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— What was the initial reaction when you pitched the concept — and how long did it take to go from idea to execution?
— The initial reaction was incredibly positive! People loved the concept of combining running with cultural exploration. It took some time to get to the actual execution of the project, as we had to carefully plan the routes and ensure we were aligning with our participants’ needs, but it’s for sure been a challenging and rewarding journey.
— Berlinathon stretches over five months with five cultural themes. How did you choose these topics, and what can participants expect from each?
— The cultural topics reflect the sections of tipBerlin and The Berliner, which focus on the various aspects that make Berlin so unique — from its art scene to the music scene. Each month, participants can expect a new theme that highlights a different part of Berlin’s culture. Of course, we start off with running as the theme of the first month, since the Berlinathon is still a running challenge. Cultural themes will be the focus in the following months, such as art, stage, food, and music. We aim to keep each experience dynamic, engaging but also educational.
— Who is behind the weekly podcast series? How do you select the stories and voices featured in each episode?
— The podcast series is hosted by me and is held every two weeks. We will invite interesting people to join the podcast based on the theme of the current month and select stories based on their relevance to the cultural themes of the Berlinathon.
— How do you find and curate the cultural stops or artists that participants will encounter during the Kulturläufe?
— We work closely with local cultural institutions, artists, and community leaders to identify the most interesting and engaging cultural stops. Our team spends a lot of time researching and building relationships with cultural organizations to ensure that each stop is meaningful and offers a unique experience for participants. It’s about presenting Berlin’s cultural hotspots, showcasing the hidden gems of Berlin and giving people a deeper understanding of the city’s dynamic art and culture scene.
— What kind of audience are you hoping to reach — and how important is accessibility or inclusivity in how you’ve designed the program?
— Our goal is to reach anyone who is interested in exploring Berlin, whether they’re a seasoned runner, a cultural enthusiast, a newcomer to the city or someone looking for a unique way to experience the city. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of Berlinathon. We’ve designed the program so that participants of all ages and fitness levels can take part. Everyone is welcome! However, we must note that we have not yet checked all routes for accessibility, but we try our best to ensure that barriers are minimized.
— The finale on Tempelhofer Feld sounds like a major highlight. What can you already tell us about the festival program on September 14?
— The grand finale at Tempelhofer Feld will be a huge celebration of everything Berlinathon stands for. We’re creating a vibrant cultural festival with live music, food vendors, and performances by local artists — plus, of course, the final runs from 3km to our long-distance “030” km Berlinathon.
— Berlinathon is a non-profit project — how are you funding it, and what role do your partners (like tipBerlin, The Berliner, and the Quadriga University) play?
— The Berlinathon is a non-profit project funded through partnerships, tickets and donations. Our partners, tipBerlin, The Berliner and the Quadriga University, play a crucial role in providing support, promoting the event, and helping with logistics. They also help us spread the message of the Berlinathon, ensuring we reach as many people as possible. Their involvement allows us to focus on creating an enriching and meaningful experience for our participants. Nevertheless, we recently decided to open the Berlinathon for sponsorship, inviting local businesses to help us make a big celebration on September 14th possible, which is open to everyone.
— Finally, what are your hopes for the future of Berlinathon? Could this become an annual tradition?
— Absolutely! Our hope is that Berlinathon becomes an annual tradition, growing each year, new partnerships and wider participation. We believe there is so much more to explore in Berlin, and we want to continue offering people a chance to engage with the city in a fun and meaningful way. We also want to establish a big party at the end of summer on Tempelhofer Feld, where everyone can have a good time and say goodbye to summer.
