The 49th Berlin Marathon started as planned. Shortly before the start, security forces stopped an attempted disturbance. The group “Last Generation” had announced that they wanted to interrupt the marathon.
- Activists from the “Last Generation” wanted to sit on the street before the start of the marathon
- Police and law enforcement officers prevent disruption
- Run started without any problems
Police and security forces thwarted a blockade of the “Last Generation” shortly before the start of the Berlin Marathon on Sunday morning.
According to a police spokeswoman, a total of eight people came onto the route on Straße des 17. Juni from two sides and spilled orange paint. As can be seen in the pictures and videos, she had banners from the group “Last Generation” with her. Emergency services intervened before the activists could attach themselves.
The police are now establishing the personal details and the activists’ freedom is initially restricted, the spokeswoman said. It is being examined to what extent they can then be taken into custody, it said.
The start of the run was not affected by the quick intervention.
Wegner calls on “Last Generation” to refrain from marathon protests
Protests surrounding the Berlin Marathon are prohibited by general decree. Nevertheless, the “Last Generation” wants to disrupt the race. Berlin’s governing mayor is now warning activists that the police will not tolerate disruptive actions.more
Group wants to disrupt marathon despite ban
The “Last Generation” expressed regret at X about possible interruptions to the marathon with a view to the participants in the run. “We are doing this because we are in an emergency. In existential danger!” is how the initiative justified its approach. The group had already announced on Friday that they wanted to “pause” the run. “We cannot run away from the climate catastrophe,” it said.
The police and internal administration issued a general decree a ban on undeclared demonstrations the group around the marathon and threatened fines of 2,000 euros if they did not comply. The general order stated that the competitions and accompanying events must run smoothly. The primary goal is to avoid damage to people, materials and property. According to information from Sunday, the police are on site with more than 1,000 emergency services at the running event.
Buzzer instead of a gun to start
This meant that the 49th Berlin Marathon could begin without any problems. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) gave the starting signal for Germany’s largest city run on the Straße des 17. Juni in the Tiergarten. In good running conditions with temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius, Wegner decided not to give the starting signal and 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.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, September 24, 2023, 10 a.m
