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In order to have a better control of the skaters wishing to start in the first
starting blocks (sub 1:30 hours) of the BERLIN-MARATHON we ask for a proof of
their capability. This can be shown by a copy of a certificate or results lists
when sending the entry form. For further information see below at figure 1.
Because of a change in our software, skaters with personal bests of sub 1:30
can also enter online, if they achieved their times in Berlin in 1999 or 2000.
Great care has to put on the way the name is spelled and the year of birth, it
has to appear exactly like in the results list. From Wednesday the 31st of
January this service should be in working order. We are also trying to get the
results of other races (Hamburg, Frankfurt, Koeln, Hannover, Muenchen and
Mainz) online soon. Please have some patience.
Further informationen regarding changes for the Speed-Skating event of the
BERLIN-MARATHON:
1) Entry Limit, Starting Blocks and Personal Best Times With 6,741
participants the BERLIN-MARATHON was the biggest Skate-Marathon in the world.
We entered unknown territory and after the race some skaters complained, that
the streets were too full. Due to this there will be no further growth in
Berlin in 2001, the field is limited to 6,000 starters. Additionally we will
procede with an enhanced block start, which will be delayed slightly and in
return will bring more space to the individual starter. We will also pay more
attention that only the accredited skaters can enter their responding starting
block. Furthermore will the skaters with a best time of sub 1:30 verify their
time with a copy of a certificate. Please provide a copy of your certificate
when sending your entry form. Due to this, skaters with a PB of sub 1:30 will
not be able to enter online. Please be aware, that your best time must be
achieved on a course measured by the AIMS-Standard (this standard is enforced
by the international Marathon Foot Races). Dreamtimes of for example the
Engadin with a 300 meters net drop will not be accepted. At the moment the
AIMS-standard applies to the following marathons:
Hamburg, Frankfurt, Koeln, Hannover, Muenchen, Mainz and of course
Berlin.
Slower participants will of course also be seeded into starting blocks.
2) Ellbow-, Wrist- and Knee-Protection For years the wearing of a helmet is
compulsory. Although scars are sexy, we recommend strongly the wearing of the
complete protection set. Crashes are common in competitive Speed-Skating and
the protective gear can really help to reduce injuries. There is a limited
insurance provided by the organizer (for acts of gross negligence by the
organizer), but this will only apply to participants wearing the full
protective set, others do start fully on their own risk.
We also urge you to take along your own drinks, this further helps to
minimizr reasons for unnecessary crashes. Nevertheless we will have water along
the course, you will not die with thirst.
You can test your shape on the 1st of April in Berlin when we organise the
21st BERLIN-HALFMARATHON. You will find further information also on our
homepage. Other races in Germany can be found on our Homepage when you are on
the German site, click on Skate and than on Rennkalender. Our third race for
Speed-Skaters is in the dawn of the 4th of August on the Kurfuerstendamm
(10km).
One annoyance of last year was the wet road right after the start. At first
we thought it was the local cleaning company which did this without an order
from us, but the truth is of course much simpler: the street runs through a
huge park and due to the climate on this weekend (rain and high humidity) the
park produced this natural wetness on the street! We hope that won be the case
this year.