Ten weeks before the 28th running of the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON (30
September 2001) the organizing staff of SCC Berlin can report yet another
record.
To date, 34,548 participants from 76 nations (including 6,000 inline
skaters)have entered the event, which means that last years figure of 34,090
participants has clearly been exceeded. More than 12,000 entries were received
via the Internet so that on-line registration has proved an extremely helpful
tool for the organizers.
While entry for inline skaters had to be closed a few weeks ago because
capacity of 6,000 skaters was reached, there are now only 1,500 bibs left for
runners where a total of 30,000 runners are expected.
Prospective participants are advised to submit their entries within the next
few days, as on-line registration will soon be closed.
Not only will the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON excel by its tally of mass
participation; a number of world-class athletes have pledged their appearance
as well. The sensational announcement by current Olympic marathon champion
Naoko Takahashi from Japan (Sekisui Chemical Industries Club) to run the 28th
real,- BERLIN-MARATHON on 30 September 2001, adds yet another highlight to the
history of the Berlin event and raises expectations of a similar outstanding
achievement as were the world records set here by Ronaldo da Costa (BRA) in
1998, and Tegla Loroupe (KEN) in 1999.