World record in Forchheim: Firefighters run 105 kilometers in PPE!

World record in Forchheim: Firefighters run 105 kilometers in PPE!

What an extraordinary achievement! Kai Steinbrenner and Daniel Marschner from the Forchheim Volunteer Fire Department impressed with their new world record: They completed a non-stop march of 105.1 kilometers in full personal protective equipment and with breathing apparatus attached. This remarkable march took place between December 19th and 20th, 2025 and was started at the Christmas market in Forchheim. In a total of 22.5 hours, the two firefighters covered the route, which was designed as a circuit between Forchheim and Erlangen.

The conditions were anything but easy: with respiratory masks and a total weight of up to 25 kilograms, which they carried throughout the entire march, they pushed their bodies and minds to the limit. To ensure that they remained fit and productive, they took five-minute breaks every 30 minutes to change their breathing tanks and briefly regenerate. These small periods of recovery were crucial because the march was carried out without interruption, apart from the permitted breaks. The average speed of up to 10 km/h speaks for itself!

In the spirit of volunteerism

The idea behind this impressive campaign was to highlight the value and performance of fire departments and the spirit of volunteerism. Steinbrenner and Marschner emphasized the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. “We come when others run away,” explained Kai Steinbrenner proudly. Supported by other volunteers who provided fresh energy and ran along, this world record was finally officially confirmed by Laura Kuchenbecker, a RID record judge, on December 20th.

The two had originally set their sights on the goal of 112 kilometers. However, the route was shortened due to health considerations. Nevertheless, the two were happy to have broken the previous record of 100 kilometers. The campaign not only draws attention to the fire department, but also highlights the values ​​such as respect, trust and friendship that are very important within this organization.

The potential beyond the record

This remarkable achievement joins a growing list of similar challenges. Sebastian Frimmer from Unterhaching, for example, is planning to run a half marathon with full fire brigade respiratory protection equipment. This run is to take place on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Unterhaching fire department and Frimmer would like to set another world record in the Guinness Book of Records. He has already hinted that he is preparing and training intensively for this special day.

The reporting on such events, be it at the Forchheim Volunteer Fire Department or in Unterhaching, highlights the great commitment of the volunteers and perhaps motivates some people to become active themselves. Volunteering plays a central role in our society, and actions like these are the best proof that team spirit and a dose of passion can lead to incredibly great achievements.

For more information about Kai Steinbrenner and Daniel Marschner's world record, please visit the detailed reports on BR.de or Presseportal.de. The background to Sebastian Frimmer's plans can also be found here Süddeutsche.de.