KIT Fields the Largest Team at the 35th Badische Meile

1,052 runners from KIT took part in the traditional Karlsruhe race – more than any other organization.

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) had a more visible presence at the 35th Badische Meile than any other team. A total of 1,052 KIT members from studies, research, and administration ran together through downtown Karlsruhe. This made KIT the largest team among the 5,733 participants. The Municipal Hospital and Daimler Trucks followed, each of which fielded several hundred runners.

While the KIT team gathered early at 8:45 a.m. at Mount Klotz in the Günther-Klotz-Anlage for a group photo, light rain resulted in wet shoes. With a runner-friendly temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, the starting gun went off at 10 a.m. without any further rainfall. As could be seen from the green KIT jerseys, numerous KIT running groups were out on the course – ranging from ambitious individual runners to teams taking on the race together.

Fast Times on a Wet Course

The fastest male runner from KIT was Lennart Grothe. The student, born in 2001, crossed the finish line in 30:13 minutes, placing 15th overall and 12th in the men’s standings.

The fastest female KIT runner was Tabea Lüders. The 26-year-old doctoral researcher at the Institute for Technology Futures works in the Department of Science Communication. As an ambitious recreational runner who primarily competes in the 10-kilometer distance, she completed the 8.88889 kilometers of the Badische Meile in 35:02 minutes. This placed her ninth in the women’s standings and 124th overall. “I enjoyed running not only for myself but for a collective to which I have long been connected through my studies and my job,” says Lüders.

KIT Fan Zone Provides Extra Energy

The KIT fan zone at the Beiertheimer Allee underpass provided an extra boost. At around kilometer six, families, friends, and colleagues cheered on the runners. Despite the changeable weather conditions, the atmosphere was upbeat. At times, 20 to 30 fans offered their support simultaneously using clappers and applause.
The Badische Meile runs along Germany’s longest historic land mile. It dates back to a Baden unit of length from the early 19th century and has been held as a mass-popular road race since 1990.

Mex, May 4, 2025

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KIT female runners at the Badische Meile. — Together at the finish line: Three KIT runners celebrate their race at the 35th Badische Meile.

The start of the Badische Meile, with many participants lined up behind a red “START” arch. — Green KIT jerseys dominated the course from the very start.

Lennart Grote — Fastest male runner from KIT: Lennart Grothe.

Fastest female runner from KIT: Tabea Lüders.

Group photo of the KIT team before the start of the Badische Meile. — One hill, one team: KIT runners at Mount Klotz before the start of the 35th Badische Meile.

KIT-Team at the Badische Meile stage — A strong appearance in green: KIT team members stand together on stage at the awards ceremony of the 35th Badische Meile.