'Berlin Braves' motivates athletes ahead of marathon

IN BERLIN

Even before the gun went off to mark the beginning of the 44th Berlin Marathon on Sunday, it was evident that the world's attention would be on the rivalry between Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya and Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia.

That aside, another movement was taking shape in Berlin ahead of the marathon. The movement was fuelled by passion and driven by the will power of the people who are behind it to just go the extra mile.

The movement, referred to as 'Bridge the Gap', is made up of different athletics clubs in various capital cities the world over.

Here in the German capital is the 'Berlin Braves', which was playing host to the other running groups ahead of the marathon. In Berlin Braves, we saw the spirit of togetherness and selflessness. There was a sense of oneness and an aura of positivity in the air as people interacted.

MOTIVATE ATHLETES

On Friday evening, there was a panel talk from Mr Patrick Sang, former Olympian and coach to the eventual winner of Berlin Marathon Eliud Kipchoge.

The talk that was moderated by Knox Robinson and introduced by Joey Elgersma, the captain of the Berlin Braves, was meant to motivate athletes in attendance.

It was also meant to give the runners an idea of what professional running and training is all about. But most importantly, it was meant to “Bridge the Gap” between the elite athletes and the lifestyle runners.

Marathon has the two sets of runners, who, despite running side by side, have different goals and ambitions. Mr Sang’ said the 'Bridge the Gap' is an attempt to reach one's neighbour.

He said that there is nothing that the body cannot achieve and that limits are barriers that are set in our minds.