99 Laps Essen
118.8 kilometres – 99 laps to victory
- 1st place
- Result
- winner of the race
- Source: 99 Laps · organiser — Officially verified
- 118.8 km
- Distance
- 99 laps of 1.2 kilometres each
- Source: 99 Laps — Officially verified
- 24 h 45 min
- Total time
- from the first to the last lap
- Source: 99 Laps — Officially verified
- 103
- Race number
On 25 July 2026 the “99 Laps” event took place on the grounds of the Zollverein colliery in Essen – a new race format, organised among others by ESN, Day One and Dryll. It was also the first media event I was able to take part in.
The concept was simple – but extremely demanding:
One lap of 1.2 kilometres, with 15 minutes to complete it. Then straight on into the next lap. 99 laps in total.
My goal was clear from the start: I wanted to win this race.
I travelled there with four friends who accompanied and supported me as a team throughout the event. The atmosphere on site was special – a mixture of industrial backdrop, energy and a strong community.
My strategy was to find an even pace that I could hold for the entire duration. Not starting too fast, but not giving away too much time either. Lap after lap it was about staying with it.
After more than 24 hours and 45 minutes and 118.8 kilometres I was finally able to win the race.
An extraordinary format, an intense experience – not only for me, but for my whole crew.
The format
Information from the organiser: a new lap of 1.2 kilometres starts every 15 minutes. Whoever finishes last is eliminated. This continues until 99 eliminations have accumulated and one person is left. In theory that means a maximum of 99 laps, 118.8 kilometres and 24 hours and 45 minutes. Timing runs via a transponder on the race number, and a live leaderboard shows the standings.
My own recording
Measurements taken by me during the race.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total time | 24 h 45 min |
| Running time | 7 h 40 min |
| Distance | 118.8 km |
| Average pace | 3:52 min/km |
| Fastest lap | lap 99 – 3:25 (2:51 min/km) |
| Average heart rate | 145 bpm |
| Maximum heart rate | 182 bpm |
