A Berlin Half Marathon Tradition Blends Friendship, Music and Purpose
Every spring, a group of friends gathers in Berlin to support their friend E. as she runs the Berlin Half Marathon. This year marks her sixth time taking part in the race, which she uses to raise money for Sea-Watch. The event has become a beloved tradition for the group, filled with shared meals, stories, and music.
On the morning of the race, E. warms up along Flughafenstraße, wearing a thin red jacket given to her by the author to keep her warm before the start. Despite her tiredness, she still has the energy for another run.
The night before, the friends prepare for the event in their own way. If the weather is clear, they picnic on Tempelhofer Feld; if not, they meet at E.'s place. There, they cook for her, massage her legs, and listen to her marathon stories, some of which stretch long into the evening. As the author walks down Reuterstraße earlier in the day, music plays in their ears. A video with Björk's voice singing about Berghain floats through their thoughts. Later, they hear Rosalía's lyrics—*My rage is her rage, her love is my love, her blood is my blood*—echoing in the background.
The race brings the group together once more, blending effort, care, and tradition. E. runs not just for herself but for a cause, while her friends stand by her, as they do every year. The shared moments—from cooking to music—make the event more than just a marathon.
