Bielefeld gets moving: City Move brings together the Mass Sports Day at three locations

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Bielefeld will host the "City Move – Bielefeld Sports Day." From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., participation activities, club presentations, and running competitions will be spread across three central locations: Ravensberger Park, Wiesenbad, and Seidensticker Halle. The concept is deliberately open: those who just want to try things out should find an entry point just as much as people who specifically want to start in a running competition.

Organization and Concept

The day is organized by Bielefeld Marketing GmbH in cooperation with the Stadtsportbund Bielefeld. The main sponsor is Stadtwerke Bielefeld. In terms of content, City Move relies on a format that combines performance and mass participation: competition where it motivates – and low-threshold activities where barriers should be reduced.

Three running events for children, schools, and adults

The focus is on three runs that cover different age and performance levels – from the first starting shot to the classic 10-kilometer distance.

Bambini Run (490 meters)

• Course: Around 490 meters around Rochdale Park
• Age groups:
  • 5–6 years (without accompaniment)
  • 3–4 years (with accompaniment)
• No timing; all children receive a medal
• Entry fee: free
• Registration: until September 13, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.; late registration on the event day

School Run (2.7 kilometers)

• Course: Shortened lap of 2.7 km
• Participants: Pupils (born 2007 and younger)
• Timing: Transponder with disposable chip
• All receive a medal; cash prizes for the three schools with the most participants
• Entry fee: free
• Registration deadline: September 4, 2026; late registration on the event day only individually

10-Kilometer Run (three laps)

• Course: Three laps (10 km)
• Classification: Men and women according to DLO age groups
• Timing: Transponder with disposable chip
• Entry fee: 15 euros
• Late registration: online until September 12 or on the event day (plus 3 euros)

Why the format targets mass participation and what that means for the city

The combination of free children's and school runs, a classic 10-km distance, and open sports activities is a clear indication of the target direction: City Move wants to get as many people moving as possible, not just club members. For families and beginners, free starts and the absence of timing in the Bambini Run lower the threshold. For schools, the competition based on the number of participants creates an additional incentive that goes beyond individual times – and at the same time provides visibility for sporting commitment in the class and school community.

The fact that the implementation is carried out together with the Stadtsportbund fits the orientation. The Stadtsportbund Bielefeld is the central umbrella organization for organized sports in the city and represents 223 member clubs with around 87,000 members. Such an association can create broad participation – through participation stations, club presentations, and the opportunity to talk directly on site. The full program with further sports and exercise activities is to be published in July; among other things, the German Sports Badge and additional open activities have also been announced.

Registration, deadlines, and distribution of documents

Registration for the running events has been possible since Friday, April 3, 2026 (10 a.m.). The general registration deadline for the runs is September 4, 2026.

For the 10-kilometer run, the distribution of starting documents is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026:

• 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 3 p.m.–6 p.m.
• Location: Tourist Information Bielefeld, Wilhelmstraße 3, 33602 Bielefeld

Questions: Telephone 0521 55774555 or email info@bielefeld-marketing.de

This means the framework for City Move is already set: three locations, three runs, and a program that will go into more detail in July. Those who want to start can already register – those who just want to get a taste will probably find numerous opportunities on September 13 to try out sports in different forms.