The Einstein Races

Start of the 5k race

The city I live in, Ulm, is famous for two things: we have to world's tallest church, and Albert Einstein was born here.  The name Einstein is used everywhere here from cafes to computer repair shops, and every October, Ulm hosts the Einstein Marathon and associated races.

Our pre-race selfie

I really wanted to participate in the races, so my husband and I both registered for the 10k (6.2 miles). The other races offered included the marathon, half-marathon, 5k, nordic walking, in-line skating, and hand-bike options.  There were over 12,000 people participating in the races that day!  

Waiting at the starting line

I have never run in such a crowded race.  Dan had decided that he wanted us to run together, which is a good thing since I don't know that we would have ever found each other again among so many people!

The course ran along the Danube and through the city

Thank goodness we bumped into a friend before the race began, and she told us that the start times had been pushed back.  With so much noise and people my German was not good enough to understand the loudspeaker announcement about the delayed races.

A photo of the nordic walking race and samba performers

There was also a really big turn out for the children's races, which were held the previous weekend.  I am so proud of my kids for participating.  Meredith was the youngest runner from their school, and her course was 400 m, while Ryan's course was 1200 m.  I have proudly displayed our four matching finisher medals!

Ryan looking nervous before his race

Meredith after crossing the finish line

Germany has amazing biking/walking/running trails that crisscross the entire country through cities and farmland.  I could go out from my house and run for miles and miles without ever having to share the road with cars.  I find that Germans have an intrinsic desire to be outdoors and active.  Even in the dead of winter I see many people out walking through the fields and riding bikes.  I wish I could say that I will be out there running in the dead of winter as well, but I think I would be lying!  Unfortunately, I haven't run much since the race because all of my free time goes to my German course and studying in the evening.  Luckily, my course will be over soon, and I will revel in my free time, and hopefully be pounding pavement once again!