Callout for the 6th Elstertal Marathon
I would like to invite any current or prospective FWTC members to participate with me in a unique marathon hosted by Fort Wayne's sister city in Germany, Gera. The 6th Annual Elstertal Marathon on August 4th is being held in conjunction with Germany's National Horticultural Show which will last from April to October. Gera was chosen as this years recipient to host this event which attracts people from all over Germany. The Elstertal Marathon itself is going to include team competitions this year, with teams invited to compete from each of their 12 sister cities. Gera has invited Fort Wayne to bring two (2) teams.Teams will consist of a maximum of 5 runners, the times for the first three runners that finish on each team compiled to determine the winning team(s). The first 6 teams will receive awards and the winning team receives the “Gera International Cup”. The start of the marathon is in “Friendship Stadium” in Gera and proceeds on a bicycle path along the river Elster, returning to finish in the stadium. The course is essentially flat.
In addition to the marathon, this trip will provide a unique opportunity to meet some of our sister city residents and visit /sightsee some of the very interesting areas in this part of Germany. This will include visits to Berlin, the capital of Germany, Dresden, and at least one castle in the area. There will be group trips planned as well as the opportunity to travel in smaller groups with host families. Spouses are encouraged to come if they would like, and individual and couples will be housed in host families, most likely with runners that live in and around Gera. The tentative plan is for the group to leave on August 1st (arriving on the 2nd) and returning on the 11th or 12th.
Individuals may adjust their own flights if they want to depart earlier or leave later, but will be responsible for their own accommodations outside the group dates. The cost of the flight will be approximately $1100 which will constitute the majority of the total cost. There will be some additional costs for transportation and entry fees for various sights. Speaking from the experience of having been to Gera 6 times, this trip will provide an unforgettable experience at an extremely reasonable price. In order to book flights most economically, I would like to have the teams put together by the middle of March. Please contact me personally by phone (486-1745) or E-mail (tri_ker@yahoo.com) if you have an interest. I will gladly answer any questions you might have.