All Posts From climbing to ultra running
Thomas, a passionate runner from Jena, has established himself as a versatile ultra runner in recent years. Originally a sport climber, a move to Hamburg in 2009 led him to running. What began with short laps around the Alster quickly developed into a passion for long distances and trails. That is how he found Germany’s northernmost ultramarathon.
From climber to runner
“I started with classic 5- and 10-kilometre races,” Thomas says. A visit to the Rennsteig Run in 2015 inspired him to move onto trails. His first race? A marathon on the Rennsteig straight away. From 2021, he ventured into ultra distances with spontaneous events such as a Backyard Ultra and a private 100-kilometre run in Thuringia.
Elevation and big goals
Thomas has completed numerous alpine races in recent years, including the Stubai Ultra and the Zugspitz Ultratrails. He currently focuses on longer but runnable routes and is preparing for his first 100-miler. His big goal? The Western States Endurance Run – a dream for which he enters the lottery every year.
A running coach with heart
Thomas now also shares his passion as a running coach. “Many people wanted to know how to prepare for trails or longer distances,” he says. With expertise and personal experience, he helps other runners reach their goals – whether moving from road to trail or taking their first steps into ultras.
Discovering Sylt
In 2024, Thomas had the North Sea Ultra on Sylt in his plans – an unusual route for him. “I was thrilled by the atmosphere and the island’s scenic beauty,” he says. The sections around the Ellenbogen and the Rantum basin particularly captivated him. “I would never have expected Sylt to be so diverse and impressive.”
Seeing Sylt again
Thomas is already planning his return to the North Sea Ultra. With his versatile background and enthusiasm for running, he is an asset to the running community – on Sylt and beyond.
Visit Thomas’s website Run on Trails to learn more about his work as a running coach and his exciting running journey.
Let Thomas inspire you to pursue your own running dreams – and perhaps we will see each other this year at the North Sea Ultra on Sylt!
