for a short distance. When I reached Dudelange after 146 kilometres, I experienced a real down. I was struggling with fatigue and didn't know how to continue. I got some chips and cola and sat on a bench. I found this neighbourhood unpleasant. Suddenly the bin next to me started to burn and a shop assistant came running out with a bowl of water and asked if anyone had already alerted the fire brigade. I found the whole scene so unrealistic and bizarre. I got up again and just wanted to get out of there. 

Then I ran out of Dudelange and had to cross a stretch of motorway slip road. That must have looked incredibly weird for the drivers. Then I continued through the Obel forest and my tiredness really hit me. Chantal, who had accompanied me briefly beforehand, asked when I would be in Mondorf. At that point, I didn't know whether I would even get anywhere. I had a bad low. I listened to some music and Tom Waits kept pushing me further and further... "You got to hold on, hold on" was on repeat. Then Chantal ran towards me again with an ice-cold spinach and mango smoothie. She had brought me some fruit earlier as I was having trouble eating. I was so happy to have Chantal with me and the smoothie was excellent. The spinach had an effect, as I arrived a little early in Mondorf, where I was then accompanied by two very nice runners all the way to Schengen. 

It was also special for me that I finally completed my first 100 miles. But it wasn't over yet, I still had over 18 kilometres to go. It was really tough! But now I wanted to finish. At the end, I fell into a calm, peaceful state - I just kept moving, step by step, on my aching feet. But even that was no longer a problem. My brother was waiting for me in Schengen with my little nieces. I was particularly looking forward to that. Asa Honn was also there to welcome me in Schengen. 

I ran the Camino (180km) in 31h45min and managed to stick to my schedule. But as I said, it was just the right moment. And thanks to the many donations, I was also able to support Asa Honn. 

I would also like to thank all the lovely people who have supported me with my project, be it through their company, messages during the run or donations.