Berlin Mini-Marathon

Tomorrow is the Berlin Marathon, one of the most well-known marathons around the world.  The city is flat and during this time of year the air is cool and dry.  Many marathon records have been set in this Marathon. 

However, more important for Germans than the Berlin Marathon is the Berlin Mini-Marathon.  This is a 4.2 km race that occurs the day before the Marathon and is for kids only.  Each year, about 10,000 children from elementary, middle, and high school participate. Adults are not allowed to run.  The course covers the last portion of the full Marathon.

Today, Eddy ran the Mini-Marathon with about two dozen other students from his school.  The center of the city was packed with runners and their parents.  I accompanied him to the race and somewhat reluctantly let him join the sea of children running the race.  My concern was that we would not be able to find each other at the end.  However, we put a plan in place and everything worked out.  Well done Eddy!

Heading to the race.  Walking up the stairs of our neighborhood subway (S-Bahn) station.

Waiting for the train to take us downtown.

Arriving in Potsdamer Platz.

Potzdamer Platz.

Gathering of students from Eddy's school.

Group photo.

Classmates.

Getting warmed up for the run.

Sea of parents in the Tiergarten (big city park) near the race end.

Accomplished runner with medal and certificate.

Heading back home on the subway.  Tired but energized by a big accomplishment.