Ready, steady, go! UWT runners took the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON challenge
The Berlin Marathon traditionally takes place in September each year. More than 40,000 athletes join the mass race through the city, cheered on by thousands of spectators. With 40,000 starting positions, it is the largest and best-known marathon in Germany. Together with the London Marathon, Boston Marathon, Chicago Marathon and the New York Marathon, the Berlin Marathon is part of the international competition series of the World Marathon Majors.
On Sunday, September 16, the 45th BMW BERLIN MARATHON took place with a record registration of 44,389 runners from 133 nations and a record number that reaches the goal - with 40,775 runners.
The combined winning times made the race the fastest ever over the distance.
Eliud Kipchoge crowned the event with a fantastic world record in 2:01:39. When he crossed the finish line he had obliterated the world record of 2:02:57. It is the biggest advance in the men’s marathon world record for over 50 years. It is also the eleventh world record in the history of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. History was also made in the women’s race as Gladys Cherono overturned pre-race expectations by breaking the course record to run 2:18:11, a personal best and the fastest women’s time in the world this year. Cherono won her third BMW BERLIN-MARATHON title and went to number four on the women’s all-time list. For the first time in marathon history three women broke 2:19 in one race.
On Sunday, three UWT top runners took the challenge in Berlin.
Uwe Niekrawietz, UWT Managing Partner with his wife Petra Niekrawietz and Joanna Hughes from UWT subsidiary UWT (UK) Ltd in Shrewsbury participated together in the spectacular sports event.
In their “kuhl” sports outfit they reached fantastic times: 04:48:33 (Uwe Niekrawietz),
04:08:22 (Joanna Hughes) and 04:06:02 (Petra Niekrawietz)!
“It was huge fun to run with Team UWT and Berlin was a fantastic city to run round and to explore at leisure in the days afterwards!” said Joanna Hughes. She ran for the charity called SSAFA – the UK’s oldest military charity that works to ensure that the needs of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families are meet in an appropriate and timely way in recognition of their service to the Nation and she raised 600 Euro!
Participating in the Berlin Marathon means a lot more than just running some 42 kilometers and sharing this experience with some of the fastest and most successful marathon runners in the world. Experiencing the fantastic atmosphere along the course and running through Brandenburg Gate and past the grandstands the last 400 metres to the finish line make the Berlin Marathon an unforgettable experience.
"An impressive event where you have a unique spirit that is super motivating!"
so the enthusiastic conclusion of the UWT runners.
