The idea of participating in the Kassel Marathon didn’t appeal to me at first. I know my hometown inside out, and the route didn’t promise any new impressions. Yet, I let myself be convinced – and it turned out to be an interesting experience in the end.
About the Race
Running a marathon in Kassel is naturally a home game for me. But a full marathon wasn’t an option, and I wasn’t particularly interested in the half marathon either. However, Manfred from our running group was still looking for someone to complete a leg of the marathon relay.
After some hesitation, I agreed. Without extensive training, I figured that a distance of about 10 kilometers should still be manageable. I was assigned to the final stretch of the relay, which was slightly over 10 kilometers and included the exciting finish in the Auestadion.
Event and Organization
As expected, the Kassel Marathon was superbly organized. The organizers had thought of everything. The shuttle buses provided for transport to the relay transition points were especially helpful and ensured a smooth process.
At the relay transition point, I had some time to wait until the third runner in our team arrived. While waiting, I cheered on other runners and enjoyed the buzzing atmosphere. It was fascinating to see how differently people approached the challenge – some were laser-focused, while others seemed completely at ease.
When our baton was finally handed over, I hit the ground running, motivated to do my part and contribute to our team’s success.
The Course
The route led through the districts of Rothenditmold, Kirchditmold, and Vorderer Westen before reaching the finish line at the Auestadion.
The first seven kilometers were particularly challenging, with the path repeatedly climbing uphill. Given my lack of training, it was tough to maintain the pace I had envisioned.
The highest point of the route came around kilometer 7. From there, it was mostly downhill, allowing me to pick up some speed for the final stretch. One of the most memorable parts of the race was running through Friedrich-Ebert-Straße. Normally known for its bars and clubs, the street had transformed into a party zone. The crowds of spectators cheering on every runner were incredibly uplifting and gave me a much-needed boost of energy.
The highlight of the run was undoubtedly the finish in the Auestadion. The electric atmosphere with cheering spectators made the effort of the last few kilometers almost fade away.
While running, I wasn’t in peak form but pushed myself to perform my best for the team. By the time I crossed the finish line, I was completely drained but also satisfied. My time was decent, though I know it could have been better with more preparation.
Conclusion
The Kassel Marathon as a solo race still doesn’t appeal to me. Knowing the route so well takes away the excitement of exploring something new. However, the relay marathon pleasantly surprised me.
Being part of a team added a unique dynamic to the experience, making it more enjoyable. Still, I’ve learned my lesson: next time, I’ll prepare better. With proper training, I could approach the race more relaxed and enjoy it even more.
I’m not sure yet whether I’ll participate again next year, but if I do, it will definitely be as part of a relay team. And this time, I’ll make sure to train properly – because a race is so much more fun when you’re not completely exhausted at the finish line.
