A great anniversary is coming up next year: The Hagner marathon team will be collecting donations for the Children's Aid Fund of the City Youth Welfare Office for the 20th time with its voluntary sporting commitment. After two decades, however, it should be enough. "We will complete our last charity run at the Berlin Marathon on April 7, 2024," explains Rainer Hagner. However, the marathon team will continue to organize the Felsenkirche staircase run, his 'baby', for the city of Idar-Oberstein.
But until then, Rainer and Ilonka Hagner can look back on a successful 19th charity run. "We were once again able to raise a lot of money for youth projects," explains the couple, who would like to thank their sponsors for their support. "Many of them have been with us from the very beginning, which is great and makes us proud." It is important to the couple that all donations are used entirely for a good cause. They have always paid their costs, such as entry fees, accommodation and travel expenses, out of their own pockets.
The organizing team of the stair run and the numerous helpers also work on a voluntary basis. "It only works if you appreciate each other," explains Rainer Hagner and also thanks these supporters. In particular to his friend and training partner Marco Gabriel, with whom he has completed several thousand kilometers of running and skating over the past almost two decades.
Some of the long-standing supporters will also accompany the Hagner couple to the Berlin Marathon 2024. "That will certainly be an emotional conclusion to our charity run, which raised a high five-figure sum to support children and young people." But it certainly won't be boring for the marathon team, as they will already be preparing for the 9th Felsenkirche staircase run, which will take place on Sunday, September 15, 2024. "We hope that we will all see each other again safe and sound and wish everyone a Merry Christmas for now."