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Messages of greeting

of the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Gerhard Schröder and the Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit

2002-08-13

Once again, this years 29th BERLIN-MARATHON sponsored by real,- brings together running fans from all over Germany, Europe and many other countries around the world. 41,000 men and women will be taking a route across Berlin. The runners, wheelchair athletes and skaters all have various expectations: outstanding times, personal best marks or just simply reaching the finish line.

I would like to welcome all the participants, those there to look after them, the friends and relations who are also here and all the spectators of the 29th BERLIN-MARATHON sponsored by real,-. Emil Zatopek, the legendary runner from Prague, once explained the phenomenon of running with the simple words "Birds fly, fish swim, people run". In the meantime . and a few years have passed since Emil Zatopeks time . many people have discovered the joy and fun of this sport. As for Berlin in particular, a marathon provides a thrill shared by participant and spectator alike.

I would like to thank the organizers, the many volunteers, the police, the emergency services and all those who are working to make this years marathon the usual success. My special thanks go to the organizing Sport-Club Charlottenburg (SCC) and its members, who devoted many hours in preparation for this event whose popularity extends far beyond the city limits, and who are celebrating their clubs 100th anniversary . happy birthday SCC!

I am especially pleased that the 29th BERLIN-MARATHON sponsored by real,- is again linked to a humanitarian project. The participants will be helping German Agro Action in Afghanistan and thus jointly setting an example against world hunger. My sincere thanks go to all concerned.

I wish every participant success in achieving his or her hoped-for goal, the organizers the smooth running of the marathon and the spectators many hours of fascination.

Yours sincerely

Message of greeting from the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit

More than 41,000 competitors from over 80 countries will be taking part in an unparalleled sports highlight again this year, making Berlin once again a city on the move. The marathon has become one of Berlins trademarks as a city of sports, and there is no end in sight to this success story.

This year, however, we will be celebrating not only new records, but also an anniversary. The SCC, the traditional organizer of the big "loop," is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A better setting for a splendid party can hardly be imagined.

I would like to wish all of the competitors-from the star athletes to the recreational runners-an unforgettable running experience on the streets of Berlin, good marathon weather, and an enjoyable stay in our city, which, as it does every year at this time, belongs to the runners for the weekend.

Yours sincerely