600 Mexicans participate in the Berlin Marathon

Berlin, The German capital dresses up as a sports festival to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon tomorrow, Sunday, September 29.

600 Mexican participants are registered for such an important feat, many of whom are also taking part in other marathons around the world.

The Mexican embassy in Berlin organized a reception today, Saturday, in recognition of Mexican athletes. This has become a tradition for more than 15 years.

Men and women are part of this party, both fellow citizens residing in Berlin and many others who make the trip from different regions of the country.

Three prominent women, including the wife of the current ambassador Francisco Quiroga, Cipactli Romero, who has participated since 2022, are among the athletes.

Berlin residents Lissete Martínez Vazques and Ivonne Hernández are among the proud Mexicans. Lissete already has an outstanding participation in half marathons for 25 years; On this occasion the runner has decided to take a significant leap in her performance. For her part, Ivonne, an experienced athlete, has been running marathons for 17 years.

The Mexican baton at kilometer 35

At kilometer 35, Mexican fans will be installed with flags and a high level of enthusiasm to celebrate and motivate the participants.

José Roberto Gerson Mata traveled from Mexico City to be part of this special anniversary in Berlin.

In conversation with The Day From the Berlin Marathon Expo facilities where he went to collect his number, the proud athlete commented that he had achieved his participation through a travel agency although he already has extensive experience in other marathons around the world. It is his second participation in Berlin: „this occasion is very special, because it is the 50th anniversary of the race, it is going to be a very special moment for everything it symbolizes both for the Germans and for us Mexicans and the international running community, it goes “It’s going to be a great party in Berlin and it will be an honor to be able to participate in it.”

He also commented that the Mexican embassy in Germany extends an invitation to marathon runners and their companions in the month of September: I believe it is the only marathon in the world that offers this type of event and even in other years it has coincided with national day on the 16th. September and makes it more special and emotional, you feel even more part of the race and the country.

Gerson Mata also recounted his long and experienced 13-year career in other marathons: I have run in Athens, in Chicago, this is the second time in Berlin and in Mexico City I have already run 9 times.”

Motivation for other runners and the Berlin Marathon as a democratic event

The Mexican runner originally from Mexico City highlighted that this sporting event motivates not only to be consistent as an athlete but also to save to prepare for the trip.

He also commented that both the Berlin and Chicago marathons are designed so that anyone can participate at least occasionally: the three ways to participate in Berlin are the times achieved in a previous race, another option is the lottery, or through a package offered by travel agencies; It is easier to get a place in the Berlin marathon than in the London or Tokyo marathon, I have applied to participate in the London marathon 4 times; “The number of applicants is more than 100 thousand people, so it is very difficult to get a place in the lottery.” Since 2007, the Berlin Marathon has been part of a league of the most important marathons in the world, the so-called AWMM. Abbott World Marathon Majors.

In this exclusive category are the New York, Boston and Chicago marathons in the United States, Tokyo in Asia and Berlin in Europe.

The Berlin Expo Marathon and the names of the participants

At the Berlin Marathon Expo facilities at the former Tempelhof military airport, all participants meet to collect the registration number with their name that they will carry during the race.

The thousands of participants have the opportunity to meet other competitors, take home a souvenir of the marathon, and purchase promotional items from well-known German sports companies.

Numerous stalls selling sporting goods for runners and skaters participating in the inline skating marathon or roller.

A huge cube with the names of the 55 thousand participants is also in this space. Athletes strive to find their name among the thousands to take a photo of this historic 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon.