From the streets of Berlin to the trails of Grindelwald, my journey as a runner has taken me across Europe and beyond. What started as a simple passion for running turned into an adventure filled with 38 marathons, at least six ultramarathons, four triathlons, and even a beer marathon (yes, that’s a thing!).

Some of my all-time favorite marathons include the electric atmosphere of Dublin, the stunning cityscape of Prague, the historic vibes of Rome, and the raw beauty of Reykjavik. But my fastest time came in Brussels, where I clocked a 3:13 PR, proving to myself that speed and endurance can coexist (even if Belgian beer was a tempting distraction afterward).

MARATHON

Beyond marathons, I embraced the world of ultras. The 100 km “Race to the Stones” in England was a brutal but rewarding experience, while the 100 km UTMB in Grindelwald humbled me. Poor preparation, a schedule packed with weddings, festivals, and way too much beer, resulted in a DNF. Lesson learned – you can’t out-train a hangover! But I kept pushing, completing at least six ultra-distance races, including self-made ultras that tested both body and mind.

100K + ULTRA’S

UTMB GRINDELWALD

But what would a marathon be without the perfect beer afterward? Bruges and Prague not only offered stunning race courses but also absolutely divine beer to celebrate the finish. And one thing is certain: every finish line deserves a Guinness! Tradition dictates that every medal must be tested for its true functionality – as a beer coaster. The ultimate highlight? The Rome Marathon medal, shaped like the Colosseum, which fit perfectly onto an official Guinness glass. It was as if Arthur Guinness himself had designed it – a masterpiece, a dream, the pinnacle of beer-coaster medal engineering.

Of course, no running journey is complete without some ridiculous races. The Great Brewery Marathon in Belgium stands out as a highlight – running long distances while stopping for beer at every station? Absolutely brilliant! Then there were 42 km obstacle races like Mud Masters, which tested not just my endurance but also my ability to survive waist-deep mud and barbed wire.

BEER-MEDAL-TIME

And when there were no races? I made my own. Self-made marathons and ultras around my hometown kept the adventure alive, ensuring that the journey never stops. The most breathtaking? A natural, self-made marathon in Sardinia, running along a mountain ridge with views so stunning, they looked straight out of a travel magazine. No crowds, no aid stations—just me, the mountains, and an ever-growing appreciation for life on the run.

But this is just the beginning. My marathon bucket list? Tokyo, New York, Copenhagen, Tallinn, the original course in Athens, Lisbon, Warsaw—and honestly, every city, every continent. There’s nothing like running through empty city streets, where cars vanish, the best routes unfold, and you get to see places in a way no tourist bus ever could.

Now, as I prepare for my next big challenge – a world bike tour, where I’ll run marathons along the way – I can’t wait to see what new finish lines (and beer stations) await.

The adventure continues…

PARIS+PRAGUE