Over 50, runners, skaters, wheelchair athletes and handbikers from around nations have made the journey to celebrate a peaceful anniversary with us - and we would like to welcome you all to the German capital. Half a century ago, the starting gun for the 1st Berlin People's Marathon was fired in front of the Mommsen Stadium in Berlin's Charlottenburg district.
This year, we are expecting over 50, finishers to adorn themselves with their well-deserved medals shortly after the Brandenburg Gate. It is important to us that despite this record number of participants, quality and service remain at the highest level in all areas of the event. Standards in specialised medical planning and event management have been created. The medical care is one of the world leaders in this segment.
The sporting level has reached an unprecedented level, as evidenced by the 13 world records that have been set. We see passing on the joy and fun of vital exercise as one of our tasks for society. In , for example, the meadow in front of the Reichstag was the starting point for 3, runners from 30 nations for the first time for 42 kilometres through the middle of Berlin.
The public in the capital immediately loved the race. The finish line was right next to the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. The idea of a marathon that winds its way through the centre of the city spilled over into West Germany and the boom in city marathons was set in motion.
The first run through the Brandenburg Gate took place in A few days before the reunification of Germany, 25, enthusiastic athletes from all over the world celebrated the reunion in Berlin.
