JubiNews 2024
The Jubilee Club in the year of the big anniversary
While two years ago the Jubilee Club itself was the focus of its own 25th anniversary, in 2024 it and all its members were looking ahead to THE big event - the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. What a celebration of superlatives! Starting with the Jubilee Club coffee party at "MOVE - Home of the BERLIN-MARATHON", where there were warm drinks and cakes in a cosy living room atmosphere and deep insights into the history of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, to the big opening show at the Brandenburg Gate, where the Jubilee Club was represented by numerous members in the audience and on stage, to the long-awaited start of the 50th edition race. It was a celebration that will be talked about for a long time to come. Over 2,500 skaters and around 400 skating Jubilees didn't miss the opportunity to be there up close and in person at the start. Thanks to everyone who was there and to all those who cheered them on from afar.
In this review of the year, three long-standing Jubilee Club members share their personal highlights of an exciting anniversary year. Read for yourself and enjoy their stories.
STORIES
"It goes on forever and you often think you won't make it, but you have to persevere and always think about the next kilometre."
Manuela Scholz (Jubilee number 485) describes her "life marathon" with the goal of starting and finishing the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
Manuela Scholz (Jubilee number 485) describes her "life marathon" with the goal of starting and finishing the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
The 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON was Manuela's 15th.
She remembers the BERLIN MARATHON 2003 very well: Manuela handed the finishers their medals as a volunteer and was overwhelmed by the emotional reactions - from that moment on, she realised that she would also become a participant in a marathon. "Running a marathon teaches you to fight through and never give up. This has helped me in every way, but especially in beating my cancer. When I started running in 2003, I didn't realise that it might save my life. During my cancer treatment, I told myself it would be like a marathon. It takes forever and you always think you won't make it, but you have to keep going and always think about the next kilometre. So I just lived day to day and saw myself as a winner at the end of all the treatments. After further tough setbacks, Manuela did everything she could to complete the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. The following picture shows: She fought her way back and mastered the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. A great achievement Manuela!
“This race was a tribute to the past and to the future”
Per Højris Nielsen (Jubilee number 3799) remembers an unforgettable day at the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
"For many, it was not just another run, but a symbol of community and commitment over decades." In this anniversary year, Per was to experience something very special. Per could feel the atmosphere early on the morning of the marathon. For him, it was his 18th BERLIN-MARATHON that day. He made sure that his Jubilee Club back number was clearly visible on his running shirt. This was not only a celebration for the city, but also for his own achievements. Being part of the Jubilee Club is an honour - a connection between those who have completed the BERLIN-MARATHON 10 times or more. Then came the moment. "After about 25 kilometres, when my legs were getting heavy, I felt a slight twinge in my back and heard a voice say: "Your eighteenth BERLIN-MARATHON, nice". I turned around and saw that the voice had come from Günter Hallas, the legendary winner of the very first BERLIN-MARATHON in 1974." Afterwards, they both talked about the many years that had passed and how they had been shaped by them. This was the moment when past and present met. "A celebration, not just of the 50th anniversary, but a testimony to a community across generations. We closed with a mutual blessing for the rest of the race." It was an even more memorable day for Per. "The BERLIN-MARATHON, which had already given me so many memories, provided another moment of inspiration. I'm 73 years old, but I still have many races ahead of me, and this race was a tribute to both the past and the future." Stay tuned, dear Per!
"Your will is your limit" - When you daughter turns up unexpectedly...
Wolfgang Bertram (Jubilee number 802) talks about his experiences at the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and knows that his will is his only limit.
Since 1991, the BERLIN MARATHON has been an integral part of Wolfgang's running calendar. For him, the trip to the capital means "immersing myself in the area where my mother Charlotte was born and where I used to spend a few days on holiday with my grandmother." Until 2017, Wolfgang returned every year to be at the starting line in Berlin. But Wolfgang broke his femoral neck in an unfortunate accident during the 2017 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Two years later, he returned to run his 23rd BERLIN-MARATHON. After further setbacks, he was able to finish his 24th BERLIN MARATHON in 2023. And 29 September 2024 was to be a very special day for him. "Out of the blue, in fantastic running weather, I experience the best moment of all my races so far. My daughter appeared at St John's Church to motivate me with a poster saying "Your will is your limit". She had spontaneously travelled from Münster to surprise and support me on my anniversary run. She did this with more slogans on posters at many prominent points along the route." Wolfgang not only completed his 40th marathon at the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, but also his 25th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Respect!
EPILOGUE
Of course, this was just a small selection of personal moments and highlights. Reading stories is not just for enjoyment - it also gives you courage, strength, makes you fight on and realise the positive energy that the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON brings and how it influences different areas of life. THANK YOU. Stay tuned, we’ll be in touch!
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