Day 3: Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay – Cheers to the Volunteers

Three days, nearly 6,000 relay teams, and around 700 helping hands working behind the scenes to keep everything running: the volunteers at the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay are the driving force behind this shared sporting experience in the Tiergarten. They ensure everything runs smoothly, lift the runners' spirits, and turn the event into what it is: a true summer highlight full of team spirit and community.

_{Madelaine – first helping out at the refreshment station, and the next day at the medal handout at the finish. © SCC EVENTS}

With Heart, Humor, and Team Spirit!

Whether on the course, in the exchange zone, at a refreshment point, or at bib pickup—the volunteers are all in. They help, organize, motivate, and create unforgettable moments. What unites them all? The joy of working together, the team spirit, and being part of a one-of-a-kind event. Because without them, nothing works—but with them, everything does.

“When Ralf calls, I come!”

Heike is responsible for what’s known as the “crossings”—five transition points along the course that allow spectators and participants to cross safely and without interfering with the race. “There are four people per crossing to ensure everyone can get across stress-free,” she explains. “I’m a runner myself and I want to give something back. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without volunteers.” And the best part? “Feeling appreciated—it just brings joy!” When asked if she’ll be back next year, she winks at Noah and Ralf (both in Volunteer Management at SCC EVENTS) and says: “When Ralf calls, I come!”

_{Heike knows exactly how to get people from A to B safely—especially during the event. © SCC EVENTS}

 Info, Help, and Always Good Vibes!

David is the team leader for the Info Point. It’s no surprise he enjoys working with people—after all, he and his team field a wide variety of questions from a wide variety of people. “It’s amazing to see how thankful everyone is.” Answering questions, giving directions, keeping track of everything—for him, it’s a rewarding challenge. He’s particularly proud of the trust his team places in him: “Taking on responsibility feels good.” Will he be back? “Absolutely—next year, I’m in again!”

Carpe Diem Among the Kiddos

Gregor is the coordinator for the Bambini Run—because even the youngest heroes can participate during all three days of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay. With years of experience under his belt, he doesn’t bother counting the events anymore—he lives by his motto Carpe Diem. “The most exciting moment is always the one happening right now,” he says with a big smile. Whether it’s organizing or problem-solving on the fly—he loves the energy on-site and sums it up in three words: “Simply amazing.”

_{A long-time participant with a big heart for the little ones: Gregor. © SCC EVENTS}

A Great Break from the Office Routine

Madelaine usually works in real estate appraisal—but at the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay, she really enjoys the movement and meeting new people. “The energy is contagious! It’s great to be outside, meet new faces—it’s such a refreshing change from the office.” Whether handing out medals or helping at a refreshment station, Madelaine gives it her all. “Yesterday I randomly handed a cup of water to a colleague—it seemed like such a small moment, but somehow it felt magical.” Her conclusion: she’ll definitely be back next year!

“Like One Big Family Celebration”

Sven, a native Berliner, loves volunteering. In 2022, he took part in the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON for the first time—“that was my debut in the sports world,” he laughs. This year, he landed one of the coveted roles at bib pickup for the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay. “It’s super well-organized. As a volunteer, you feel truly supported—it builds a real sense of community.” For him, this event is more than just a task: “It feels like a family celebration!” He especially raved about the weekends around the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON and the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: “Those are some of the best weekends of the year!”

From SCC Runner to Long-Time Volunteer

Karsten is turning 60 this year and brings more experience than almost anyone on the team. He’s been running for SCC Berlin e.V. for nearly 40 years and has been volunteering for 15. “I know events like this wouldn’t be feasible or affordable without volunteers. That’s why I want to give back.” This year, he helped at the Info Point and at the snack bag station—and then ran himself. “Running late in the day was great. It wasn’t hot anymore, and the vibe was amazing. Helping and running—what a great combo.” What he loves most about the three days in the Tiergarten: “It’s not just about the fastest runners. Many are experiencing what it means to run 5 km for the first time—that’s what makes the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay so special.”

Behind the Scenes – With Fun and Flexibility

Noah is a Volunteer Manager, working alongside his colleague Ralf. Together, they make sure all volunteers are in the right place at the right time. Planning, coordination, communication, support: “It’s a dynamic, diverse, and sometimes pretty intense job,” he says. And that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding. Noah has been organizing volunteer shifts for over three years and now knows many of them personally. “It’s great to make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes—for both participants and volunteers—so that our events become truly special experiences!”

What brings everyone together: the joy of helping, the spirit of togetherness, and the desire to make a difference. The volunteers of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay are a true dream team—turning this popular running event into an unforgettable experience for all.

THANK YOU to all the volunteers who supported the event with passion across so many different areas.

_{A well-coordinated team – Noah (left) and Ralf from Volunteer Management at SCC EVENTS.© SCC EVENTS}

Of course, we also want to congratulate the winning teams of the day. In the women's category, the team “Die Laufbekanntschaften” won with a final time of 2:00:18. A special mention goes to the third-place women’s team—five runners from SCC EVENTS who could hardly believe their luck. Respect! In the men’s category, “Siemens Energy Best Of” took the win, celebrating their time of 1:32:00. But the real celebration lasted all evening long. Because that’s what this event is all about: celebrating with your team, enjoying the moment, and having an amazing time together.

Still got that running itch after the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5 km TEAM-Relay? Check out the adidas Runners City Night, where you can choose between 5 and 10k.

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