Anzeige
VITAMIN WELL Women's Race Berlin

Running Connects: Women’s Running Pioneers Celebrate Empowerment

Courageous Pioneers: Kathrine Switzer and Tegla Loroupe (L-R) © 261 Fearless

Encouragement, strength, empowerment – that’s what the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin is all about. Even running pioneer Kathrine Switzer has taken part, making history in 1967 as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon and paving the way for women’s running around the world.

Just before this year’s New York Marathon, the K.V. Switzer Awards were presented for the first time. Named after Kathrine herself, these awards honor women who inspire and connect others through running. Today, Switzer is also actively involved worldwide with 261 Fearless, an initiative that empowers and connects women through running.

One of the award winners is Kenyan runner Tegla Loroupe, who won the BERLIN-MARATHON in 1994 and 1995 and has been a dedicated peace ambassador for years. She received the K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award for her work with the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, which promotes education, women’s rights, and peace across Africa. Her story shows just how powerfully running can bring people together – across borders and communities.

Also honored: Molly Barker (center), founder of Girls on the Run, with Kathrine Switzer and 261 co-founder Edith Zuschmann. © 261 Fearless

At the ceremony, Kathrine Switzer said: “Passing on help and appreciation is the key to enabling others to create positive change.” That sentiment perfectly reflects the spirit of the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin, Germany’s largest charity women’s run. Because running isn’t just about finishing a race – it’s about connecting, empowering, and changing lives. Then, now, and every step in between.

Related News

VITAMIN WELL WOMEN'S RACE BERLIN: Uta Pippig still regularly takes part in the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Run Berlin today. @ SCC EVENTS/Tilo Wiedensohler

Icons of the Women’s Running Movement – Part 2

To mark the 40th edition of the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Run Berlin, we previously introduced you to some of the pioneering women who laid the foundation for the women’s running movement. Today, we’d like to present more remarkable personalities who have shaped and advanced the women’s running scene over the years.

VITAMIN WELL WOMEN'S RACE BERLIN: Kathrine Switzer in 1967, when an attempt was made to remove her from the race.

Icons of the Women's Running Movement – Part 1

Running – for women, it wasn't always a given. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin on May 17, we look back on this journey and honor the courage and endurance of the women who paved the way. Here, we introduce you to some of these inspiring pioneers.

Active against cancer: How to reduce your risk

Did you know that around 40% of cancer cases in Germany could be prevented? Physical activity plays a crucial role! At the VITAMIN WELL Women's Race Berlin, we take a stand together—getting active, having fun, and doing good. Discover how small steps can make a big difference!

[Translate to Englisch:]

Why running boosts self-confidence

Running can give your self-confidence a real boost. But why is that? In this blog post, you'll find out why running benefits not only your physical strength but also your mental resilience.

[Translate to Englisch:]

Why Pink?

When it comes to the VITAMIN WELL Women's Race Berlin, the question often arises: Why pink? Isn’t that a stereotype? The answer is clear: No! Pink – just like purple – carries deep symbolic meaning. Pink stands for solidarity with all those affected by breast cancer, while purple represents cancer in general. And this solidarity is a central part of the VITAMIN WELL Women's Run Berlin.

Handing over the cheque at the women's run - Barbara Kempf Berliner Krebsgesellschaft and Jürgen Lock SCC EVENTS © SCC EVENTS / Sebastian Wells

The Tiergarten in pink

What a celebration. A total of 10,811 runners, girls and bambini showed plenty of commitment, vigour and joy of movement at Germany's largest charity women's run. Whether running, walking or Nordic walking - the KoRo Women's Race Berlin was not only about moving together, but also about making a difference. And for women suffering from cancer. Hence the colours of the T-shirts: pink and purple are the colours of solidarity for people suffering from breast cancer or cancer.

Anzeige
Three laughing women wearing sunglasses at the VITAMIN WELL Women's Run Berlin.

Staying notivated when it’s cold and wet

Two women wearing T-shirts from the 40th VITAMIN WELL Women's Race Berlin run hand in hand along the route, smiling.

When was the last time you went for a breast cancer screening?

VITAMIN WELL Women's Race Berlin 2025: Plenty of emotions at the finish line of the anniversary edition. © SCC EVENTS / Tilo Wiedensohler

Pink, Power, Unity – The Anniversary of the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin

Anzeige