Philipp Stuckhardt

Philipp Stuckhardt was born and grew up in Hersfeld, Hesse. Not exactly the place you would immediately associate with trail running. And yet Philipp is an enthusiastic trail runner, always out and about on exciting trails or on the road and has long been permanently infected by the sport of running and trail running.

His passion for nature is no coincidence. Even as a child, he actively helped out on his own farm and developed a close connection to nature, animals and the mountains at an early age. Philipp Stuckhardt's enthusiasm was so great that he decided to spend a season as an Alpine herdsman in the Swiss Alps in 2015. He always looks back fondly on this time, as it was here that he had some of his best trail experiences. Since then, Philipp has known: "Running in the mountains is a completely different challenge and enrichment to classic road running. I wouldn't want to be without running, and trail running in particular, in my life."

Philipp Stuckhardt,

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME YOUR INNER PIG DOG WHEN TRAILRUNNING?
"Lace up your running shoes without any ifs or buts, just start running straight away and remember your last success. Then it almost runs itself and the motivation comes step by step."

WHAT DO YOU DO JUST BEFORE A COMPETITION? IS THEREA SPECIAL RITUAL?
"I look for a quiet corner, away from the crowd if possible. That's the best way to mentally focus on the competition."

WHAT'S THE FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU REACH THE FINISH?
"First and foremost, I'm happy when I reach the finish line in good health. Health is the greatest good for me and is above all else."

WHAT ARE YOU MOST THANKFUL FOR?
"That I was able to spend my childhood on our farm in Hersfeld and thus experience direct access to nature and the animal world from an early age."