Activists had spilled paint on the running route Photo: LISI NIESNER/REUTERS
By Johannes Malinowski and BZ/dpa
Almost 48,000 runners are registered for the Berlin Marathon. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (51, CDU) started the race on Sunday. The last generation failed with a color attack.
The 49th Berlin Marathon started without any problems on Sunday. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) gave the starting signal for Germany’s largest city run on the Straße des 17. Juni in the Tiergarten. A record number of almost 48,000 participants from more than 150 countries registered.
Almost 48,000 athletes take part in the Berlin Marathon Photo: AFP/Tobias Schwarz
In good running conditions with temperatures around 14 degrees and the sky was overcast, Wegner did not give the starting signal, but instead gave the starting signal with a buzzer. “A start signal via buzzer is much more appropriate in times when war is being waged in Ukraine,” Wegner told the German Press Agency about not using a pistol.
Last generation fails with color attack
Several stewards and police officers pull the climate chaotic people off the street Photo: DPA/Sebastian Christoph Gollnow
An attempt to disrupt the flight shortly before the start was thwarted by law enforcement officers. Eight people tried to sit on June 17th Street but were pulled away by police and security forces. They poured out orange paint, but there was no harm.
According to the police, 1,000 officers are on duty.
Police officers lead away the climate chaos of the last generation Photo: ANNEGRET HILSE/REUTERS
The Last Generation group had announced that they wanted to interrupt the marathon. Members of the group protested with actions in Berlin throughout the week. A week ago, activists sprayed the Brandenburg Gate near the marathon finish line with orange paint.