2025: Review

FINISHER
MAGAZINE
The event in pictures
NEW COURSE
RECORD FROM
FOTYEN TESFAY

MY HALF MARATHON:
AMANAL PETROS
Making
History
At the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, Amanal Petros
smashed his own German record, improving from 60:09 to
59:31. That made him the fourth-fastest European of all time,
set a European season’s best, and earned him third place in the
race. It’s the second time the 29-year-old has made German
athletics history at an SCC EVENTS race. Eighteen months ago,
at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, he became the first German to
run under 2:05:00 (clocking 2:04:58). And now he’s achieved
the next great milestone: the first German ever to run under an
hour for the half marathon. Here, he shares his thoughts on the
race and reveals his goals for the TCS London Marathon on 27
April—where he’s hoping to reclaim the German marathon record
that he lost to Samuel Fitwi with a time of 2:04:56 in Valencia
on 1 December 2024.
– 3 –

MY HALF MARATHON:
AMANAL PETROS
I
’m really happy I did it. All
the effort was already worth
it—even though my prep for
London starts again immediately
after the race. I hadn’t
been training specifically for
the half marathon in Kenya,
but I did focus on recovery
during the last six days before
the race. I actually flew
straight back to high-altitude
training in Kenya the same
night. I want that marathon
record back. What Berlin showed
me is: I’m very, very ready.
“I’ll put everything on the
line for the German record.”
I don’t care that London’s
course is not considered as
fast as Berlin’s. I’ll go out with
the second group and won’t
hold anything back. Then I
want to do everything in my
power to break the German
record and fight for this goal
until the very end.
“The atmosphere in Berlin
was incredible again.”
I hope the vibe in London is
just like it was here. The support
along the course was
amazing—I felt like I was being
carried along. Of course, the
wind was brutal, and it was
cold. That made it a really
tough race. But I knew I had
a huge chance, and I was desperate
to at least go sub-60.
I approached the race in a
positive mindset—and for
the first time, I wore glasses
during a competition.
They helped protect my eyes
from the cold. In the past,
I’d sometimes struggle to
see clearly towards the end
of cold races. I’m just really
glad everything went smoothly—especially
after all the
bad luck I had in 2024. At the
European Championships
in Rome, I was still battling
for gold in the final stretch
of the half marathon. But
– 4 –

About the athlete
Amanal Petros is the first
athlete in German athletics
history to break the three most
important national records—in
the 10K, half marathon, and
marathon—and to even hold
them simultaneously. In February
2023, he broke Carsten
Eich’s nearly 30-year-old 10K
record (27:47) by running
27:32 in Castellón, Spain.
In September 2023, he ran
2:04:58 in the BMW BERLIN
MARATHON. Before the recent
half marathon, his German
record stood at 60:09 for the
21.0975 km distance. Born in
Eritrea, Amanal fled to Germany
as a teenager. For years, he
trained with TV Wattenscheid
under coach Tono Kirschbaum,
alongside marathoners Hendrik
Pfeiffer and Tom Gröschel.
In 2023 and 2024, he ran for
the Marathon Team Berlin, and
since early 2025 he has been
representing Hannover 96.
However, he spends most of the
year training in Kenya with the
group led by renowned Italian
coach Renato Canova.
– 5 –

300 metres from the finish,
I stepped on the track border
in the stadium, twisted my
ankle, and lost second place
too. At least I still got bronze.
And at the Olympics in
Paris, I unfortunately had to
give up due to muscular problems,
even though I had recovered
well from a previous
infection. Hopefully, the GE-
NERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON is a sign that 2025 will
be a better year for me.
Well-deserved celebration at the Brandenburg
Gate: Amanal Petros added another
key chapter to Berlin’s rich running
history by completing the half marathon
in 59:31.
– 6 –

Contents
R E L I V E : T H E
H
I G H L I G H T S
10 Top Moments
How beautiful it was – the 44th GENERALI BER-
LIN HALF MARATHON. Enjoy a selection of the
best photos from race weekend in the capital.
58 The Recap
Who were the fastest athletes? How many
runners from how many countries took part?
And what did participants think of the new
course? You will find all the answers here!
72 At the Front
Fotyen Tesfay and Amanal Petros lit up the 44th
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON with record-breaking
races. The Ethiopian woman
smashed the course record, and Petros became
the first German to break the 60-minute barrier.
96 Inclusion in Action
Inclusion has long been a part of the GENERALI
BERLIN HALF MARATHON: here, everyone can
experience what a half marathon feels like. The
44th edition once again featured numerous inclusive
initiatives.
8

106 Among Friends
Over 34,000 runners crossed the finish line
behind the Brandenburg Gate – nearly half
of them from abroad. We spoke to several
finishers who share their half marathon happiness
with you in this magazine.
168 The Inline Race
For the fifth time, the men’s inline skating title at
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON went to
Felix Rijhnen. Here’s how it rolled this time.
178 Who’s That Running?
In the event magazine, we profiled four runners
who took on the Berlin course. Here’s how their
races went.
IMPRINT
Finisher Magazin GENERALI BERLIN HALf MARATHON
Publisher
SCC EVENTS GmbH
Responsible for content
Christian Jost, Jürgen Lock
Production
DLM RunMedia GmbH, Köln
Editorial Team
Vincent Dornbusch, Robert Fekl,
Gerte Buchheit, Christian Ermert,
Jörg Wenig, Anja Herrlitz, Tom Rottenberg,
Finn Lenzen
Graphics
CNG sports & media GmbH, Köln
Photos
Greta B, Petko Beier, Vincent Dornbusch,
Marvin Ibo Güngör, Steffen Hartz, Dirk Mathesius,
Andreas Schwarz, die sportografen, Sebastian
Wells (OSTKREUZ), Thomas Wendt, Tilo Wiedensohler
(camera4), Jean-Marc Wiesner
9

THE BEST PICTURES
10

This is how it started for most runners
on Friday or Saturday: collect your bib
number at the HALF MARATHON EXPO
at Messe Berlin, then snap a photo to
prove you’re really part of it.
11

THE BEST PICTURES
When you don’t have to queue for
ages and the team answering your
questions knows their stuff, it’s a
great start to your half marathon
weekend.
12

13

THE BEST PICTURES
The first ones off the mark were the kids. On
Saturday morning, young runners (up to ten
years old) showed their athleticism on the Messe
Berlin grounds, racing distances from 200 to
800 metres.
14

15

THE BEST PICTURES
If you’ve got long
hair, it needs sorting
before the race.
Braiding plaits is
just part of the half
marathon routine
when the first rays of
sunshine appear over
the Reichstag dome.

THE BEST PICTURES
18

Running crews get the vibes going before the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. Without
loud music or wild cheering? No chance! It’s
all part of the build-up – and it just gets you
buzzing for the run.
19

THE BEST PICTURES

What pace are you aiming for? The pacers at
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON are
ready to guide you to your target time.

THE BEST PICTURES
With more than 35,000 runners
eager to get going, things can get
a bit tight. To prevent congestion
on the course, the start area was
narrowed. It took a little longer for
everyone to get going, but once
your personal time started, you
were free to run your own race.
Feiern und sich feiern lassen:
Das lieben Läuferinnen und
Läufer genauso wie das
Publikum an den 21,0975
.Kilometer durch Berlin.

THE BEST PICTURES
Feiern und sich feiern lassen:
Das lieben Läuferinnen und
Läufer genauso wie das
Publikum an den 21,0975
.Kilometer durch Berlin.
24

25
From Tiergarten to the sightseeing
route: Mascot Fridolin Fink waves
the runners off – and greets them
again at the Brandenburg Gate, at
some point between one to three
hours later.

THE BEST PICTURES

Spirits are high at Charlottenburg Palace.
By the 4 km mark, most runners have found
their rhythm without yet feeling the fatigue.

THE BEST PICTURES
It’s the Berlin beat! The many bands
along the course keep runners entertained
– and they love it.
Endlich können sich Teilnehmende und
das Publikum wieder ganz nah sein.
Ganz so wie vor der Corona-Pandemie.

THE BEST PICTURES
Whether this dog
ran the whole
course, a short
stretch, or was
carried the full
21.0975 km – no
one knows. We’ll
assume it was just
a brief hello, since
animals technically
aren’t allowed on
the course.

SCC EVENTS would like
to thank its official
sponsors and partners
for their kind support
Der Polizeipräsident in Berlin | Berliner Feuerwehr
Verlag Der Tagesspiegel GmbH | Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG)
ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg
Bezirksamt Mitte von Berlin
Berliner Tiefbauämter: Mitte-Tiergarten, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf,
Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain
Renault Retail Group Deutschland GmbH Niederlassung Berlin
Höffner Möbelgesellschaft GmbH & Co. KG
Senatsverwaltung für Inneres und Sport
Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt Abt. III — Geoinformation
Berliner Leichtathletik Verband e.V. | alle Medien

THE BEST PICTURES
Some moments on the sidelines spark
even more joy than the run itself.

THE BEST PICTURES
34

35
Just one of many photos from the GE-
NERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON that
speaks for itself.

THE BEST PICTURES
A heart for running –
and for Berlin. More
and more people around
the world are catching
the bug.

THE BEST PICTURES
The inline skating season
kicks off every year at the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF
MARATHON. And that makes
them very happy indeed.
38

39

THE BEST PICTURES
40

41
With skies as blue as they were on
6 April 2025, passing through the
Brandenburg Gate feels even more
special.

THE BEST PICTURES
Some play the trumpet in imperial Prussian
style, others bring good vibes and
booming applause.
42

43

THE BEST PICTURES
A Ferrari fan at the edge of the course?
Not quite – it’s the Kraft Runners crew,
dressed up as Scuderia Ferrari. Just
more proof that Berlin really is the Formula
1 of running.
44

45

THE BEST PICTURES
“I Feel Disco” – that was part of the 44th
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON
too. Thanks to the new section on Karl-
Marx-Allee, runners got to feel the Berlin
heartbeat: singalong tunes pumping from
speakers and full-on party mode. One
highlight – Electric Rush, a dark tunnel
with club vibes and beats, stretching
about 50 metres.
46

47

THE BEST PICTURES
48

49
Here, everyone gets to feel like Superman
(or Superwoman). Those final metres between
Brandenburg Gate and the finish line
are among the most iconic in the running
world.

THE BEST PICTURES
50

And then – it’s over. The post-finish medal
selfie is pretty much mandatory now.
51

THE BEST PICTURES
Did you set a new personal best? Let the
world know – at the GENERALI BERLIN
HALF MARATHON, you can ring the bell to
celebrate it!
52

53

THE BEST PICTURES
54

55
One of the most popular photo ops before
heading home: A runner with their medal
in front of the Reichstag building.

THE BEST PICTURES
Wenn sich Laufen wie Fliegen anfüh
Dann kannst du dir sicher sein, das
auf den letzten Metern des GENERA
BERLINER HALBMARATHON zwisch
Brandenburger Tor und Ziel bist.
56

lt:
s du
LI
en
Running stars up close: At the Sunday night party, everyone
comes together – whether they ran a world-class time
like Fotyen Tesfaye or finished at their own personal pace.
57

THE 44TH EDITION IN REVIEW
A Race of
Records

The 44th GENERALI BERLIN
HALF MARATHON was a hot
race in cold weather. A total of
42,667 athletes from 135 nations
registered for Germany’s
largest and most spectacular
half marathon and its associated
events. This now places the
event among the largest half
marathons in the world. From
an elite sport perspective, it
was also a record-breaking race:
Amanal Petros improved his own
German half marathon record to
59:31 minutes, becoming the
first German to break the onehour
barrier. Ethiopia’s Fotyen
Tesfaye smashed the course record,
running the fifth-fastest
time ever recorded worldwide
with 63:35.

AN OVERVIEW
Smiling faces everywhere – that’s what running events are all about. Especially
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.
Even Race Director Mark
Milde was surprised by
the top performances: “Given
the weather, I wasn’t expecting
such strong times,
and I take my hat off to the
athletes. It’s remarkable that
they ran such fast times under
these conditions,” he
said. Overall, the 44th GE-
NERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON was a huge celebration
to kick off the 2025 running
season on the streets of the
capital.
The organisers recorded a
record number of 40,721 runners
from 135 nations. In ad-
– 60 –

The new route was a hit. Some runners, after finishing at Brandenburg Gate,
headed over to Karl-Marx-Allee to keep cheering the others on.
dition, there were 1,042 inline
skaters, 14 hand cyclists, 16
wheelchair athletes, and 874
children who took part in the
Bambini runs and Kids Skating
on Saturday. The participants
came from 135 countries –
another record. “This clearly
sends a message of unity
and peaceful togetherness
among nations,” said Jürgen
Lock, CEO of organiser SCC
EVENTS. He also highlighted
the event’s commitment to
inclusivity across all areas of
society: in Berlin, everyone
is welcome – queer, straight,
with or without disabilities.
– 61 –

AN OVERVIEW
Becoming younger and more female. Around 5,000 people aged 18 to 27 completed
their first half marathon in Berlin.
“We are also delighted to see
more and more younger participants
taking part. We had
5,000 first-time starters in
the 18 to 27 age group alone,
with a 50% female share,”
said Lock. “Running is a statement
– a clear statement for
movement.”
And this message is being
heard all across Europe. Half
marathons are booming. This
is evident in the growth of the
SuperHalfs series, which includes
six top European half
marathons – with Berlin joining
the series in 2024. Those
who finish in Berlin, Valencia,
Copenhagen, Lisbon, Cardiff
and Prague receive a special
medal. The race in Prague
2025 already took place on
Saturday (5 April) just before
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF
– 62 –

ISOTONISCH
VITAMINHALTIG
KALORIENREDUZIERT

MARATHON. Around 250 runners
travelled directly from
Prague to Berlin to run a half
marathon in the Czech Republic
on Saturday and then
again in Berlin less than 24
hours later on Sunday.
A total of 35,583 people finished
the half marathon at the
Brandenburg Gate – yet another
record. The previous best
was 32,989 in 2024. Before
the pandemic, the highest
number was 28,670 in 2019.
But in Berlin, it’s not just about
the numbers – we want to
ensure that each participant
has the best possible personal
experience. And this approach
clearly works, as the
comments at the finish line
show – you can read them in
this digital magazine on pages
106 to 143. The 44th GENERA-
LI BERLIN HALF MARATHON
2025 sold out even earlier
than any of its predecessors,
meaning there will be a drawing
for race entries for the
first time in 2026 (more on
this on page 105).
The partially revised course
was also well received. Once
again, the 21.0975-kilometre
route through Berlin was
into a sightseeing tour on
the run, passing many of the
German capital’s most iconic
landmarks. In 2025, the final
section of the course became
even more attractive, offering
spectators and runners alike
a special atmosphere in the
stretch between the Berlin
Palace, Alexanderplatz, Karl-
Marx-Allee and Museum Island.
The organisers of the GENE-
RALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON have also long worked
with their partners to make
their running events more
sustainable. A key part of
this is the involvement of the
participants – something that
went especially well in 2025:
– 64 –

European success factor: The six SuperHalfs races – in Berlin, Prague, Cardiff,
Lisbon, Copenhagen, and Valencia – continue to inspire happy finishers and fuel
the half marathon boom.
At the HALF MARATHON
EXPO, a running shoe donation
campaign was held with
Berliner Stadtmission (Berlin
City Mission), collecting wellpreserved
trainers for people
experiencing homelessness or
in need.
A total of 443 pairs of shoes
were collected, almost all of
which were suitable for reuse.
Just before the start, runners
donated more than 5,252 kilograms
of used sports clothing
to the Berlin City Mission, to
be passed on to those in need.
– 65 –

That’s a huge increase compared
to 2024, when 650 kilograms
were collected. The
reason is clear: last year it
was so warm that most people
arrived at the start line in
their race gear. This year, with
temperatures just above freezing,
many kept warm in older
clothes, shedding them at the
last minute and placing them
in the provided donation bins.
All of this left title sponsor
GENERALI extremely satisfied.
“For us, the partnership
with SCC EVENTS has been a
perfect match since 2019. We
share the same values and
aim to be lifelong partners
vis-à-vis our customers and
society,” said Tina Mirzai-Spitzer,
Head of Corporate Communications
at GENERALI. As
part of the event, the insurance
group also promoted social
inclusion and equal opportunities
through its initiative
The Human Safety Net.
The GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON is also a major event for the
city: This time, Berlin’s Senator for
the Interior and Sport, Iris Spranger,
gave the official starting signal.

We are grateful to the 2,650 volunteers who
helped make the GENERALI BERLIN HALF
MARATHON such a fantastic event.

FACTS & FIGURES
C L O T H
I N G
C O L L E C T I O N
5,252
kilograms. That‘s how much
the clothing that participants
wore to keep warm before the
start weighed, and which was
collected to be donated to those in
need. In 2024, the items were in such
good condition that 98 percent of them
could be used. A similarly
good figure is hoped for 2025.
With other clothing donations,
only 20 to 50 percent
is usable.
443
pairs of used but
well-preserved running
shoes were handed in at the
EXPO so the Berlin City
Mission could distribute
them to those in need.

B A N A N A S
28,000
bananas were
provided for the
participants. 7,300 of
them were left over and
donated to Berliner Tafel
for people in need.
E N E R G Y PA C K S
40,000
Gel 100 and Drink
Mix 160 by Maurten
were consumed
along the course.
D R I N K I N G
C U P S
250,000
drinking cups made of
recycled PET were needed
for the water supply. A large
quantity of these were
collected and
recycled.

FACTS & FIGURES
Exactly 35,583 participants experienced
this fantastic moment at the 44th
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON:
They finished the race just past the Brandenburg
Gate – on foot, on inline skates,
with a handcycle or in a wheelchair. The
start in Tiergarten included 35,914 participants.
Of those starters, 34,672 runners,
891 skaters, and 20 wheelchair and handcycle
athletes reached the finish line.
Top Ten Nations*
Country Participants
Germany 22,271
Denmark 2,775
Great Britain 2,644
Spain 1,528
Netherlands 1,090
Italy 1,084
Poland 955
Portugal 892
France 866
Norway 635
Running is a lifelong sport
and keeps you young: A
total of 22 participants –
three women and 19 men
– aged over 80 reached
the finish line. Their
times for the 21.0975 km
ranged between 2:11:54
and 3:35:06. One of them,
Christian Hunault from
France, completed the
half marathon in 3:12:24.
Chapeau!

43,8
percent of
participants are
now women –
up from 41.6 percent
last year.
T R E N D : R I S I N G
Fridolin: There can only be two ...
Fridolin Flink is the mascot of half marathon organiser
SCC EVENTS. This friendly weasel lent a helping hand to
the athletes at the finish line. And exactly one of them had
the same first name as the mascot: Fridolin. He finished in
1:46:30, placing 4009th. By the way, three finishers from
Germany and Denmark have the surname “Berlin”.

THE ELITE RACES

Fotyen Tesfay and Amanal Petros crowned the 44th
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON with outstanding
record-breaking performances. Petros, Germany’s
half marathon record holder, bettered his own
best with a sensational 59:31, becoming the first
German ever to break the one-hour barrier. Meanwhile,
Ethiopia’s Fotyen Tesfay demolished the women’s
course record, clocking 63:35 – the fifth-fastest
time ever recorded over the distance. The men’s
race was won by Ethiopian Gemechu Dida, while Esther
Pfeiffer was the fastest German woman.
Texts: Jörg Wenig
Berlin
Queen

Paced by her pacemaker, Fotyen Tesfay ran her second
sub-64-minute half marathon in Berlin – something no
other woman in the world has achieved.
– 74 –

Tesfay’s race was a one-woman
show: she stormed
from start to finish in commanding
fashion, delivering the
most impressive performance
of the day. Her splits in the first
half were close to the world-record
pace of her compatriot Letesenbet
Gidey (62:52). When
Tesfay passed the 10K mark in
29:54, it indicated a projected
finish time of 63:07. For context:
no woman in Germany has
ever run a standalone 10K race
under 30 minutes. Although
she couldn’t quite maintain
that blistering pace in the second
half, Tesfay – paced by her
designated pacer – hit 15 km in
45:02.
Her winning time of 63:35
smashed the previous course
record of 65:02 by almost a minute
and a half – all the more
impressive given the cold and
windy conditions. Tesfay not
only ran the fifth-fastest time
in history, she also set a worldbest
time for the year. And she
became the only woman to
have twice run under 64 minutes
over 21.0975 km.
The Third-Fastest
Woman in History
Back in October, Tesfay ran
63:21 in Valencia, becoming the
third-fastest woman of all time.
“The course is great, but it was
extremely windy, and the cold
was tough for me. The weather
really caught me off guard,”
said the 27-year-old. “But I
found my rhythm and I’m thrilled
with such a strong time.”
Originally a middle-distance
and cross-country runner, Tesfay
made her half marathon debut
at the Great North Run in
Newcastle in 2019, finishing in
70:26. Then came the COVID-19
pandemic, putting her career
on hold.
She didn’t return to international
competition until 2023
– but immediately impressed,
finishing fifth at the World
Cross Country Championships
– 75 –

DAS THE WOMEN‘S RENNEN DER RACE FRAUEN
Top Ten 2025
Runner Country Time
1. Fotyen Tesfay ETH 63:35
2. Ftaw Zeray ETH 67:02
3. Alemaddis Eyayu ETH 67:12
4. Diana Chepkorir KEN 68:46
5. Winnie Kimutai KEN 69:10
6. Georgie Grec NZL 69:13
7. Esther Pfeiffer GER 69:15
8. Samantha Harrison GBR 69:23
9. Caroline Korir KEN 69:46
10. Blanka Dörfel GER 69:46
Esther Pfeiffer clocked 69:15, finishing seventh and top German.
in what was then the best performance
of her career. A year
later, she placed seventh in the
Olympic 10,000m final in Paris.
Then came her breakthrough
half in Valencia, slashing over
five minutes off her PB.
Tesfay’s rapid rise is no surprise
– she trains in Addis Ababa
with one of the most elite marathon
squads in the world.
Training with Tigst Assefa
and an Olympic Champion
Under coach Gemedu Dedefo,
her training partners include
Olympic silver medallist and
former marathon world record
– 76 –

holder Tigst Assefa, reigning
world marathon champion
Amane Beriso, and Olympic
marathon champion Tamirat
Tola. In the near future, Fotyen
Tesfay will also make her marathon
debut.
Behind her, compatriot Ftaw
Zeray – just like last year – finished
second, crossing the
line in 67:02. Alemaddis Eyayu
completed the all-Ethiopian
podium with a time of 67:12.
As expected, Esther Pfeiffer
(Düsseldorf Athletics) was the
fastest German woman. The
steeplechase specialist Gesa
Krause (Silvesterlauf Trier)
kept up with Pfeiffer, wife
of 2:07 marathoner Hendrik
Pfeiffer, until around kilometre
14, after which the Düsseldorf
athlete pulled away. Esther
Pfeiffer finished seventh
overall, clocking an impressive
personal best of 69:15 – a time
that now places her tenth on
the German all-time list.
Blanka Dörfel, wearing face paint, ran
a new personal best of 69:46 to make
the top ten.
At the cathedral, Gesa Krause was on
her own – 70:02 and eleventh place
weren’t what she had hoped for.

Blanka Dörfel (Marathon Team
Berlin) also delivered a strong
race. She improved her personal
best to 69:46, finishing
as the second-fastest German
woman and taking tenth place.
At kilometre 18, the 22-yearold
caught up to Gesa Krause
and overtook her. After two
years hampered by injuries
and illness, Dörfel broke the
70-minute barrier for the first
time and now ranks 16th on the
all-time German list.
Blanka Dörfel eyes
national title race
“I went into the race without
pressure and without a specific
target time,” said Blanka Dörfel.
She’s now planning to compete
at the German Half Marathon
Championships in Paderborn
on Easter Saturday and will focus
on the 5000 metres during
the summer season.
Gesa Krause takes a risk –
but it doesn’t pay off
For European steeplechase
silver medallist Gesa Krause,
things didn’t go as hoped. A
month ago, she had clocked
69:46 in The Hague, but this
time she crossed the line in
70:02, finishing eleventh. “I
took a risk and felt great at the
start. But when I had to run
alone, I really struggled – the
race felt very long,” said Krause,
who will now shift her focus
back to steeplechase for the
summer. A marathon debut is
not on the horizon for her any
time soon.
Meanwhile, Kristina Hendel finished
31st in 75:26. Rabea
Schöneborn (Marathon Team
Berlin) dropped out after passing
the 10K mark in 34:35.
– 78 –

TOP GERMAN: ESTHER PFEIFFER
– 80 –

Always
moving
forward
Esther Pfeiffer was the fastest
German woman at the GENERALI
BERLIN HALF MARATHON, finishing
seventh overall. The national
field was so strong that race director
Mark Milde referred to it as “an
unofficial German championship.”
The 27-year-old improved
her personal best by 34
seconds to 69:15 in Berlin – a
result that may have surprised
some, but it is the natural
outcome of her consistent
rise. Esther Pfeiffer, who is
married to 2:07 marathoner
Hendrik Pfeiffer, is coached
by her husband. Under his
guidance, she has progressed
from the national to the wider
European elite. At the start of
April, her Berlin performance
placed her 12th on the European
season’s best list.
– 81 –

Esther’s entry into athletics
came in a rather unusual
way. Her talent was spotted
as early as kindergarten: “My
nursery teacher suggested I
try athletics because no one
could catch me when we played
tag,” she recalls. She began
on the track, focusing on
the 800 and 1,500 metres.
Track-to-road
switch pays off
However, in the middle distances,
she wasn’t quite fast
enough to see a path forward
nationally or internationally.
In October 2022, she made
her half marathon debut in
Cologne, winning with little
competition in 75:53. She
returned to the same race in
2024, clocking 69:49. In just
two years, she had improved
by over six minutes.
Her breakthrough at the national
level came just over a
year ago. In Seville, she placed
fifth and qualified for the
European Championships in
Rome with a time of 70:24.
Strong showing at the
European Championships
In Italy, she impressed at
her first major international
competition, finishing 18th
and third among the German
women. She also won a silver
medal as part of the German
team. The psychology student
carried her strong form
into the autumn with two
wins in Hamburg (German
Championships) and Cologne,
both in sub-70-minute times
(69:51 and 69:49). In January,
she lined up for another
half marathon in Houston,
Texas, but had to drop out
– 82 –

rrg-auto.de
KRAFT. DYNAMIK.
PERFEKTE TECHNIK.
WIR WISSEN, WIE MAN ÜBER JEDE DISTANZ DIE
BESTE PERFORMANCE HINLEGT UND GRATULIEREN
ALLEN TEILNEHMENDEN ZU IHREM ERFOLG!
NIEDERLASSUNG BERLIN
Fennpfuhl | Weissenseer Weg 32- 34 | 13055 Berlin
– 83
Pankow
–
| Blankenburger Straße 85 -105 | 13156 Berlin
Tempelhof | Germaniastraße 145 -149 | 12099 Berlin

TOP GERMAN: ESTHER PFEIFFER
due to freezing conditions.
In March, she spent a month
at altitude training in Kenya.
“Training there went really
well, so I felt confident going
into Berlin,” said Pfeiffer. She
narrowly missed her goal of
68:45 – something she put
down to the bitterly cold and
windy conditions in Berlin.
“What a relief – I’m happy I
was able to beat my PB despite
the wind. It wasn’t easy
in these conditions,” she said
after the race. “I’ll get that
sub-69 next time.”

SEI DABEI
Weimar
27.4.2025
Weimar feiert die Ankunft von Goethe vor 250 Jahren
mit einem besonderen Highlight: dem Goethe.Kultur.Lauf –
einer einzigartigen Mischung aus Sport & Kultur
mit Lauf-, Walking- und Nordic-Walking-Angeboten.
www.goethe-kultur-lauf.de

THE MEN’S RACE
Going it alone
in the wind
At the front of the race,
the favourites were left
without a pacemaker just a
few kilometres in – not ideal
given the windy conditions.
The pacer had been unable to
maintain the required speed.
So it was up to the fastest
athlete on the start list, Gemechu
Dida, to take the initiative
early, pulling ahead of
Kenya’s Gideon Kiprotich and
– 86 –

While Gemechu Dida stormed to victory
alone, Amanal Petros had company on his
way to breaking the German record – including
Kenya’s Richard Etir, seen here with
him in front of the iconic Berlin Cathedral.

THE MEN‘S RACE
Top Ten 2025
Runner Country Time
1. Gemechu Dida ETH 58:43
2. Richard Etir KEN 59:30
3. Amanal Petros GER 59:31
4. Richard Ringer GER 60:51
5. Curtin Fearghal IRL 61:12
6. Carlos Diaz CHI 61:20
7. Akira Aizawa JPN 61:21
8. Gideon Kiprotich KEN 61:25
9. Joshua Kithuku KEN 61:41
10. Robert Kiprop KEN 61:49
European marathon champion Richard Ringer delivered a stellar run over the
half distance, finishing fourth in a personal best of 60:51.
Richard Etir. By the 10K mark,
which he hit in 27:43, the Ethiopian
already held a 19-second
lead over Etir.
In his chase for the course
record, Dida widened the gap
even further. But in the end,
he missed the mark of Kenya’s
Eric Kiptanui – 58:42 from
2018 – by a frustrating single
second. Still, considering the
tough conditions, it was a brilliant
solo run from Gemechu
Dida. His victory marked the
end of an extraordinary streak:
it had been exactly ten
years since a non-Kenyan last
won the GENERALI BERLIN
HALF MARATHON – Ethiopia’s
Birhanu Legese in 2015.
– 88 –

Germany’s Amanal Petros
(Hannover 96) held his own
superbly against the strong
African field. From the start,
he was on pace for a subone-hour
finish. After three
kilometres, he was already
about 40 metres ahead of fellow
German runners Richard
Ringer (LC Rehlingen) and
Johannes Motschmann (Marathon
Team Berlin).
Even the European
record looked vulnerable
It became clear that Petros
was in such phenomenal form
that no national competitor
could match him. The only
question was how far under
one hour he could go. His 10K
split of 28:09 suggested a finish
around 59:25 – bringing
the European record of 59:13,
set seven years ago by Switzerland’s
Julien Wanders, within
sight. But the wind proved
too strong to chase it down.
In the second half of the race,
Petros caught up to Kenya’s
Richard Etir and the pair ran
side by side. “Having him in
front of me really helped,”
said Petros, who has previously
competed for the Marathon
Team Berlin. In the end,
Etir narrowly held him off to
finish second with 59:30.
First German podium
finish since 1993
Still, Amanal Petros smashed
his own German record by
38 seconds – improving from
60:09 to 59:31. He is now the
fourth-fastest European of all
time and set a European season’s
best. He also became the
first German man to reach the
podium at the GENERALI BER-
LIN HALF MARATHON since
1993, when Carsten Eich actually
won the race in a then-European
record of 60:34.
– 89 –

Another standout performance
came from 2022 European
marathon champion Richard
Ringer (LC Rehlingen),
who finished fourth with a
new personal best of 60:51,
making him the third-fastest
German of all time.
Berlin’s Johannes Motschmann,
who is preparing
for the Boston Marathon on
Easter Monday, placed 12th
in 62:21. Just behind him, Filimon
Abraham (LG Telis Finanz
Regensburg) crossed
the line in 62:28.
In the front wave, world-class elites – and just behind them, ambitious amateur
athletes: that only happens in the sport of running.
– 90 –

WINNER PROFILE: GEMECHU DIDA
Plan B: The

With slightly better conditions, Gemechu Dida would almost certainly
have broken the course record by a clear margin. But without a pacemaker,
in cold temperatures and strong wind, the Ethiopian crossed the
line in 58:43 – just one second shy of the Berlin course record and four
seconds off his personal best of 58:39.
Marathon

WINNER PROFILE: GEMECHU DIDA
Just after the start, Gemechu Dida overtook the last planned pacemaker and
continued solo into the cold Berlin wind.
Despite facing three major
challenges, the winner
delivered a fantastic performance:
“The wind was strong,
and running without a pacemaker
is obviously difficult.
But it was also the cold that
caught me off guard. I train at
altitude in Ethiopia, but even
there it’s not as cold right
– 94 –

now as it was today in Berlin,”
said Gemechu Dida.
Just after his first road race
win – the Great Ethiopian Run
10K in Addis Ababa – Dida
made a strong half marathon
debut in March 2022, finishing
second in the Rome-Ostia race
in Italy with 59:21. Since then,
he has raced seven times over
the 21.0975 km distance, clocking
sub-one-hour finishes
on six occasions.
Last year, he attempted
to qualify for the Olympic
Games over 10,000 metres.
The Ethiopian trials, held in
Nerja, Spain, turned out to be
one of the fastest 10,000m
races ever. Dida ran a worldclass
26:42.65 – but even that
was only enough for fifth pla-
ce, meaning he missed the
cut for Paris. This year, he’s
making another attempt, aiming
to qualify over 10,000m
for the World Championships
in Tokyo this September. “I
expect to run at the World
Championships,” said Gemechu
Dida – but he’s already
got a plan B: “If not, maybe
I’ll make my marathon debut
in Berlin.”
The carbon-plated shoe also played a
part in Gemechu Dida’s performance
– he raced in the adidas Adizero Adios
Pro Evo 1.

INCLUSION
Group photo with the TV Tower: Between Rotes Rathaus and
Marienkirche, a large group of people with disabilities joined
in to complete and enjoy the final two kilometres of the half
marathon.

A Full
Programme
Inclusion. In sport that means equal participation for people with
and without disabilities – and at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF
MARATHON, that’s been a lived reality for years. The 44th edition
once again featured numerous highlights.
T
he most spectacular was
undoubtedly the secondplace
finish by 14-year-old
Amos Ruben Donath in the racing
wheelchair category. The
teenager from Leipzig’s BRS
club crossed the line in 56:14
minutes, winning the German
Para Championships – held
AMOS RUBEN DONATH

in various categories as part
of the 44th GENERALI BER-
LIN HALF MARATHON. Only
Thomas van Hulst of Holland
was faster, finishing in 56:11.
Among the runners, Thomas
Eller claimed the national
title with a time of 1:23:48.
The deaf teacher is a familiar
face in Berlin: at the 50th
anniversary marathon in September,
he enabled a group
of deaf students to take part
in the 4.2195 km mini-MARA-
THON presented by Generali –
a premiere not only a sporting
challenge, but also a moment
in which they were seen and
valued as full participants.
The very next day, they were
out cheering their teacher as
he ran 2:55:06 in the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON. For the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MA-
RATHON, Thomas Eller returned
to Berlin and secured the
para title wearing the colours
of the Berlin Braves.
A large group of people with
– 98 –

– 99 –
This is what a half marathon
feels like: In Berlin, anyone who
wants to experience it can do so.

INCLUSION
disabilities joined the half
marathon at the point where
the route turns from Rotes
Rathaus towards the final
straight past Museum
Island and Unter den Linden.
Around 50 participants
»
took
MATTHIAS HOFFMANN
Finished in 1:22:24
part in this inclusion run –
some in wheelchairs, others
running or using walkers, accompanied
by their caregivers
– giving them the chance
to experience the atmosphere
of the final two kilometres of
Berlin was simply amazing. Everything
came together – the weather
was perfect, the atmosphere incredible,
and I felt great from start to
finish. I started right up front – in
Block A, about ten rows back. Of
course, I overtook people – though
not as many as you would if you start
mid-pack. And yes, I got overtaken
too – but not too often. Even at that
pace, I was soaking up the atmosphere.
Absolutely brilliant, what was
happening along the course. Now I’m
taking a bit of a break and resting
up. In May, I’ll be racing on the track
in Lübeck at the Special Olympics
Schleswig-Holstein – in the 5000m
and 1500m. After winning silver in
the 10000m at the Special Olympics
World Games in Berlin in 2023, my big
goal now is to compete at the World
Games in Chile in 2027 – and bring
home at least one more medal.”
– 100 –

Germany’s biggest half marathon
and feel for themselves
the joy and sense of achievement
that running can bring.
The initiative was made possible
by Special Olympics Berlin
and the Fürst Donnersmarck
Foundation.
And then we also had Matthias
Hoffmann and Patrick Raguse
– both featured in the
event magazine ahead of the
44th GENERALI BERLIN HALF
MARATHON. They not only
completed the race but did
so in style. Thirty-seven-year-old
Special Olympics athlete
Matthias Hoffmann, born
– 101 –

with asymmetrical muscle
strength, improved his personal
best by two and a half minutes
to 1:22:24. Meanwhile,
»
Patrick Raguse, who was told
PATRICK RAGUSE
Finished in 2:13:51
after a motorbike accident at
age 16 that he would never
speak, study or walk again,
was overjoyed with his 2:13:51
finish.
It was just wonderful. I had a strategy
to make it to the finish in good shape:
for the first five kilometres, I ran for
11 minutes, then walked for one. After
that, I did 16 minutes running, one
walking. From kilometre 10 onwards,
it was 21 minutes running, one minute
walking. Then around kilometre 16 or
17, I turned off the pacer and just kept
running – all the way to the finish.
Was it exhausting? Of course – but I
had fun. And I had my fan club! Three
people cheering me on from the sidelines
again and again. They ended up
meeting four others who later joined
in to really celebrate me all the way to
the finish. For me, things will continue
this summer at the Bavarian Special
Olympics State Games in Erlangen,
where I’ll run the 3000m, 5000m and
10000 m.. In autumn, I’ll take on the
marathon in Frankfurt. And next year,
I’ll be back – for the half, and definitely
the full marathon in Berlin too.”
– 102 –

MOVE FOR
CHANGE
AUCH
VIRTUELL
Sei dabei!
Seit 40 Jahren
laufen wir für mehr.
17. Mai 2025
im Tiergarten, Berlin
@frauenlaufberlin
#laufengegenkrebs
www.berliner-frauenlauf.de

Do it
again!
Lottery for Entry to the
45th GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON
on 29 March 2026
Due to significantly increased demand, entry places
for the 45th GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON
(29 March 2026) will be allocated through a lottery
system. Interest is expected to be even higher in
2026 as the event celebrates its 45th edition. The
lottery ensures that all interested participants
have an equal chance of securing a place during
the registration period.
The lottery registration period runs until 22 May
2025. All participants will automatically receive
their lottery results via email on 2 June 2025,
allowing them to plan their participation in the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON on 29 March
2026 in good time.
Register
now!
www.generali-berliner-halbmarathon.de
105

The runners who cross the finish line first at the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON are known
around the world. But at every race, there are
so many more winners – even if they’re not the
fastest. We caught up with some of them at the
finish line and were moved by their emotions.
Texts: Christian Ermert, Anja Herrlitz, Finn Lenzen
Photos: Andreas Schwarz
In the company
of friends

If you came from sunny Spain, like Beatriz did, the GENERALI BERLIN HALF
MARATHON might have felt a bit chilly. But the chemist from northern Spain,
who ran in Berlin with her friends, thoroughly enjoyed the race. “The atmosphere
was amazing, music everywhere – fantastic!” she said. She had already run the half
marathon in Valencia, which, like Berlin, is part of the SuperHalfs series. “And now
I’m going to run the other SuperHalfs too,” she added at the finish, before heading
off for a four-day holiday in Berlin.
– 108 –

Esmeraldo, a banker from Angola’s capital Luanda, trains regularly and
even has a Belgian coach. While the coach prepared him well for the GENE-
RALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, he had to tackle the cold himself. “It’s 25
degrees in Angola, here it’s only four,” he said. When he started feeling pain
in his legs after 17 kilometres, he slowed down, but still crossed the finish in just
1:42:21.
– 109 –

Berlin – Jürgen from Cologne is always happy to return here to run, whether
for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON or the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.
“It’s always a really lovely event,” he said. The vibe? Fantastic at both races. While
he usually runs through parks and woodland back home in Cologne’s greenbelt, he
loved the urban route through Berlin. “The new course might even be a little nicer
than the old one – running feels better on it.”
– 110 –

Just go for it. Be bold: that’s the name and motto of Malina and Celine’s running
club in Munich. And true to that motto, the lawyer and HR specialist took on
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. They admitted their training could have
been better – no long runs, no intervals. But the race? “Surprisingly great. Amazing
vibe, brilliant bands and cheering zones, lovely weather! And a final sprint just before
the finish.”
– 111 –

Doing an aerial lift like that after a half marathon? No problem for Bastian and
Michelle. In their hometown of Cologne, they’re part of the Kölsche Greesberger
dance troupe and were the dance couple for the 2024/2025 season. During peak
carnival season in Cologne, sport takes a back seat, but the rest of the year they’re
often out running. They run several half marathons each year, and Michelle has
already completed all the SuperHalfs with her mum Nicole and sister Janine.
– 112 –

How many times has Robert run the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON?
He’s not quite sure – after all, as a Berliner, it’s his hometown race. “But at least 20
times,” he reckons. He’s also run the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, so he was especially
pleased about the new route this year. “Finally, something different!” His orange
costume? No special meaning. “It’s just orange. And I love it when people smile
because of it.”
– 114 –

In real life, Mario and Luigi are actually Annika and Peter, and they zipped
through Berlin “like in Mario Kart, racing through the levels.” The maths student
and the metalworker met through running in Burg near Magdeburg and this
wasn’t their first time running in the capital. They really liked the new course – and
they brought some running friends along too. “Superwoman also ran it as well,”
they said with a wink.
– 115 –

Liane and Kimberly from the English Midlands have a mission: They want to
complete all six of the wonderful races that make up the SuperHalfs series –
and the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON was their first. The duo, who
train together three to four times a week, were thrilled. “The race today was amazing
– especially the crowds and the music. We had such a great time!”
– 116 –

Svenja started this year’s race with a bit of anxiety. “It was supposed to be really
cold,” explained the Berlin nurse. In the end, her worries were unfounded. She
crossed the finish line in 2:01:29 – a new personal best! “I did get a bit confused
by the new route,” she admitted, “because on Karl-Marx-Allee you’re running
towards the other runners for what feels like ages – and that turnaround just
wouldn’t come!”
– 117 –

“Eat and relax” – That’s how Sandra and Josefine laughingly summed up their
evening plans for after the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. Before
that, the two Danes had thoroughly enjoyed the 21.0975 kilometres through the
German capital. “It was just incredible! Especially the cheering crowds and the overall
vibe of the city,” said the student and the psychologist. They added with a grin,
“And the fact that the route is so wonderfully flat.”
– 118 –

Did you spot Barbie and Ken? That’s who Diana and Irene looked like as they
made their way through Berlin’s streets – thanks to an extra layer of clothing
to keep out the cold. Diana, originally from Mexico and now living in Munich,
and Irene, an Italian based in Berlin, met through sport: Irene was Diana’s personal
trainer 13 years ago – “and then we became best friends.” And now, best running
partners.
– 119 –

Carolina, Beatriz and Ivo came as a trio from Portugal, travelling to Berlin to
run one of the six SuperHalfs half marathons. But actually, there were far more
of them: “We came with 30 people from our Lisbon Run Club Miles and Vibes,” they
explained. In addition to the crowd and the music, one thing particularly wowed
them – the techno tunnel. Around 50 metres of pounding beats and flashing lights
in a tunnel gave them one last rush of adrenaline.
– 120 –

Dein Marathon-
Countdown startet hier
24. August 2025
www.berliner-generalprobe.de
– 121 –

Two half marathons on two consecutive days? Okay. In two different cities – and
two different countries? Now that’s sporty, maybe even a little mad. Swantje ran
in Prague on Saturday, jumped in the car, and drove around 350 kilometres to
Berlin to line up on Sunday with Juliane. “Prague, with its old town, was lovely –
but the atmosphere here is so much better. There’s something happening on every
corner,” she said afterwards.
– 122 –

Jakob was convinced the cheering crowds helped him run at least five minutes
faster at his very first half marathon. “I usually don’t start running until the summer
– which is silly. So I signed up for the half marathon, and that meant training in
the winter,” said the Berliner. Now he’s caught the running bug. He’s already planning
on signing up for the next GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.
– 123 –

Melba works as a respiratory therapist in Miami. Maybe that was what helped her
keep going right to the finish of the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. Regardless,
the American thoroughly enjoyed the run through the German capital. She’d
been in Berlin with a friend since Tuesday, soaking up the sights. “Berlin is an
amazing city! I especially love how multicultural it is,” she said enthusiastically.
– 124 –

Foday originally comes from Sierra Leone, but now lives in London and had a very
special honour: his company, Labrum, designed the Olympic kit for Sierra Leone’s
team for Paris 2024 in collaboration with Adidas. And that’s exactly what
he was wearing when he hit the start line with his friends. “This was my first half
marathon last year – and now I’m back,” he said. “The people here give you so
much energy, everyone’s cheering for you – even though we’re strangers.”
– 125 –

Daniel had run a half marathon before – but it was a self-organised run during
the pandemic. “That, of course, was nothing like today – with all the people along
the route, cheering zones, and everything that comes with a big race,” he laughed
at the finish. Why did he sign up? “It was an idea we had over a few beers with
friends.” And even though the training hadn’t exactly gone to plan, he still had a
great time. “The best bit? Definitely the start – with the music and the hype from
the announcer – and then that final stretch to the finish line.”
– 126 –

Heike lives in Berlin, so she knows the city well. But running her first half marathon
here was something completely new. “I know the city mostly by car, so
seeing the sights on foot was just brilliant,” she said excitedly. One of her highlights
was running through the Brandenburg Gate, where she even found the energy for
a sprint finish. Heike, a tax consultant, trained for a whole year – clocking 25 to 30
kilometres per week – to get ready for this moment.
– 127 –

“It was tough, but I’m happy,” was Constanze’s verdict. She’d travelled from
Paris especially for the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON – and it was absolutely
worth it. She started out ambitiously, aiming for a 1:38 finish time, battled
through the second half, and crossed the finish in 1:37:38 – a new personal best. A
great result and a fantastic experience – Berlin was definitely worth the trip.
– 128 –

For Eva from Berlin, this year’s GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON wasn’t
just about the sport. She also wanted to support a good cause – running to raise
money for Doctors Without Borders. With amazing weather and an electric atmosphere
– especially in the final third of the course – the half marathon was pure joy.
Afterward, she was planning on celebrating her achievement. And rightly so!
– 129 –

Thirteen hours in Berlin and back to London – with a half marathon in between.
That was the plan for friends Esmee and Helena from London. Following the
motto of their running community, “Say yes,” they simply couldn’t say no to the
adventure. And it was worth it: “The course was brilliant and the atmosphere absolutely
incredible. I didn’t want the race to end!” For both of them, it was an unforgettable
experience.
– 130 –

Karen from Leicester ran the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON for a
deeply personal reason: her cousin is battling cancer. Since his diagnosis, she’s
been raising money for leukaemia patients by running all the SuperHalfs races.
With her successful finish in Berlin, she’s now completed the entire series. And
Berlin was definitely a highlight: “The atmosphere here is incredible. From start to
finish, the crowds never stop cheering. Just brilliant!”
– 131 –

It was Lisa’s third time running the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON –
and still very much worth it. The primary school teacher was especially thrilled by
the atmosphere along the route: “There was so much music – it really motivated
me, especially when I needed that last bit of energy near the end.”
– 132 –

Ute made a quick trip to Berlin and casually ran a half marathon along the way.
“Berlin’s a must, it’s the capital after all,” joked the runner from Essen, for whom
this was her first GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. She’s already taken part
in several events – like the Vivawest Marathon in Gelsenkirchen and the Deutsche
Post Marathon in Bonn – but Berlin was something special.
– 133 –

Normally, Vanessa from Berlin plays competitive tennis. But she’s also discovered
a love for running. Compared to her first half marathon a year ago, she
crossed the finish five minutes faster this time. She was so in the zone – spurred on
by the amazing atmosphere and the crowd – that she almost missed the finish line.
“I thought: Oh! We’re here already?” she laughed. She didn’t even notice she’d run
through the Brandenburg Gate. But she’ll get another chance in the autumn – she’s
signed up for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

Dirk from Hof ran the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON as the 13th fairy
– and stepped right out of his comfort zone. For him, the 13th fairy from the
world of fairytales symbolises luck and joy. At the finish, he shared his approach to
the 21-kilometre run: “I just wanted to enjoy it – great weather, great vibes, great
people.” He’s planning to take the same attitude to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
in September – though perhaps in a different costume.
– 135 –

Friedel wasn’t concerned about his time. His goal was to enjoy every step of
the race – and that’s exactly what he did. “That was the best run I’ve ever had.
Honestly. Absolutely brilliant,” he said at the finish. “A fantastic route, a beautiful
day, and even enough energy left for a stroll through the city with the family
afterward. What more could you ask for?” He’s ready now for the next highlight:
the Matjeslauf in his hometown of Emden – a run celebrating the start of herring
season in the North Sea each May.
– 136 –

Christian from Weil der Stadt in Swabia has already run quite a few half marathons.
But this was his first time hitting the streets of Berlin. “It was really cool,”
he said after the race. The GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON was just the beginning
for him – his goal is to complete all the other five SuperHalfs events
in Cardiff, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Prague, and Valencia. He made his first step
towards that goal in Berlin.
– 137 –

As the saying goes, all good things come in threes. After running the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON and the Big 25, Katrin from Hattingen returned to Berlin
for the third time – and a third different distance. And once again, the German
capital impressed: “It went surprisingly well, the weather was even a bit better than
expected, and the atmosphere was fantastic. So many people out on the streets – it
was just great.”
– 138 –

Because once just wasn’t enough – Laura from the Netherlands came back for
more. After finishing her first half marathon in Enschede last spring, a friend
suggested she sign up for the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. She didn’t
think twice – and had no regrets at the finish line. “This is a massive event. So much
better than my first half marathon!”
– 139 –

Second time in Berlin – but this time just half the distance. Lina from Paris had
such a good time at last year’s BMW BERLIN-MARATHON that she immediately
signed up for the half marathon in spring. Six months later, she was once
again swept up in the amazing atmosphere that Berlin’s running events offer: “The
vibe here is just incredible. I love running in this city.” So, chances are, we’ll see Lina
back on Berlin’s streets soon.
– 140 –

Even after 35 years of running experience, there’s still time for a Berlin debut.
Michael, who travelled over from England, proved just that by taking part in the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON for the first time. He’s run plenty of big marathons
and races before, but this was his first time in Berlin. He narrowly missed
his goal of finishing in under 2:15, but it was still worth the journey – especially for
the city’s iconic sights and rich history.
– 141 –

Three friends from Duisburg are on a shared half marathon mission. Over the
past few months, Marie, Marc, and Britta trained after work and at weekends
to prepare for the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON. And it paid off: “Perfect
weather, brilliant organisation, amazing race, and all the landmarks you pass along
the way – it was incredible.” The post-race celebration with beer and bratwurst?
That was the cherry on top.
– 142 –

Caroline and Leah from London are travelling across Europe together to take
part in running events. Before the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON, they’d
already ticked off three other SuperHalfs races – in Prague, Lisbon, and Valencia.
Berlin impressed them both as runners and as tourists: “It was absolutely perfect.
We really made the most of our time here.” Now they’re already looking forward to
their next race adventures.
– 143 –

THE SPECIAL EVENT

Experience
culture
on the go
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe came to Weimar in 1775 and, together
with other artists, helped the city in Thuringia gain a worldwide reputation
as a centre for culture, art and modernity. The 250th anniversary
of his arrival is being celebrated with a special kind of run:
sport and culture are combined in a very special way at the Goethe.
Kultur.Lauf (Goethe.Culture.Run).
27 APRIL
2025

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
came to Weimar in
1775 and, together with other
artists, helped the city in
Thuringia gain a worldwide
reputation as a centre for culture,
art and modernity. The
anniversary of his arrival is
celebrated with a special kind
of run: sport and culture are
combined in a very special
way at the Goethe.Culture.
Run. As Goethe said: „Only
where you have been on foot
have you really been.“ So, if
you want to get to know Weimar,
you have to experience it
on foot.
Four routes peppered
with cultural breaks
The Goethe.Culture.Run is a
celebration of the anniversary
of Johann Wolfgang von
Goethe‘s arrival in Weimar
through a sporting event.
Running and culture go hand
in hand at this event. There
are four routes in total, which
are peppered with cultural
breaks where you can make
art or listen to music, for
example. The names of the
routes are based on Goethe‘s
colour wheel, which also inspired
the colourful design of
the event.
From the start at Weimar City
Palace, four routes ranging
between 4.2 and 25.6 kilometres
lead past numerous
sights and through beautiful
parks to the finish area
at the Platz der Demokratie.
Eight cultural stops provide
the highlights of each route,
each inviting you to linger.
Activities involving theatre,
writing, music and drawing
are presented and offered in
Weimar‘s classical buildings.
The whole event is organized
by SCC EVENTS, which is
also responsible for the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON and the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MA-
RATHON.
This running event is not a
– 146 –

© Maik Schuck, Weimar GmbH
classic race in which the aim
is to achieve the best time.
Rather, this unique Weimar
run combines sport and culture
to create a very special
REGISTER
NOW
experience—true to the motto:
the journey is the destination.
Running paired with the
fascination of Goethe in the
cultural city of Weimar provide
the special appeal of the
four routes, which bear the
lyrical names Verstand, Phantasie,
Sinnlichkeit and Vernunft
(Understanding, Fantasy,
Sensuality and Reason).
Whether you choose a short
or long distance, enjoyment
is guaranteed at the Goethe.
Culture.Run. And even if the
– 147 –

athletic performance aspect
of this innovative running
event is taking a back seat, an
attractive medal still awaits
all finishers at the finish line.
Goethe raised Weimar
to its prestige
The arrival of Goethe, who
was 26 years old at the time,
marked the beginning of Weimar‘s
rise to become the centre
of literary Europe. The city
owes its worldwide reputation
as a centre for culture, art and
modernity to him. Goethe‘s
life in Weimar was shaped by
his role as a statesman, as he
was heavily involved in the
affairs of the state of the Duchy
of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach
through his close relationship
with Duke Karl August.
Goethe moved to the tranquil
royal seat in 1775 and spent
more than 50 years there,
during which he played a decisive
role in shaping Weimar
Classicism. Between courtly
duties, politics and research,
however, he ultimately did not
have enough time for his true
passions: poetry, nature and
travel. Goethe felt exhausted,
unbalanced and artistically
blocked; today one would say
the genius was suffering from
burnout.
Schiller, Bach and
Liszt also left their
mark on Weimar
Only through his famous „escape“
to Italy, a journey without
much notice that would
last two years, did he reignite
his spark. He found new inspiration
in the Italian landscape
and art and returned
to Weimar refreshed and full
of creative energy. The experience
was so formative for
Goethe that he later wrote:
„Italy was a rebirth for me.“
But of course Goethe is not
the only great personality

© Andre Mey
© Markus Glahn, Schatzkammer Thüringen
The anniversary of
Goethe‘s arrival is
being celebrated in
Weimar. All participants
in the Goethe.
Culture.Run will
receive this beautiful
medal.
© Thomas Müller, weimar GmbH
Weimar, City of Culture. The home of Goethe
that the city has cultivated.
The list of celebrities who
chose Weimar as their adopted
home is long. In addition
to Goethe, the various eras
were also influenced by Schil-
ler, Bach, Liszt and the avantgardists
of the Bauhaus movement.
It would be hard to
find a more appropriate place
in Germany to organise a cultural
run.
– 149 –

Fancy a selfie
with Goethe?
Would you like to be immortalized in a selfie with Goethe? Or experience
musical and theatrical masterpieces amidst historical backdrops?
The Goethe.Culture.Run combines sporting activity with unique cultural
breaks in places steeped in history.
Take a break! These treats await you along the course:
Belvedere Palace:
Music of the Goethe era
Young talents - pupils of the
Schloss Belvedere music high
school – will enchant you with
samples of their musical skills
based on specially selected compositions
from Goethe‘s time.
Tiefurt Castle:
Faustian scenes
The actors from Weimar‘s
Junges Theater Stellwerk will
bring scenes from Goethe‘s
magnum opus „Faust“ and other
classics to life, reinterpreting
them with great commitment
and passion.
A selfie with Goethe in
his garden house
One of Goethe‘s favorite places
in Weimar, his garden
house in the park on the Ilm
River, is the ideal setting to
immortalize yourself with
Weimar‘s famous poet and be
able to say „I met Goethe“.
– 150 –

Honey tasting at
the bee museum
Goethe and his wife kept bees
in Weimar, which inspired him
to write many verses. The Weimar
Bee Museum invites you
to take a delicious break with
honey tasting.
Letters from the terrace of the
Goethe and Schiller Archive
Make my day! Ready to make
someone’s day brighter? With
a quill pen and ink, you can put
a clever thought down on paper.
This will be sealed in a letter
and exchanged for another
runner‘s letter.
Surfing on the Goethe wave with
live music by Surfsubotnik
The Erfurt band Surfsubotnik
brings a real surf feeling to
Weimar with their longing, exotic
guitar music - instrumental
sounds invite you to take an invigorating
break.
Send personal greetings
from the Roman House
Stamped postcards and ink are
available at the Roman House
so that you can send your loved
ones greetings in Goethe‘s
style.
Goethe‘s drawing school in the
Schießhaus: painting like the
privy councillor
Here you can follow in Goethe‘s
footsteps and pick up a
paintbrush like the privy councillor
himself. Be inspired by
Goethe‘s creative spirit and
experience painting in a whole
new way.
Drawing, writing or listening
to music - running and
culture come together at
the Goethe.Culture.Run.

THE SPECIAL EVENT
28 JUNE
2025
BECOME A
HIKING HERO!
Don‘t be surprised,
we’re going hiking
Hiking is establishing itself as a sport for everyone. So why not test your limits
with us? Lots of nature, a great atmosphere and sore muscles are pre-programmed
on the 44-kilometre circuit through Brandenburg!

The motto of the event: a
different kind of marathon!
The HIKING HERO Bernau
on 28 June is a revolutionary
sporting event on
the outskirts of Berlin, with a
44-kilometre circuit that you
can complete at a leisurely
pace. It will still be strenuous,
however, as it will take you
across the Barnimer Feldmark
through a total of ten
different towns around Bernau!
For all ages and
fitness levels
Hiking together through the
beautiful nature of Branden-
burg is a great way to bond
and offers plenty of time to
chat with other hiking heroes!
Hiking is enormously
communicative, relaxing and
is a sport for everyone. Once
again this year, all ages and
fitness levels are cordially invited
to the third edition of
the HIKING HERO on 28 June.
The event offers the whole family
the opportunity to turn
their personal challenge into
a shared mission and enjoy
the vast, green landscape of
Brandenburg with their loved
ones. Push your limits together
with others and experience
the wonderful feeling
of crossing the finish line after
44 kilometres through the
historic landscape of Bernau.
The time is irrelevant, whether
you arrive at the finish
line in six and a half hours
or take half a day to complete
the route, you will still be
cheering when you arrive.

Set out with music
Once again this year, the route
begins in Bernau‘s town
park, where the participants
are sent off on their adventure
to the sounds of music. The
course then takes you across
the Barnimer Feldmark past
Rüdnitz and Danewitz towards
the first refreshment station in
Tempelfelde. Here you will be
provided with tea, water and
snacks. There are also plenty
of places to sit and stretch
your tired legs. Strengthened
and rested, you can continue
to Schönfeld, where the power
zone awaits you at kilometre
19: the next opportunity
to refresh yourself. The route
continues via Stienitzaue to
Werneuchen—where a special
highlight awaits everyone.
At 26.5 kilometres, there is a
special refreshment point in
Werneuchen with a DJ, crêpes
and much more.
– 155 –

After a well-deserved break,
the route continues to Löhme.
A quieter rest area awaits
you here. But it‘s also worth
taking a selfie on the banks
of the Löhmer Haussee Lake.
Almost three quarters of the
marathon are now complete
and the route heads towards
Börnicke Castle. Final spurt.
The last refreshment station
awaits you there at kilometre
39, before you finally cross
the finish line in Bernau‘s old
town after 44 kilometres, tired
but proud.
Bernau: a town with
charm and history
According to legend, it was
the tasty beer that prompted
Margrave Albrecht the Bear
to found Bernau around 1140
(Berlin is around 100 years
younger). It was also the art
of brewing that brought the
town fame and prestige in
the Middle Ages. Large parts
of the town wall, which is up
to eight metres high, with its
round towers and town gates,
have been preserved from
this period.
The small town of Bernau is located
a few kilometres northeast
of Berlin‘s city limits and
can be reached in 30 minutes
from Berlin Central Station.
So, what could be better than
topping off a visit to the capital
with a marathon hike
through Brandenburg?
www.hiking-hero.de
REGISTER
NOW
– 156 –

© AdobeStock/ArTo
© AdobeStock
The small town of
Bernau is located a few
kilometres northeast
of the Berlin city limits.
Large parts of the town
wall, which is up to
eight metres high, with
its round towers and
town gates, have been
preserved from the
Middle Ages.
Experience Bernau and the Barnimer Feldmark on foot
The special highlight:
Werneuchen
At the refreshment
point at kilometre
26 in Werneuchen,
not only
food and drink
await the participants,
but also
lively music with
a DJ, party and a
great atmosphere.
– 157 –

6 reasons for
becoming a Hiking Hero
Why should runners hike 44
kilometres on a picturesque
route through the Barnimer
Feldmark at the HIKING HERO
in Bernau on 28 June? Here are
the six best reasons to test your
endurance in a new way.
1. A change from running
The HIKING HERO offers a welcome
change from your usual
running training.
2. The community
experience
In contrast to competitions,
the focus here is on the idea of
community.
3. The landscape experience
The route leads through idyllic
villages and natural landscapes.
4. A challenge without the
pressure of competition
Despite the timekeeping, the
focus is on the shared experience.
5. Optimum support
Several refreshment stations
along the route provide optimum
support.
6. A unique finisher
experience
Participants receive an exclusive
hiking medal and a finisher
certificate.
With the starting signal at
7:30 am and a time limit until
7 pm, the HIKING HERO offers
the perfect opportunity to test
your own limits in a new discipline.
– 158 –

A break from running
training and a great
community and landscape
experience: the HIKING
HERO offers a sporting
challenge and great
moments for everyone.
– 159 –

HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025
Must Runs
D
L
H
B
Berlin
(& Rides)
by
Brandenburg

17 MAY 2025
Die wichtigsten
Lauf-Events in der
Hauptstadt und im
Brandenburger Umland
Move for change
berliner-frauenlauf.de
Germany‘s biggest women‘s run is the party of the year for 18,000 participants
in the heart of Berlin. The routes lead through the Tiergarten
park between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.
Course lengths
10K for runners, walkers and Nordic walkers
5K for runners, walkers and Nordic walkers
500m/1000 m Bambini Run

22 MAY 2025
FINISH AS PART
OF A TEAM!
teamstaffel-brandenburg.de
In a relay quartet on a beautiful lap through historic Brandenburg an der
Havel. This is a wonderful TEAM event in the middle of summer.
Course lengths
4 x 5K relay race
approx. 500m/1000m Bambini Run
– 162 –

3. bis 5. Juni 2025
3-5 JUNE 2025
One for all—
all for one
berliner-teamstaffel.de
“The team is everything!” is the motto on the three hottest relay days
of the year, when runners will once again complete lap after lap in the
centre of Berlin between the Victory Column and Bellevue Palace.
Course lengths
5 x 5K relay race
approx. 500m/1000m Bambini Run

22 JUNE 2025
Made
for the
wild!
www.swimrun-rheinsberg.de
Run through the forest and past the Rheinsberg Castle and swim through
the crystal-clear lakes—the ultimate nature experience!
Course lengths
approx. 21.4K Half SwimRun | approx. 11.3K Sprint SwimRun
approx. 4.4K SuperSprint SwimRun (starter distance for newbies)
approx. 0.9/1.8/2.7K Youth SwimRun/Family Fun SwimRun
approx. 500m/1000 m Bambini Run

26 JULY 2025
The fastest night
berlin-citynight.de
On the super-fast course of the Ku‘Damm, best times happen frequently.
The mega-cool summer highlight on Berlin‘s shopping boulevard with
samba bands, cheering zones, hot spots and enthusiastic fans becomes
a party mile.
Course lengths
10 km Inline Skating; 5 km Run; 10 km Run
City Night

24 AUGUST 2025
The test for the
marathon!
berliner-generalprobe.de
Four weeks before the spectacular season highlight of the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON, you can test your skills for the ultimate distance
at the Generalprobe or „dress rehearsal“. The half marathon through
Berlin‘s neighbourhoods will be the perfect check on the status of your
preparations.
Course lengths
21 km (2 laps) Run
10.5 km (1 lap) Run
approx. 500m/1000m Bambini Run

20 SEPTEMBER 2025
Catch the
Marathon-Spirit
On the day before the legendary BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, you have
the opportunity to run the final 5 kilometres of the original course. Experience
the unforgettable finish through the Brandenburg Gate and
celebrate like a marathon hero.
Course lengths
5 km Run
ADDITIONAL SCC EVENTS
bmw-berlin-marathon.com/anmelden/generali-5k
Goethe.Kultur.Lauf in Weimar 27 April 2025
Hiking Hero 28 June 2025
BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 20/21 September 2025
Berliner New Year‘s Eve Run 31 December 2025
Berliner New Year‘s Run 1 January 2026

Rijhnen takes
his fifth title

INLINE SKATING RACES
The inline skaters also kicked off their season at the GENERALI BER-
LIN HALF MARATHON. Dutch skater Norlay Berber Vonk (40:59 min,
SPSPSK Team) and Felix Rijhnen from Darmstadt (32:14 min, Powerslide
Vesmaco Team) claimed victory. More than a thousand registered
skaters celebrated the start of the skating season on the new, spectacular
half marathon course.
For Felix Rijhnen, it was his
fifth win at this springtime
classic in Berlin. By kilometre
five, a leading group of
four had pulled away – Rijhnen,
Jason Suttles (Powerslide
Vesmaco/Belgium), last year’s
winner Nolan Beddiaf (MA-
NAO FRSkates/France), and
Julio Cesar Mirena Ortiz (SheaSTokes/Paraguay).
They kept
the pace high for much of the
race, but eased off in the final
kilometres.
“We could’ve gone much faster,
but in the last few kilometres
we were just observing
each other,” said Rijhnen.
“Thanks to Jason, we managed
to set up a perfect finish
for our team just before the finish
line and secured two top
spots.” Rijhnen won in 32:14,
with Beddiaf and Suttles both
finishing in the same time.
Belgian Bart Swings, also part
of the Powerslide Vesmaco
Team – and reigning Olympic
speed skating champion and
serial BMW BERLIN-MARA-
THON winner – was unable to
start due to a knee injury.
Marathon winner is
victorious in the half, too
2024 BMW BERLIN-MARA-
THON inline champion Norlay
Berber Vonk lived up to
her status as the favourite
in the women’s field. The
27-year-old took the win in
a final sprint, clocking 41:00
– 170 –

Top Three Men in 2025
Place Skater Time
1. Felix Rijhnen (GER/Powerslide Vesmaco Team) 32:14
2. Nolan Beddiaf (FRA/MANAO FRSkates) 32:14
3. Jason Suttles (BEL/Powerslide VesmacoTeam) 32:14
minutes, just ahead of Natalia
Pesantez (SheaStokes/
Ecuador), who finished in the
same time. Third place went
to Josie Hofmann (Powerslide
Vesmaco) from Gera, in 41:09.
“Monday was the first time in
months I’d trained on skates,
so I’m more than happy,” said
Hofmann, who is currently
chasing qualification for the
2026 Winter Olympics – on
– 171 –

Top Three Women in 2025
Place Skater Time
1. Noraly Berber Vonk (NED/SPSPSK World Team) 41:00
2. Natalia Pesantez (ECU/SheaStokes Inline Speed) 41:00
3. Josie Hofmann (GER/Powerslide Vesmaco Team) 41:09

REGISTER NOW
ice. “It’s just such a great
feeling to race in Berlin. There’s
nothing better. I’ll definitely
be back for the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON”, said
Berber Vonk.
GERMAN INLINE CUP
2025
The GENERALI BERLIN
HALF MARATHON also marked
the start of the GERMAN
INLINE CUP 2025 – the most
important national race series,
which culminates at the
BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
In addition to the elite speed
skaters, fitness skaters can
also collect points towards
the overall ranking. Winners
in the fitness category
were Daniel Greig (39:56
min, Australia) and Michaela
Egelseer (40:16 min, Bavaria).
From Half to Full
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inline
Skating race will take place on 20
September. Anyone still looking for a
spot can register until 21 August—unless
the participant limit is reached
beforehand.
REGISTER NOW
The Fastest Night of the Year
On 26 July, it’s time again for the
adidas Runners City Night and “no
speed limits on the Ku’damm.” All
traffic lights will be set on green and
the road will belong entirely to the
athletes. The 10K course is open to
all, including beginners, offering a
perfect chance to soak up the event
atmosphere.

THE FITNESS SKATERS’ RACE
Not just the pros took part in the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON; there were plenty of recreational
skaters, too. More images
can be found in the photo gallery.
M O R E
I N L I N E
I M A G E S
– 174 –

– 175 –

WHEELCHAIR AND HANDCYCLING RACES
A Wheelchair
Sensation
At just 14 years old, Amos
Ruben Donath made quite
a splash in the wheelchair
race. The young German athlete
posted a remarkable time
of 56:14 minutes—an outstanding
result rarely seen in the
under-17 category. He finished
just three seconds behind
last year’s 21 year old winner,
Thomas van Hulst (56:11 min /
Netherlands). In the handcycle
category, last year’s champion
also defended his title:
Mathias Behr won in 44:21 minutes.
The fastest woman was
Yvonne Pijahn in 50:09 minutes.
Since 2024, SCC EVENTS
has offered youth competitions
for talented wheelchair
and handcycling athletes up
to the age of 23 as part of the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MA-
RATHON.
– 176 –

Thomas van Hulst claimed victory in the wheelchair
race, but just metres behind him came
14-year-old Amos Ruben Donath—an exceptional
performance.

SHANAS PARTOW
In the preview magazine for the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON, we introduced four of the
roughly 40,000 people who lined
up at the start on 6 April. So, how
did they fair?
Who’s that
running?

Berlin-based dentist Shanas Partow had hoped to dip under 90 minutes.
But a bout of flu before the race threw a spanner in the works.
Still, she ran faster than ever—thanks in no small part to giving her
body enough time to recover.
Texte: Tom Rottenberg
Shanas Partow wants to say
thank you. To the spectators.
This time, on 6 April
2025, the cheering, the streetparty
atmosphere lining the
Berlin Half Marathon route,
felt different. Tougher. More
demanding. Yes, it was sunny
– but also windy and, let’s be
honest, bloody freezing. Standing
out there for hours, clapping
and shouting encouragement?
That’s hard, really hard.
So Shanas says, “Thanks,” and
adds with a smile, “It was harder
to be on the sidelines than
to run it!”
Once you’re running, she explains,
“You stop feeling cold
pretty quickly. I’m always amazed
at how warm you get when
you‘re running.” Especially
when you end up running a
new personal best – even if you
hadn’t planned to. But hang on
– hadn’t she said in this very
magazine before the race that
a new PB was exactly what she
was aiming for? That she wanted
to break 90 minutes? True.
But that only holds if you’re
healthy. Not just on race day,
but throughout your training.
She jokes that “my tapering
phase just started a bit earlier
this year.” Fair enough: when
illness hits in the lead-up to a
race, the smart move is to forget
the training plan – and the
PB—and listen to your body.
Give it the rest it needs. However
long that takes.
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

Resting up worked wonders
Sometimes, especially after
a hit of flu, it’s best to rest
even longer than your legs or
enthusiasm might want. As
a doctor, Shanas knows that
one of the quickest ways to
cause lasting damage to the
heart muscle is by returning
to training too soon or too
hard. “I deliberately gave myself
a lot of time to recover.
This ‘extreme tapering’ clearly
did me good: my new PB on
my home turf was my body’s
thank-you for giving her body
a rest.”
Though, if left to her own devices,
she admits she probably
wouldn’t have pushed herself
out there in the cold: “I
just wanted to do a nice, easy
Sunday half marathon. Enjoy
the course and the city.”
As an experienced marathon
runner (including twice in
Berlin), she knows you can
go fast and still enjoy it. But
“easy jog” and “full throttle”
don’t exactly go hand-inhand.
And when you line up
for a relaxed run with a friend
who decides to go from ‘cruise’
to ‘charge’ within the first
kilometre… well, you can see
what is bound to happen.
Trust your running mate
When Maurizio “Mau” Dudlitz
shouted “Come on, you’ve got
this!” early on, Shanas was
sceptical. “I thought for sure
I’d crash and burn.” But running
mates know each other
well – and when the legs are
working, the crowd is buzzing,
and the route inspires, you go
with it. And soon, the reco-
Good mates matter: Shanas Partow
and Maurizio Dudlitz planned a gentle
jog. But when he saw how well she
was doing, he nudged her on – and
she ended up clocking a new PB.
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
– 180 –

SHANAS PARTOW

WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
– 182 –

vering runner was surprised:
“I didn’t expect to feel that
good. But I did!”
She didn’t fully release the
handbrakes, even though she
was enjoying herself. But at
the 15K mark, two-thirds of the
way through, she threw caution
to the wind – and sprinted
home with Mau in tow. Her
finishing time: 1:32:47. Almost
two minutes faster than her
previous best of 1:34:36.
The best races come
without pressure
Given the unexpected taper
and the illness, Shanas
sees no shame in missing the
90-minute mark: “It just proves
once again that I run my
best when I’m relaxed and having
fun.”
And there’s no doubt she’ll
continue to enjoy it: her
goal for the year is the BMW
BERLIN-MARATHON, where
she hopes to beat her PB of
3:15:10. Before that, in August,
she’s tackling a 28K trail
run in Innsbruck. And in just a
few weeks, there’s the Berlin
Easter Run – “which I’m doing
with my mum.”
Easter Run –
Together, but apart
But wait – hadn’t Shanas told
us before the half marathon
that, although her mum got her
into running, they don’t race
together anymore to keep the
peace? “Yes, that’s right. So
at the Easter Run, we’re doing
different distances: we start
together, go our own ways, and
meet again at the finish. Works
out perfectly.”

WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
That’s the way to do it: A half marathon in his legs,
the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON medal and
the SuperHalfs medal round his neck, and a cold drink
in hand at the Brandenburg Gate – Fábio Samuel
Marques (right) celebrated his Berlin run in style with
friends.

FÁBIO SAMUEL MARQUES
Ready for
the next level
Fábio Samuel Marques had planned to complete the “Super-
Halfs” series in Berlin in 2024. But just seconds before the
start, his insulin pump triggered an alarm – so he didn’t run.
This year, he returned to finish what he started. And now? He’s
dreaming even bigger: a full marathon. Despite having diabetes.
This time, everything went
smoothly. Actually, that is
an understatement. On Sunday
in Berlin, Fábio ticked off
multiple dreams at once: he
finished the prestigious “SuperHalfs”
series, ran close to
his personal best despite still
recovering from shin splints,
soaked up every moment of
Berlin—and was connected
via livestream to friends and
family back in Portugal. And
as he hit the home stretch, a
new dream began to take shape:
“Now I want to try the marathon
distance.”
But let’s rewind. Fábio, 39, is
a software developer, father,
and passionate runner from
Coimbra, in central Portugal.
His favourite distance?
The half marathon. So, it’s no
surprise that the SuperHalfs
series – featuring Cardiff, Lisbon,
Prague, Copenhagen,
– 185 –

Valencia, and Berlin – was on
his radar. And with a very respectable
PB of 1:30 for the
21.0975 km, Fábio might seem
like just another dedicated
recreational runner among
thousands in Europe.
Living with diabetes
But there’s more to his story:
the Portuguese runner has
diabetes. Having Type 1 diabetes
means having to pay attention
to your insulin levels
for your entire life. Insulin is
a vital hormone. Put simply:
if your insulin levels aren’t
right, the sugar you consume
in food can’t be converted
into energy. Instead, it builds
up in the blood. This can
lead to serious problems – in
extreme cases, heart attack,
stroke, or even death. That’s
why constant monitoring and,
when needed, the appropriate
intake of insulin is absolutely
essential for diabetics, even
outside the world of sport.
FÁBIO SAMUEL MARQUES

Even non-diabetics often
struggle with proper energy
intake in endurance sports
– most people have at least
heard of “hitting the wall” or
hypoglycaemia. So, it’s hard
for healthy individuals to truly
grasp just how precisely
people with diabetes need to
monitor their insulin levels,
especially during sport. And
that’s why many can’t imagine
that diabetics are capable
of doing endurance sports
at all. But: it is possible. Very
much so. Though only if you’re
highly disciplined, medically
very well regulated, and able
to keep your insulin levels in
check at all times.
These days, diabetics often wear
sensors on their bodies for this
purpose. The sensor continuously
monitors their levels and
activates a pump if necessary.
The pump adjusts the actual insulin
level to match the target.
If this device doesn’t work perfectly,
it can be life-threatening.
To run or not to run?
That’s exactly what happened
to Fábio Samuel Marques in Berlin
in 2024. Or rather, perhaps it
was the opposite: maybe it actually
was life-saving. Exactly
five seconds before the start,
an alarm signalled a possible
malfunction in his pump. The
software developer found himself
“facing the toughest decision
of my sporting life: to start
anyway, in order to make my
dream come true. Or to start,
and then maybe end up living
a nightmare.” Or not to start at
all. Sometimes doing the right
thing really hurts: Fábio didn’t
run. He wept. He swore. And no
one could blame him.
What made it even harder: Fábio
hadn’t come to Berlin alone.
He had planned to complete
the “SuperHalfs” series in Berlin
together with other athletes
from the Portuguese “Associação
Eu Mexo-me” – an association
promoting sport among
people with diabetes.
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

Finishing all six
SuperHalfs in a year
Within just a single year, the
team had completed five of
the six races. Others take several
years to do the same. The
Portuguese runners were on a
mission: “Not only healthy people,
but even many diabetics
believe that you can’t do sport
with this condition. We showed
everyone that that’s simply
not true.” Not even the warning
from Fábio’s pump could
change that. Still: “I saw my
dream burst.”
The runner from Coimbra’s story
moved many people last year
– including the organisers of the
GENERALI BERLIN HALF MA-
RATHON. A technical fault, one
that had never occurred before
or since, shouldn’t be the reason
for failing to finish the race
series. So, the event organisers
invited Fábio to come back and
collect his SuperHalfs medal in
Berlin in 2025.
Even though the 39-year-old
was currently struggling with
shin splints, he declared before
the race: “Even if the pain means
I can only walk: I’ll make it
to the finish. And I’m more than
grateful for this chance.”
Pain? What pain?
The pain in his legs seemed to
vanish into thin air in Berlin.
And, “purely by chance”, Fábio
bumped into some friends who
had also travelled to take part
in the half marathon – and in
their final SuperHalf. On top of
that, the Associação Eu Mexome
organised a live stream: not
only of the race, but also of Fábio’s
glycaemic index (his blood
sugar level), broadcast live
from Berlin to Portugal. “Kno-
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

wing my family could be with
me in that way was the biggest
motivation of all.”
With a time of 1:31:37, Fábio Samuel
Marques missed his personal
best by barely a minute.
“I’m the happiest person in the
world – I’ve shown that it’s possible.”
And standing under the
Brandenburg Gate, Fábio laughed:
“Hopefully this encourages
not just other diabetics – it
gives me the courage to dream
of the next step: a marathon.”
That’s it! Last year, Fábio Samuel
Marques had planned to complete all
six SuperHalfs and claim the big medal
– but then his insulin pump failed,
and he didn’t run. Now, with his start
in Berlin, he finally got his hands on
the longed-for medal.

WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
Ingalena Schömburg-Heuck ran a time in Berlin
that most ordinary runners wouldn’t even dare to
dream of. But the mistake she made along the way
is one those very same “ordinary runners” can learn
from. Which is exactly why hundreds of thousands
trust the running advice of “Leni Runner”.
Even ex-pros
make mistakes
I
’s not exactly easy to conduct
an interview with Ingalena
Schömburg-Heuck on a
train after a race like the GE-
NERALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON – because, quite literally
every few seconds, the former
elite runner gets recognised.
But instead of asking for meaningless
selfies with a celebrity,
most people want something
else: to say thank you, to
ask questions – or both. (And
then, of course, the photo.)
On a day like the capital’s half
marathon, one thing is clear:
Ingalena Schömburg-Heuck
doesn’t turn anyone away. She
beams, offers congratulations,
answers every question, and
smiles into camera phones.
Not because she has to, or because
it’s part of the influencer
lifestyle – but because it
– 190 –

INGALENA SCHÖMBURG-HEUCK
– 191 –

genuinely matters to her. The
woman known as “Leni Runner”
– a name recognised by
over 300,000 Germans on Instagram
– truly lives and breathes
running, and her training
tips and plans genuinely get
people moving. You can feel it.
Even when she pauses to take
a deep breath and admits she
feels “worn out, but good – exhausted,
but very content.”
A kind word, a listening
ear for everyone
And still: on the train home
from Berlin to Bamberg, when
equally exhausted – but hopefully
just as happy – runners
approach her, talking to her
about running in general, and
this race in particular, the runfluencer
somehow finds the
time and energy for each and
every one. But all this doesn’t
interfere with the interview at
all. In fact, that’s exactly what
it’s about: Leni and the runners.
The “interruptions” are
more authentic than any words
could be.
Besides, it would have been
even harder to chat to the
38-year-old about the GENE-
RALI BERLIN HALF MARA-
THON just three or four hours
earlier. In the finish area, shortly
after the 2010 German Half
Marathon Champion (back then
in 1:14:54) had clocked a time of
1:18:59 – a result most amateur
runners wouldn’t dare dream of
– “Leni” was recognised, spoken
to, and hugged even more
often than on the train. And at
the Brandenburg Gate, everyone
got a hug, a congratulation,
a high-five, a few words
– and the selfie. Even though
the sports scientist probably
hadn’t yet had the chance to
mentally process her own run.
Didn’t she find that overwhelming?
“No,” laughs Ingalena
later on the train, “on the
contrary: it’s exactly in these
moments that all the time and
energy I put into supporting
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
– 192 –

my runners and into my community
pays off. At events like
these, you feel we’re a family.
It doesn’t matter who or what
we are, where we come from
or how old we are – running
brings us together. Even if it’s
a competition, it’s still all about
togetherness.”
„A real rookie mistake“
But when it comes to this kind
of ambition, the sports scientist
stresses, there’s “nothing
wrong with it – you learn from
it, and it helps you grow and
get to know yourself better.”
What that means, she illustrates
through her own run in Berlin:
feeling truly satisfied with
it wasn’t something Ingalena
Schömburg-Heuck really managed
during the race itself. “I
A quick selfie: Before the race,
Ingalena Schömburg-Heuck met
Amanal Petros, who ran a new
German record of 59:31 in Berlin.

made some real beginner mistakes,”
she admits. Like what?
“I started too far at the front,”
she explains. At the start, it’s
easy to latch onto those running
ahead of you. “The leaders
pulled away – and I kept
getting overtaken.” No matter
how fast you’re actually going,
your mind tells you something
else: “You’re slow. You can’t
keep up. You’re getting slower
and slower.”
Didn’t check her
watch or pace
Knowing, in theory, that this
isn’t true is one thing. But in
a race, in a pack, “you operate
differently” – even with years
of elite-level racing experience
in your head and legs, Ingalena
explains. “Shifting your mindset
in that moment is really
hard.” She had to force herself
to refocus – away from what
was happening around her, and
back onto herself. “I didn’t look
at my watch or the time – I just
INGALENA SCHÖMBURG-HEUCK

A quick chat here, a photo there – many people recognise Ingalena Schömburg-
Heuck and approach her. And the 38-year-old clearly enjoys connecting with
fellow runners.
ran for me.” That was the right
choice in the moment, but in
hindsight, not ideal: “If I had
just glanced at the time briefly,
I would’ve realised sooner that
I was actually running well—
steady and consistent.” And
maybe that would have given
her the extra bit of confidence
to push just a little more.
Still, Leni insists she has no
regrets about Berlin: “It was a
fantastic running weekend with
great encounters. A brilliant
event. And: every day is different.
You learn something new
every day—about yourself and
about running.” Sharing that
is exactly what fuels Ingalena
Schömburg-Heuck’s passion.
And she tells the story openly
and honestly on her train ride
home from Berlin to Bamberg.
Her runners get far more out
of that than from any influencer
selfie. Though of course,
they’re welcome to have one
too—if they like.
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

WHO’S THAT RUNNING?
NIELS JØRGEN HOLDT
When it rains,
it pours
Niels Jørgen Holdt, the “Grand Old Man” of European recreational
running, didn’t have much to smile about in Berlin:
first, the 76-year-old’s running luggage went missing, then
he ended up freezing during the race. So, he made a firm
decision: “Never again – no more half marathons.” Whether
he’ll really stick to that remains to be seen.
There’s that old saying about
things happening in threes
– when something goes wrong,
it’s rarely the only problem. One
issue quickly snowballs into the
next. Of course, how we experience
these things depends on
perspective – whether the glass
is half full or half empty often
comes down to expectations,
mood, and mindset.
But sometimes “things went
a bit wrong” really does mean
they went totally wrong. One
mishap leads to another, and
another. In this case, it all started
with Niels Jørgen Holdt
forgetting both his checked
and hand luggage on the flight
from Copenhagen to Berlin –
and turned into a string of unfortunate
events. In the end,
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

the “Grand Old Man” of Danish
running declared in Berlin:
“Never again – no more half
marathons!”
Sure, those were the emotions
and frustrations of the
moment talking. But when the
man whose ideas and initiatives
helped turn running in Europe
from a fringe pastime for
eccentrics into a healthy mass
movement open to everyone
says “over and out,” it hits
hard. And that he said it in Berlin,
of all places – a city so closely
and warmly connected to
Copenhagen through running
– makes it even harder.
Holdt got Copenhagen
running
But let’s start at the beginning
of the story. Not necessarily
in the early 1970s – though
that’s when Niels Jørgen Holdt
began organising the first 20-
and 30-kilometre races in Copenhagen.
More importantly,
in 1980, the now 76-year-old
founded the Copenhagen Marathon.
Then in 1981, aiming to
make running more accessible
to the masses, he created the
5x5-kilometre relay race – now
known as the “DHL 5x5 Stafetten”.
With 30,000 teams,
it’s one of the largest running
events in the world. That same
year, Holdt also launched the
first European women’s run.
And there are other events too
– some of which even feature
members of the Danish royal
family. All of this gives just a
glimpse of what Niels Jørgen
Holdt has done for recreational
running.
And not just in Denmark: Horst
Milde, the legendary mastermind
behind the Berlin Marathon,
often drew inspiration
from him. The connection between
Berlin and Copenhagen
isn’t just about ideas either
– Danish runners traditionally
make up the largest international
group at the BMW BER-
LIN-MARATHON. And Germans
WHO’S THAT RUNNING?

are equally keen to run in Denmark.
It’s no wonder Copenhagen’s
“Race Director” keeps coming
back to Berlin. He’s run the
marathon here “three or four
times.” The half marathon?
“Many more.” He had hoped to
return in 2025. “I want to finish
the SuperHalfs series in 2026,”
Holdt explained at the end of
March. For a 76-year-old, that’s
as ambitious a goal as the target
time he’d set: under 2 hours 20.
“Being able to run at my age is
a privilege. But running is what
keeps me going.”
Luggage lost, kit gone
Then came race weekend. Why
exactly Niels Jørgen Holdt left
his hand luggage behind on the
plane may never be fully understood.
The fact remains: he
didn’t have enough warm running
clothes at short notice.
On Sunday morning, temperatures
were just above freezing.
The sun wasn’t strong enough
Even though the trip to Berlin didn’t go
quite as planned, Niels Jørgen Holdt
still had a good time – here with Horst
Milde, the founder of the BMW BERLIN-
MARATHON, and his wife.
to make up for the biting wind.
Niels Jørgen Holdt was in despair.
Too late: if you freeze while
waiting in the starting block,
NIELS JØRGEN HOLDT

it’s hard – maybe even impossible
at 76 – to warm up properly
during the run. “I really
had to fight with my legs just
to move forward,” says Holdt.
“It was awful. I got cramps at
kilometre 20.” Still, he pushed
through and crossed the finish
line in 2:39:18. But even though
he was still shivering on Sunday
evening, Niels Jørgen
Holdt insists: “No, it wasn’t the
cold. My body just made it very
clear: this was my last half marathon.
I won’t run another.”
Running has to be fun
Shorter distances aren’t off
the table: “In June I’ll be running
with King Frederik X at the
Royal Run – but that’s only ten
kilometres. Maybe I’ll also take
part in the DHL Stafetten. But
it has to be fun. If you no longer
feel that joy, then it’s time
to stop.”
As mentioned, all this came
out in the heat of the moment
– out of emotion and frustration.
From a man who, after a
series of small mishaps, had
an exceptionally rough race.
When asked more directly,
Niels Jørgen Holdt did soften
his stance: “Well, after my first
marathon – in 1980 – I also said:
‘Never again!’ A few months later,
I ran my personal best…”
Of course, perhaps it’s best to
give Niels Jørgen Holdt a bit
of time to rediscover the joy
of longer distances. Now might
not be the best time to press
the question. Especially considering
the ongoing string of
mishaps: on Sunday evening,
Holdt missed not one but two
flights back to Copenhagen –
the first due to a delayed train,
the second thanks to an endless
queue at security.
But at least there was a silver
lining: he did get back the hand
luggage with his running kit
that had gone missing on the
outbound flight.
– 200 –

Your run. Your career. Your future.
Take the first step – for your run and your career.
Get started now and discover the opportunities that await you.
Your run is just the beginning – we will shape your future together!
Apply today and become part of our success story!
karriere.messe-berlin.de

Thank you for
being part of it!
See you
in Berlin!