Culturally fit: Berlin marathon offers unique way to experience the region

  • Published
  • By Capt. Megan Schafer
  • 86th Airlift Wing
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Several Ramstein Airmen recently made the trek to Berlin to participate in the city's 35th annual marathon Sept. 20.

While many Air Force members decided to focus their racing efforts on the Air Force Marathon in Ohio, Sept. 19, a group of six Airmen and their families shifted their focus toward what is considered one of the five major racing circuits in the world.

"The race just happened to coincide with my TDY to Ramstein," said Lt. Col. Rick Harper. "It was a great opportunity to see the city for the first time, and to run a marathon outside of the United States."

Berlin, along with New York, Chicago, London and Boston, make up the listing that was designed by race makers to advance the sport, raise awareness of its athletes and increase the level of interest in elite racing among running enthusiasts.

But for the majority of the runners, Capt. Jen Kissel, Capt. Lisa Balas, Capt. Brock Burkhardt and his wife Corri, 1st Lt. Wes Manus and 1st Lt. Joshua Shaudys, it wasn't so much about racing as it was just to run in a unique location.

"Being one of over 48,000 runners and having around one million people throughout the race cheering you on felt awesome," said Lieutenant Shaudys, who was running his first marathon. "The whole weekend was great. Visiting the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie was very cool. Berlin was an awesome place to have a race. Every other kilometer there was a historical building or monument to see."

Despite not being an avid runner overall, he admitted the overall experience may have changed him.

"As for running in general, I have never been big on it," he said. "I prefer sports such as football and soccer. However, after the great experience I had running in the Berlin Marathon I may consider doing it again, maybe the New York marathon."

Among the group, he wasn't alone in terms of being a newbie to the sport. Captain Burkhardt and his wife were also participating in their first marathon.

"Although it was incredibly hard, I'm so glad we did it," said Captain Burkhardt. "I'll never have to regret missing this opportunity and not taking advantage of my time here in Germany."

But even for the veteran runner of the group, the Berlin race still proved to be a challenge. Eight-marathon veteran Colonel Harper has been running since high school, but remarked on the unusually high temperatures the group faced.

"The heat just drained my energy - but I still had a great time," he said. "I find running to be the most efficient use of my time to help me stay in shape."

And what better way to get a workout in, while also enjoying the cultural experience of being overseas.

In the early years of the Berlin Marathon it was set in Grunewald - a large forest in West Berlin. Seven years later, the race was moved to the city center of West Berlin, and finally in 1990 - almost one year after the Berlin Wall collapsed - the course was led through both parts of the German capital.
The course takes runners past several of Berlin's historic landmarks, such as the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Berliner Dom, and of course the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line. Running the marathon can feel like taking part in a modern history lesson.

Looking for another race to get your cultural fix? Almost every major city in Europe plays host to an event of some kind during the year. Though many are full for the 2009 season, you also need time to start training. Search now so you can plan your training and a vacation around your next running adventure.