News Archive

The new finish of this years 30th real,- BERLIN MARATHON is welcomed by top

officials worldwide. Since the organisers from SCC-RUNNING have announced that

the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON will finish at the Brandenburg Gate for the first

time, the response has been enormous.

Additionally for the first time the inline skaters are planned to have their

own race a day earlier on 27th September. Runners, wheelchair athletes and

walkers will follow on 28th September. News of the finish led to an entry boom,

which the race had had only once before. That was in 1990, when the marathon

led the runners through Brandenburg Gate for the first time after the fall of

the Berlin wall in late 1989. The participation limit in 1990 was 25,000

– this year a record number of 35,000 entries from runners will be

accepted. But the real,- BERLIN MARATHON is already now nearly sold out.

Additionally 12,000 inline skaters will be allowed to compete. But again there

are not many numbers left. So if you want to take part in this years real,-

BERLIN MARATHON enter the race now.

Here are some prominent statements concerning the new finish:

Lamine Diack

IAAF President:

"On behalf of the

International Association of Athletics Federations, I commend the organisers of

the real,- BERLIN MARATHON for the decision to stage the finish this year at

the Brandenburg Gate. For me, and many people around the world, this

architectural marvel has come to symbolise not only Berlin, but "new"

Germany with all its prospects. I believe that the real,- BERLIN MARATHON,

which has earned its place as one of the best marathons in the world, will gain

even more publicity by having such a photogenic backdrop. With the recent news

that Berlin is also bidding for the 2009 World Championships in Athletics, I

commend the city for showing itself to be Germanys "City of

Athletics." I wish all the competitors, and the race organisers, the best

of luck."

Hiroaki Chosa

AIMS President:

"On behalf of AIMS we would like to express our sincere respect your

wisdom to change finishing area to Brandenburg Gate which is the symbolic

monument for the unification of the Germany. We also congratulate on the

challenge of Mr.Milde and his staff for their continuous effort. AIMS has now

175 memberships world wide and contributing to the humanhealth through running.

As you know there are more than 1 billion runnersthroughout the world and real

– BERLIN MARATHON is one of the fastest growing marathon.We know you are

runners friendly organization and runners are appreciating it from their

heart.In 2001 Naoko Takahashi (Gold medallist, Sydney Olympic Games) of Japan

achieved the first sub 2:20 performance at womens marathon in Berlin. She

appreciated the cheerful voice from the crowd along with the course inBerlin.

JAAF deeply appreciated organizers to make necessary preparation atevery way.In

conclusion on behalf of AIMS, We wish you the success of real,- BERLIN MARATHON

in 2003 and step forward to the future."

Allan Steinfeld

Race Director, New York City Marathon:

"I applaud the real,- BERLIN MARATHON for moving the finish of this world

class event to the Brandenberg Gate. During the Cold War, the Gate was a symbol

of divisiveness and oppression. It now stands as a beacon of freedom for all

the world to see. What better way to showcase the real,- BERLIN MARATHON and

its diverse international field and spirit than to unite runners from the four

corners of the world in sport and comraderie and have them finish under the

magnificent Brandenberg Gate"