Laufclub 21, a running club for adults with Down syndrome based in Germany, will be taking on an exceptional challenge on World Down Syndrome Day 2010 (21st March), when they plan to run an “ultra” marathon totalling 156 kilometres (97 miles) along the boundary of the former Berlin Wall, in relay teams.
By their efforts, Laufclub 21 hope to raise awareness of Down syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day, and also have plenty of fun. People with Down syndrome of course have 3 copies of Chromosome 21 and the event will coincide with the 21st anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 21 is also the “lucky number” of the marathon runners!
Approximately 40 runners will take part in the event, inspired by their motto "I can run just like you and I am running towards you" and they hope that they will help to break down barriers (or walls!) in Germany and the wider community.
Laufclub 21 is an inclusive running and sports club for adults with Down syndrome, founded in 2007 in Fürth, Bavaria, Germany. Originally inspired by UK runner and DSi Ambassador Simon Beresford, who was the first person with Down syndrome to run the London Marathon, they started with 16 athletes and today have trained 30 marathon runners.
They offer regular training and training partnerships at many locations in Germany, principally in Fürth and Berlin, led by experienced coaches. Their training methods are designed with the health of the athletes the main priority and they ensure that everyone is able to run at their own pace. They have sprinters, middle distance runners and endurance athletes with good coaches at all levels, and can accommodate anyone who is 16 years or older.
For further information please contact Anita Kinle at kinleanita@aol.com or you can visit Laufclub 21’s website at www.kinleanita.de.
To view the Team 21 - Marthoni lauf! video presentation, please follow the link.
