The Paarlauf (paired run) became popular in Germany shortly after the Second World War. It was at the suggestion of Charlie Smart, then serving with the Control Commission in Germany, that this annual Christmas Day event was first run in 1954. It was put on for runners who trained regularly from Lauriston Cottage, not as a serious race, but by way of friendly competition.
Over the following years the 30-minute Paarlauf became more and more popular, with runners travelling long distances to take part. There was a feeling within the Club that the event had become too competitive and that the original intention of the race had been forgotten. The Club therefore decided in 1966 that, in future, teams should consist of pairs comprising an “A” runner and a “B” runner, now decided upon by the organisers shortly before the 11a.m. start time.
(The event is for those aged 15 and over.)
For the first time since 1954 the 2020 event had to be cancelled owing to the Covid restrictions in force at the time.
If you have memories of the Paarlauf that you would like to share, please contact webmaster@lauristonrunners.club
Top 10
These are believed to be the top 10 distances since 1966 when the drawing of “A” and “B” runners began (and excluding the “overtime” 1967 event).
Pairing Distance Year
- P.Barratt (E&S) & M.Riley (Ranelagh) 6 miles 1254 yards 1982
- P.Clarke (HW) & T.Woods (Ranelagh) 6 miles 1153 yards 1982
- D.Clarke (HW) & R.Figg (G&G) 6 miles 1131 yards 1987
- D.Clarke (HW) & R.Addison (Belgrave H) 6 miles 1124 yards 1982
- D.Holt (HW) & C.Harvey (SLH) 6 miles 1080 yards 1968
- G.Taylor (Cambridge H) & W.Cheeseman (SLH) 6 miles 1067 yards 1966
- W.Curtin (Belgrave H) & M.Gowan (HHH) 6 miles 1040 yards 1971
- J.Bicourt (Belgrave H) & S.Rowland (Ranelagh) 6 miles 1027 yards 1977
- D.Clarke (HW) & R.Lovegrove (HW) 6 miles 1023 yards 1979
- J.Bicourt (Belgrave H) & J.Phelan (HW) 6 miles 1007 yards 1971
Historic Results
2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990
1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980
1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970
