HEIDI-CHALLENGE

A somewhat unusual all-seasons stage race along the waterside paths, with all the changing 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 shores of the many rivers, canals and lakes – always close to the water. Getting lost is hardly possible.

In memory of my wonderful running friend Michael „Heidi" Wichmann, with whom the original idea for this challenge was born – out of necessity – during the first wave of the pandemic. Out of necessity, because races were cancelled and we had to explore our own long running routes. Along the way we discovered how wonderfully beautiful, how excitingly varied, how movingly chaotic life and nature along the waters of Berlin and its surroundings are.

We pass a great number of Berlin's sights (the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, the East Side Gallery, the residence of the German Federal President (Schloss Bellevue) and much more), touch the old towns of Köpenick and Spandau, cross the park of Charlottenburg Palace and Treptower Park, and visit some of the allotment colonies so typical of Berlin.

We meet the poor, run-down Berlin with its homelessness, but also see some of the most beautiful villa districts. We encounter the diverse, multicultural Berlin with the many different smells of its many cuisines – and of the many different drugs of the Berlin market.

All typically Berlin – big mouths meet wannabe teenagers.

Out in the countryside around Berlin we cross numerous parks with their palaces (e.g. Sanssouci, Babelsberg), run through the villages of Caputh, Ferch, Petzow and Hennigsdorf, and explore the island of Werder, a popular day-trip destination.

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 several railway bridges, and along the Havel and the Spree. Over a total of around 316 kilometres we cross the former inner-German and inner-Berlin border countless times, running from East to West and from West to East.

Judging by the many positive responses, we seem to have passed our baptism of fire in 2024 quite well. In 2026 we run every stage except the second in the opposite direction. Hopefully reason enough to make you curious about this wonderful event.

— Thomas Steinicke (Race Director)