Weidenthal celebrates the big Christmas tree throw - records under fire!

On January 5, 2025, the 17th edition of the traditional Christmas tree throw took place in Weidenthal, in the district of Bad Dürkheim. The event attracted participants from different age groups, including men, women and children. The competitions were held in the disciplines of javelin throw with a 1.50 meter high spruce, hammer throw and high jump. The total values ​​of the three disciplines were added to determine the winners.

This year 89 men, 33 women and 25 children took part in the competitions who took place in a festive atmosphere on the sports grounds of the football club. The participants were able to use their Christmas trees provided by a local Christmas market. The winner trophy, a wooden moose figure, was awarded to the best throwers. The reigning record holder Frank Schwender, who had set up a world record with a width of 25.01 meters in 2016, took the last time at this event and took the 3rd place with 18.84 meters.

winner and special achievements

The winner of the 2025 Christmas tree throwing was Jürgen Weis from Ürzig, who reached a width of 20.29 meters. Margret Klein-Raber from Saarland secured the winner of the women's winner with 14.67 meters. Klein-Raber, who is considered a world record holder, set up three records in 2019, including the maximum width of 20.20 meters. The event was broadcast on SWR Aktuell Rhineland-Palatinate at 7:45 p.m.

In addition to the competitions, the "Knutfest - the original" was also celebrated in Weidenthal, which was organized by FC Wacker for the 21st time. Old Christmas trees are "Recycled" on the knee fire. There were also competitions in the Christmas tree throw-in battle that started at 1:00 p.m. Frank Schwender took part in this championship for the last time, while Margret Klein-Raber was considered a favorite after she had become world champion for the fourth time in 2023. The event also offered numerous entertainment options by Guggen musicians and culinary offers, including mulled wine. There was a free mulled wine for guests who brought their Christmas tree to burn. After the award ceremony there was a large fireworks display that rounded off the event.