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Important information for all participants

Dear Marathon Runner, Dear Skater,

We are delighted that you will be participating in the 29th real,- BERLIN

MARATHON. Things will be a little cramped again this year, especially during

the first kilometres of the run, but Berlins streets are wide and offer plenty

of room for everyone. At the moment there are a lot of building sites and road

works around as the city prepares itself for the future, so there are bound to

be a few bottlenecks along the way. Although the Brandenburg Gate will only be

officially reopened on 3 October, the Day of German Unity, all five arches will

be open on 29 September for runners to pass through. Pariser Platz (behind the

Brandenburg Gate) has also been given a facelift.

Please give proper consideration to your fellow runners and to wheelchair

racers, and help protect the environment by not littering. Enjoy the

hospitality of the city and of all the spectators who have turned out just to

see you!

Below you will find important information on the organization of the

real,- BERLIN MARATHON. Information which is especially important for inline

skaters is indicated by

"25" height="25" border="0" align="left" />.

Please take the time to read this information

carefully.

Start


Starting time for runners: 9.00 a.m. at Charlottenburg Gate on

the two right-hand lanes of the Strasse des 17. Juni. In order to make things

more relaxed throughout the route, the rear starting block will be started

after a short delay.. Wheelchair competitors will start at 8.15

a.m. and power walkers at 9.00 a.m. The starting

point for both groups is also on the Strasse des 17. Juni.

"0" align="left" />Inline skaters will start at the corner of "An der

Urania" and Kurfürstenstrasse at 8.25 a.m.

Participants will start on both sides of the wide reservation dividing the

street. The running and skating courses will meet up at the Victory Column

(Siegessäule), where skaters will join the main route. The skaters

starting point has been chosen so that the overall distance travelled is the

same as that for the runners. Inline skaters will start at 8.25 a.m. regardless

of weather.

There are no parking facilities for private cars and buses in the vicinity

of the starting area. Please use public transport. Take the underground

(U-Bahn) line U2 or bus X9, 145 or 245 to

Ernst-Reuter-Platz. You may also take buses 149 or

245, or metrorail (S-Bahn) lines S3, S5, S7, S75 or S9 to

Zoologischer Garten, from where it is a short walk down

Hardenbergstrasse to the start area. The starting area point

can be accessed only via Ernst-Reuter-Platz. All other access routes

will be blocked off.

"0" align="left" />To get to the skater starting point on An der Urania,

take underground line U15 to Nollendorfplatz station, or use

bus 146, 119, 187 or 219.

The roads in the starting area are off limits to road

vehicles.

Adequate toilet and changing facilities are located near the starting line.

Please use only these facilities.

Please hand your clothing by 8.45 a.m. to the attendants at

the lorry corresponding to your race number. Use only the clothing

bag you received with your bib and which bears your race

number. Please do not use a box, suitcase or any other bag for

your clothing. Do not pack any valuables or breakable items into the clothing

bag. After the race begins, your clothing will be taken to finish area. The

organizers can accept no responsibility for items lost or damaged.

"0" align="left" />Please leave your clothing in the tents corresponding to

your race number. The tents will be locaded on Kleiststrasse.

If you are registered as a runner you may not start as a skater. As the

participant limit for this year has already been reached, no re-registration is

possible.

Please note that the organizers cannot provide transport

from the finish line back to the starting area. The starting point

cannot be accessed from Strasse des 17. Juni. For security

reasons, only participants with an official race number will be permitted into

the start area. Take leave of friends and family before entering the

start area. Souvenir snapshots should be taken at Ernst-Reuter-Platz

before the race or along the Strasse des 17. Juni once the race is underway.

Only entrants with official race numbers for the real,- BERLIN MARATHON 2002

will be permitted to compete in the race. Race numbers are not

transferable. Bibs must be worn on the chest such that your number is

clearly visible. They may not be altered in any way. Do not alter any

letters or characters that appear on your bib. Any form of alteration

will result in disqualification. At the start, runners will be arranged into

six blocks based on the "personal best times" which they submitted.

Each block will be assigned a colour, and the coloured sticker on your bib

indicates your starting block entrance. Anyone taking part in a marathon for

the first time will automatically be placed in the last block. Please follow

the instructions given by the starter’s assistants to make sure that you

and the other runners get under way without any mishaps. Be on the alert for

runners without race numbers who try to mingle with the official competitors at

the start. Such runners serve only to adulterate the performance figures of the

official runners and they take unfair advantage of the support and aid services

intended only for registered entrants.

"0" align="left" />Please enter the starting block whose colour

corresponds to the small coloured sticker on your bib. You must be in your

starting block no later than 8.10 a.m. Access to the blocks will be

monitored. You will be guided to your starting positions shortly before the

start of the race. Do not crowd or scramble at the starting line. Leave plenty

of room for others in order to prevent falls. The different starting blocks

will be signalled to go with a short delay.

Though timekeeping will be done by means of the Real-Time

Champion-Chip, for technical reasons start time recording will be switched off

12 minutes after the start of the race is signalled.

Later starts are not possible. First Aid will be provided by the

German Red Cross, who will also supply water on request. Runners may have their

own food and beverages deposited at the refreshment stands. Please hand in any

such items in a container (no glass, please) clearly labelled with your name,

race number and the required location to the "Info-Stand" no later

than 7.30 a.m. Due to the vast quantity of food and beverages deposited by the

runners, it is virtually impossible to identify your items unless they are

clearly labelled.

"0" align="left" />We are unable to provide your own refreshment for

skaters.

When you collect your race number you will be given only one

sponge. Don’t forget to take it with you on the race –

you only get one!

The "INFO-Point" will be located on the median of

the Strasse des 17. Juni (opposite the main Technical University

building).

Warm-up exercises: The warm-up session for all runners will be

held in front of the main building of the TUB (Technical University Berlin)

between 8.00 and 8.30 a.m. The session will

be led by a gymnast and accompanied by music.

This warm-up is highly recommended for runners wishing to loosen up and stretch

their muscles using safe and effective techniques. The Energy Dance Method

makes it easy to follow the prescribed movements, not to mention the special

feeling generated by so many athletes moving rhythmically in unison. To get the

most out of this session, you should:

1). Imitate the prescribed movements exactly, as if you were looking into a

mirror. Ideally, you should stand facing the main stage.

2). Limit the size of your movements so that you can easily and smoothly follow

the gymnast. Please be in place and ready to begin at 8.00

a.m.

Unwanted and discarded training apparel can be handed in shortly before the

start as a donation to the Red Cross. The collection point will be

posted.

General note: Make sure you get to the starting area well

ahead of time by means of the public transport system.

Don’t spoil your chances of turning in a good performance by having to

rush to the starting line and getting nervous in case you are late.

Real-Time Champion-Chip – No chip, no time

Please fasten the chip to your shoelaces.

Your net running time can be measured only if you step on the contact mats laid

out on the starting and finishing lines. Likewise, you must step on all mats

laid out en route.

(For intermediate time checks - you will be disqualified if your

intermediate times are not recorded).

You will receive a balloon when you enter the starting block. Let it go when

the starting gun is fired! The deposit you paid on the chip will be refunded,

minus hire charges, in the parking area of the vehicle transporting your

clothes (back end of the finish line area).

"0" align="left" />To have your time recorded, fasten the timing chip

carefully to your skates at the lowest possible point. The red

timekeeping mats pose no danger for skaters. Do not jump over the

mats. This may cause accidents and could lead to timekeeping and

placement errors. Split times for the skaters will only be taken at km

21.

Protective helmets are mandatory and you will not be

allowed to start the race without one (there will be a check at the starting

line). Wearing complete protection gear is strongly recommended. The bib with

your race number must be worn on your chest. Altering the race

number in any way or cutting out sponsors logos or messages will lead to

disqualification.

The course


No wheeled vehicles of any kind (cars, bicycles, motorcycles) are permitted to

accompany runners on the course. Roller skates, skateboards and all other

wheeled devices (with the exception of wheelchairs and skates used by

competitors) are also prohibited. No animals are allowed on the marathon

course. The most famous monument in Germany, the Brandenburg Gate, is 3.2 km

from the start between Strasse des 17. Juni and Unter den Linden. It was a

symbol of the division of the city and the nation for a number of decades.

Today it is a symbol of unity.

"0" align="left" />The complete course is paved, nevertheless there are some

pot holes, so please be careful throughout the race. Be especially alert in the

area of the Brandenburg Gate and on Unter den Linden.

Dangerous points will be marked and at some points you will see

volunteers waving a yellow flag. When you see these flags, please slow down and

skate very carefully because a tight curve or damaged road surface is ahead of

you. Please be careful and obey these safety warnings. Also use

caution when passing wheelchair athletes. They cannot move as

freely as you and must take curves differently. Please show consideration to

your fellow athletes and keep your distance when passing. Please pass other

participants always on the left and, if necessary, signal your intention to

overtake.

Safety notes on specific sections of the course:

At km 3.2, just beyond the Brandenburg Gate, the road surface

has been damaged due to the large number of special events held here. Please

use special care! Though Unter den Linden is Berlins most

famous boulevard, its asphalt surface is among the citys worst. So don be

distracted by the wonderful buildings lining the street, keep your eyes on the

often broken, bumby road surface.

From km 23 the course for the skaters will be on the opposite side of

the road parallel to the main course. Should you be passed by the leading

runners before km 23, please make sure that they are able to pass you without

hindrance. Skaters must finish the race within 3 hours. A bus will follow

behind the field of skaters at a constant speed corresponding to a 3-hour

finishing time. If this bus passes you, you must leave the race and take the

bus back to the finish area.

Skater: Follow the GREEN-LINE (from km 23)

Refreshment points will be on the right-hand side of the course (except the

5 km - 17 km point stands, which are on both sides). The following are located

at 5-km intervals along the course: time indicator, medical aid, and

refreshments in this order: food and drinks deposited by racers, water,

containers to soak the sponges, tea (every 5 km starting from km 10). Fruit is

also available from the 10 km point to the finish. Only water is available at

the 13, 18, 23, 28, 33 and 38 km points. Here drinking water will be handed out

in cups and containers will be available for you to soak your sponges with

water.

Gatorade mineral drink - at 8 refreshment stands and the finishing

line!

Don forget! You only get one sponge with your race

number – think about the environment! Large coloured

balloons will indicate the order of the refreshments laid out on the tables.

Order of colours: green (racers refershments), blue (water), orange (containers

to soak sponges), yellow (fruit), white (tea).

Runners: Follow the BLUE-LINE

Do not run too long without a drink, especially in warm

weather.

Toilets are located at clearly marked points along the route (every 2.5 km).

Masseurs are in attendance every 5 km from the 25-km point onwards. If you

require medical aid it is best to run or walk to the next refreshment point

where all the necessary facilities are available. If you are compelled to drop

out of the race, a special bus following the runners will transport you to the

finish area, or you may travel free of charge by underground (U-Bahn)

to the finish area (Wittenbergplatz). Your race number serves as a

ticket from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Please consider other competitors during the race if you wish to change

lanes, spit or cross the course to reach a refreshment stand. Don forget that

there will be wheelchair racers in the field. Use caution and do not endanger

the safety of yourself or others. Use common sense. Please toss your empty cups

to the side of the road to keep the path clear for the runners behind you. Help

protect Berlins environment by not throwing cups, bottles or leftovers into our

waterways (such as the Landwehrkanal). Several video control points have been

set up along the course. Please ensure that your race number is clearly

visible on your chest throughout the event.

"0" align="left" />Please use the plastic bottle provided when your race

number was issued for refreshments during the race. Because of the high-speed

of the skaters, handing out refreshments could be dangerous. We

therefore strongly recommend carrying your own refresh-ments/water

bottle. This will save you time, protect your fellow skaters and allow

you to take refreshments whenever you wish. However, there are “emergency

supplies“ at points 10, 20, 30 and 35. If you do use these refresh-ment

points, please slow down well in advance. Please throw your empty cups

and bottles to the side of the road so as not to trip other

skaters.

Along the route there are timing checkpoints where you must run/skate over

contact mats to prove you have kept to the correct route. Failure to do so will

result in disqualification. (Does not apply to skaters.)

Finish


The finish line crosses the right-hand lanes of the Tauentzienstrasse at the

corner of Passauer Strasse and will remain open until 3.00

p.m. (Walker 4 p.m.) Your running time is recorded

(through contact mats) as you cross the finishing line. Please do not

pause near the line but proceed briskly to the back of the finish

area. There you will receive your medal and an insulation blanket to keep you

warm. Afterwards please leave this area immediately and move towards

Lietzenburger Strasse. Please do not return to the finish area after you have

reclaimed your clothing. You should arrange to meet fellow competitors outside

the finish area. Unfortunately it is prohibited to stay and watch the race from

inside the enclosed area as this would hinder the smooth running of your event.

Please drop your used sponges into the receptacles provided.

"0" align="left" />The finish line is on the northern lane of the

Tauentzienstraße at the corner of Passauer Strasse. Two timing mat

systems will be laid out on the finish line. Skating over these mats poses no

hazard. Do not jump over the mats! Doing so could result in faulty

timekeeping. The official finish line will be an unbroken line across

the lanes. There is only limited space behind the finish line so please do not

end the race with a final spurt. Instead, roll relaxed across the finish line

with the smile of a winner on your face.

Because of the physical strain your body is subjected to over 42.195 km, we

recommend that you keep moving for a time after finishing and only slowly come

to rest. Should you feel ill medical staff will be on hand to help you.

Students from massage schools in Berlin will be on hand to loosen up your

stiffened muscles. They will do their best to help you, but please remember

other runners may be waiting to feel the benefits of these "helping

hands".

On the cordoned off street leading to Lietzenburger Strasse, showers will be

set up so that you can enjoy a warm shower after the race. Before

showering you should collect your clothing from the lorry corresponding to your

race number. You may recover your clothes until 3.30 p.m. by showing your bib

to the lorry attendants. Clothing bags which are not collected by that

time will be kept at 4.30 p.m. at the Info Container,

Martin-Luther-Straße/Lietzenburger Straße. After that, unrecovered

bags can be collected from the Organization Office, Glockenturmstraße 23,

14055 Berlin, starting Monday 30 September. Do your part to protect the

environment by not throwing away your insulation blanket after use. Please fold

it up and take it home with you. The reunion area (family meeting point) will

be located on Lietzenburger Strasse, starting at the junction with

Nürnberger Strasse. Please plan to meet your family and friends under the

sign bearing the first letter of your last name. Do

not plan to meet in the vicinity of the finish line as we cannot allow

access to this area for obvious reasons.

Results and awards ceremony

PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE


Your provisional placing will be available at Nürnberger Straße,

about 45 minutes after you cross the finish line. When complete, the full and

final results list will be sent to every finishing participant along with

his/her certificate (it will take about six weeks). There is no need to write

in for it.

Results on the internet

www.berlin-marathon.com

The awards ceremony and marathon get-together will be held at the

"Wasserklops" fountain on Breitscheidplatz (between the memorial

church and the Europa Center). This will be a non-stop, open-air event with

lots of music from 1.00 to 6.00 p.m. Starting at 2.00 p.m., prizes will be

awarded to the first six men and women runners, wheelchair racers and

skaters to finish the marathon.

When the work is done its time to Join the Party at the

"No Mercy for Tired Legs" after-marathon disco. Come on and dance, if

your aching muscles will let you, and honour the winners in Tanztempel

Metropol, Nollendorfplatz 5. Winners: Time 11 p.m.. Take bus

119, 187, U 4 (Underground).

Supplementary information

Breakfast Run – "nice ’n easy!" You are invited

to take part in the Breakfast Run on Saturday, 28 September. This run (approx.

6 km) starts at 9.30 a.m. at Charlottenburg palace and finishes at the Olympic

Stadium, the site of the 1936 games. Flags and pennants of sports clubs, towns,

cities and countries would help to make this a colourful event. You will

receive a balloon to carry.

We regret that there is no access to the Olympic Stadium due to the complete

overhaul of the arena for the 2006 Football World Cup. Transport: To Schloss

Charlottenburg on Spandauer Damm take underground (U-Bahn) line U7 to

Richard-Wagner-Platz, from where the palace is just a short walk away, or use

bus 109, 145, 210 or X21 (Luisenplatz). Return from the stadium: Take

underground line U2, metrorail (S-Bahn) line S5 or bus 149.

HEALTH SERVICES

When you collect your bib you will find an "Emergency Aid Pass"

("NOTHILFEPASS") on the back. Please fill in the

requested information in ink right away. Please do not forget to include your

Berlin address (hotel etc.), including room number and/or telephone number.

real,– Pasta Lounge

The real,– Pasta Lounge will be held this year from Thursday to Saturday

from 2.00 to 6.00 p.m. in hall 10.1. Around 41,000 plates of pasta accompanied

by a variety of sauces will be served at the party. All runners in the real,-

BERLIN MARATHON can receive a free serving by presenting a certificate of

participation available from where you pick up your race number. Those

attending the Pasta-Lounge are requested to bring their own cutlery and plates

in order to reduce the amount of rubbish.

EMERGENCY AID ADVICE

Expert emergency aid advice will be offered to the runners on Saturday 28

September in the exhibition halls from 1.00 p.m. and on Sunday, 29 September

until shortly before the start of the race. The location will be posted.

The real,- BERLIN MARATHON on TV

ARD Sportschau live: 8.35 - 11.30 p.m.

B1 – SportPalast extra: 11.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.

B1 – SportPalast extra: 9.00 - 9.45 p.m.

Say cheese!

RACE PUBLICITY – DO YOUR PART!

You can help in getting the results of the real,-BERLIN MARATHON published by

the media: Get in touch with the sports editor of your local paper and let him

have your impressions on the real,- BERLIN MARATHON – some pictures of

the event would surely be interesting, too. Help us to promote running in

Germany through greater publicity. And it would be great if you could send us

any articles (originals or copies) on the real,- BERLIN MARATHON published in

your local press.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The organizers of the real,- BERLIN MARATHON are striving to continually

improve the events environmental record, especially as concerns reducing the

amount of litter produced. Here again, we ask you to do your bit.

German Red Cross–Emergency Telephone: 0800 122

2001

Souvenirs:

Sale: Sunday, 29 September until 6.00 p.m. at Breitscheidplatz (Finisher

T-Shirts). The organizers of the real,- BERLIN MARATHON wish you a pleasant run

and a healthy finish at Berlins racing event of the year 2002.

Note:

This information is based on August 2002 planning data.

Subject to change.

 

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