Thank God, we run!

We invite you again!

For the 51st Berlin Marathon and the 39th Ecumenical Marathon Prayer directly along the route: The blue line and the blue light run together in the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

Once again, people from more than 120 nations will line up at the starting line and make the marathon a symbol of peace. We support that!

Thank God, we run.

This thought moves us. Running is more than just sport—it is an experience for the whole person. Step by step, we feel the ground beneath our feet, the rhythm of our breathing, the life within us.

Those who run often discover a new form of clarity: thoughts fall into place, inner tensions dissolve, sometimes even a quiet dialogue with oneself – or with God – arises.

Running means freedom. And those who are able to run in peace – without fear, without boundaries, without having to flee – have reason to be grateful. This is not a given everywhere in the world. We hear and see this every day. We do not take our freedom for granted, but want to consciously appreciate it – in prayer, in reflection, in communal worship.

A marathon is more than a race. It is a path on which trust grows: in one’s own strength, in the preparation, in the goal that is not yet visible – but seems achievable. This trust is reminiscent of faith. In faith, too, we are on a journey – sometimes light-footed, sometimes exhausted, sometimes full of energy, sometimes searching. And yet we are accompanied by God, who walks with us.

We cordially invite you to the church service on the eve of the race.

We will celebrate community, sing, pray for peace and freedom, feel gratitude – and take God’s blessing with us to the starting line.

Thank God – we are running.

Be present!

The service will be led by:

Dr. Sarah-Magdalena Kingreen, Pastor, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche Berlin

Horst Milde, founder of the Berlin Marathon, honorary race director

Ute Szameitat, volunteer at the Berlin Marathon, runner and walker

Dr. Helmut Jansen, Catholic theologian – supervisor – triathlete, www.lauf-rat.de

Heinz Frei, Swiss racing wheelchair athlete, one of the most successful Swiss athletes of all time

Dr. Lars Charbonnier, Protestant pastor and runner