HEIDI-CHALLENGE

A rather extraordinary all-seasons stage run along the waterside paths with all their different moods of Berlin's and Brandenburg's lakes, rivers and canals. In 2026 we run in the beautiful autumn.

Immerse yourself in the wonderfully diverse life of Berlin and its water-rich surroundings. Always along the banks of the many rivers, canals and lakes – always close to the water. Getting lost is almost impossible.

In memory of my wonderful running friend Michael "Heidi" Wichmann, with whom this original idea for the challenge came about during the first COVID lockdown – out of necessity, because races were cancelled and we had to explore our own long running routes, during which we discovered how wonderfully beautiful, excitingly varied and movingly chaotic life and nature along the waterways of Berlin and its surroundings truly is.

We run past a large number of Berlin's landmarks (Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery, the residence of the German President (Bellevue Palace), and many more), touch the old towns of Köpenick and Spandau, cross the park of Charlottenburg Palace and Treptower Park, and visit some of Berlin's typical allotment colonies.

We encounter the poor, run-down Berlin with its homelessness, but also some of the most beautiful villa districts, and experience the diverse, multicultural Berlin with its varied smells of different cuisines – or the various substances available on the Berlin market.

All typically Berlin – big mouths meet wannabe trendsetters.

On the way through the Berlin countryside we pass a number of palaces with their parks (e.g. Sanssouci, Babelsberg), run through the villages of Caputh, Ferch, Petzow and Hennigsdorf, and explore the excursion island of Werder.

We circle the Schwielowsee, the Wannsee, the Tegeler See and the Glindower See, to name just a few. The routes take us under and over endless bridges, including some railway bridges, running along the Havel and Spree rivers. Over a total of around 316 kilometres we cross the former inner-German and inner-Berlin border many times, running from East to West and West to East.

Based on all the positive feedback, we seem to have passed our baptism of fire in 2024 quite well. In 2026 we run in reverse direction, with the exception of stage two. Hopefully enough reasons to make you curious about this wonderful event.

— Thomas Steinicke (Race Director)