SAARathon 2026

On Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM, runners gather at Halle4, a coworking and innovation hub in central Saarbrücken, to kick off their weekly run. Rigatoni Runners started in March 2023 when Tessa Menges decided the city needed a social running crew focused on connection over competition. Around 40 runners now show up each week, split across two pace groups that range from 7:30 min/km to 6:00 min/km, ensuring beginners and experienced athletes both find their place. The crew's philosophy is simple: more than running, bringing people together. Routes vary week to week, exploring the Saar River pathways, urban neighborhoods, and surrounding hills that define this border city's character. No fees, no pressure, just an open invitation to show up ready to run.

NextGenDingmad started in January 2022 when Nico and Luca noticed St. Ingbert had no running community for young people. They built one from scratch. Today, the crew has around 60 members averaging 24 years old, unified by a simple belief: running belongs to the next generation. NextGenDingmad removes barriers by covering race fees and kit costs so no one gets left behind. The crew meets three times a week, Wednesday track sessions, Saturday Park Runs, and Sunday long runs at 11:00 am. In St. Ingbert, Saarland, this is what genuine community looks like.