Marathon organisers of the big German marathons working together on a plan for health prevention and anti-doping

December 5, 2008

In a meeting in Frankfurt/Main the organisers of the 4 biggest marathons in Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne) held discussions and and came up with a plan to strengthen there profile towards health and doping issues.

“Our running events with altogether more than 95.000 participants are in high responsibility and we want to satisfy this nationwide lead function in the future more than ever” Jo Schindler (Frankfurt marathon race organiser) stated. The group decided to continue and extend their campaigns concerning possible health risks and benefits of marathon running and endurance sport in general.

In the fight against doping, the group wants to use pre-race doping tests to catch more “cheaters”. However, also a campaign for the recreational runners is planned, in which information should be given about which drugs and methods are illegal. “Especially among the thousands of refrankcreational and hobby runners there is an uncertainty about what is legal and illegal. … we want to avoid that marathoners are starting the race without knowing that they are unwittingly doped.” said Sylvia Schenk.