On Friday, 5 June 2026, the Department of Maritime Studies, Plant Engineering and Logistics hosted a major event on the Warnemünde campus. Alongside the activities and events organised as part of the ‘Campus Ahoi!’ university open days, things took a decidedly sporting turn, as the popular ‘Warnemünde Launch’ entered its tenth year.
Despite mixed weather forecasts, so many running enthusiasts turned up in person alongside those who had registered online that the total field of runners matched last year’s numbers, with just over 100 participants once again taking part.
Due to construction work behind the cooling water pond, the cable-length run for the little ones was moved to an alternative route on the grounds this time and was successfully completed by the 15 little runners. Mini-runners who arrived late were allowed to take part in a catch-up round and had their results included in the rankings of the previous 12.
The mass start of the 3- and 5-mile runs was euphoric, but after just a few minutes an additional challenge became apparent: a torrential downpour! Whilst those remaining on campus gathered in the foyer of House 2 and the prize-giving ceremony for the mini-runners was held, out of necessity, in the stairwell next door, in the Warnemünde area the runners braved the seemingly endless heavy rain and cool temperatures as they ran.
Back on the rain-soaked Warnemünde campus, although everyone’s running gear was completely soaked, the runners’ experience was, however, a wrap. And so the prize-giving ceremony for the keen running fans was also held in the stairwell amidst a sunny, convivial atmosphere, before all the participants quickly made their way home.
Despite the heavy rain and the resulting need for the organising team to improvise, this 10th Warnemünde Stapellauf was once again a successful university sporting event – more than just an anniversary!
You can find all the results in detail here.