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Gete Wami (Ethiopa) – PB: 2:22:19 in Amsterdam 2002
„I’m looking forward to the real,-BERLIN-MARATHON. I’m fit and have had three to four months’ preparation for Berlin. After I had my daughter Eva in 2003, I didn’t feel quite as strong as before. My legs couldn’t do what they used to.My aim here is run under 2:20 – and if the weather is right and I feel right, I’ll be going for that kind of time. I’m looking forward to the contest between myself and Salina Kosgei. On Sunday we’ll be rivals but otherwise, and this applies to after the race, we’ll be friends.“
Salina Kosgei (Kenya) - PB: 2:24:32 in Paris 2004
„I know that Gete has prepared well and we know how strong the Ethiopians are and how much it takes to beat them. When I made my (marathon) debut in Paris I only going for 2:30 but ended up running 2:24. I clearly didn’t know what the marathon was about at that first experience. I’ll wait and see on Sunday what the weather is like and what my body tells me. I think I can run under 2:20 and I want to win. Of course, it’s easier to train for 10,000 metres than for the marathon. Marathon training is more varied with hillwork and runs of varying tempo and so on.“
Kurao Umeki (Japan) - PB 2:09:52 in the real,- BERLIN-MARATHON 2003
„My ambition this year is run under 2:10 and achieve a personal best. Running a personal best is really important to me. I know that Sammy and Haile will be running fast but I’ll be running my own race.“
Errol Marklein, Handbiker, Champion 2004
„The 33rd real,-BERLIN-MARATHON will be my last race and I’ll be giving it everything for just one more time. I am proud that close to 200 handbikers and wheelchair racers will be on the start line because that’s what I’ve been fighting for over the past 30 years. So it’s really important for me to be here and taking part. I’ve done a lot of training and feel in great shape. On Sunday I’ll be giving it my very best and once I’ve crossed the finish line I’ll barely be able to go another 20 metres.“