Icons of the Women’s Running Movement – Part 2

In celebration of the 40th VITAMIN WELL Women’s Run Berlin, we’ve already introduced you to courageous women who laid the groundwork for the women’s running movement. Today, we’re shining a light on more extraordinary athletes – powerful women whose passion, perseverance, and pioneering spirit have inspired and shaped the world of women’s running for decades. Their stories speak of courage, change, and the strength found in community.

Uta Pippig (GER/1965) – A German Icon

"I believe that empathy, encouragement, and closeness – combined with inspiration and knowledge – can move mountains."

^{Uta Pippig still regularly takes part in the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Run Berlin today. © SCC EVENTS/Tilo Wiedensohler}

Born in Leipzig, Uta Pippig was the first woman to win the three major marathons of Berlin (1990, 1992, 1995), Boston (1994, 1995, 1996), and New York (1993). At the 1994 Boston Marathon, she ran a then-German record of 2:21:45 – a time that stood for 14 years until broken by Irina Mikitenko. She represented Germany at the Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996. Today, Uta is committed to health promotion and women’s empowerment and serves as an expert for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

Naoko Takahashi (JPN/1972)

"I have to push my limits every day. My strength was being able to do that every day throughout my career."

^{Naoko Takahashi becomes the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:20. © SCC EVENTS}

Naoko Takahashi became the first Japanese woman to win Olympic gold in the marathon (Sydney 2000), earning legendary status in her home country and helping to popularize women’s marathoning in Asia. At the 2001 BERLIN-MARATHON, she became the first woman to break the 2:20 barrier with a world-record time of 2:19:46. In Japan, she was even featured in a weekly comic titled “Daughter of the Wind.”

Irina Mikitenko (GER/1972)

"Running success rests on three pillars: training, recovery, and mental strength."

^{In 2008, Irina Mikitenko set a new German record at the BERLIN-MARATHON. © SCC EVENTS}

At the 2007 BERLIN-MARATHON, Irina Mikitenko ran the fastest marathon debut ever by a German woman (2:24:51), finishing second. She went on to win the World Marathon Majors series three times (2007/08–2009/10). In 2008, she became the first (and still only) German woman to run under 2:20, setting a national record of 2:19:19 that still stands. A five-time Olympian (1996–2012), Mikitenko also has a deep connection to the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin, winning the race six times – more than any other woman.

Sabrina “Mocki” Mockenhaupt-Gregor (GER/1980)

"Running is like an addiction. I get grumpy if I don’t get outside."

^{In 2010, Sabrina Mockenhaupt won the Berlin Women’s Race for the fourth time. © SCC EVENTS/Camera4}

Mocki dominated the German long-distance scene for years, earning 45 national titles across 5,000 m, 10,000 m, cross country, half marathon, and marathon events. She competed in three Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012) and medaled at European and World Championships. She won bronze at the 2005 European Championships (5,000 m) and added silver and bronze at the Cross Country European Championships. Her open and cheerful personality made her a fan favorite and a leading figure in German running. She won the Berlin Women’s Race  four times (2005, 2007, 2009, 2010).

Paula Radcliffe (GBR/1973)

"I prefer a women-only race. It’s a completely different mental game."

^{The British runner Paula Radcliffe. © Horst von Bohlen}

Paula Radcliffe made history with her incredible marathon world record of 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon, breaking her own record by nearly two minutes. The record stood for over 16 years. She also became world champion in the marathon (2005) and won the New York and London Marathons three times each. In 2011, she placed third at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Radcliffe had two children during her professional career and was a strong advocate for showing that women can be elite athletes and mothers. Today, she is active in anti-doping advocacy and champions women’s rights in sport.

Anna & Lisa Hahner – The Hahner Twins (GER/1989)

"If you want to change something in your life, don’t wait – start now." – Anna Hahner

^{Uta Pippig between the Hahner twins. © SCC EVENTS}

Anna and Lisa Hahner have become well-known figures in German running through a mix of athletic achievement and media presence. Their approach combines performance, personality, and a holistic lifestyle that inspires many. Anna has claimed multiple German national titles in cross country, ultratrail, and road running. She’s run the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON five times and set a personal best of 2:26:44 in 2014. Lisa became German marathon champion in 2015 (2:28:39) and won the Berlin Women’s Run in 2017. In 2016, both competed in the Olympic marathon in Rio and drew global attention by crossing the finish line together.

Deborah “Debbie” & Rabea Schöneborn (GER/1994)

"Having my sister as a training partner is a huge advantage. The fact that we’re also competitors is just a side note." – Rabea Schöneborn

^{Debbie and Rabea Schöneborn are regular participants in races in Berlin. © SCC EVENTS}

These twin sisters continue to prove that dual careers are possible for women in sport. Debbie, a medical doctor, joined SCC EVENTS’ Medical Team in 2022. Rabea is a trained psychologist. Both started in modern pentathlon before switching to running. Debbie placed 18th in the Olympic marathon in Tokyo and ran a personal best of 2:24:54 in Houston in 2024. Rabea’s best time is 2:27:03. Together, they earned team bronze at the 2020 World Half Marathon Championships. Rabea won the Berlin Women’s Run in 2019, and Debbie followed in 2023 with a 10K win.

Jasmin Paris (GBR/1983)

"Do what you feel is right and what makes you happy."

Ultratrail runner Jasmin Paris gained worldwide attention in 2019 when she won the 431 km Spine Race outright – beating all male competitors and setting a new overall course record by 12 hours. During the race, she breastfed her child, becoming a symbol of how elite sport and motherhood can coexist. In 2024, she made history as the first woman ever to finish the grueling Barkley Marathons, completing it in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds – just 99 seconds under the cutoff.