Day 1: Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5k TEAM-Relay Berlin – A Kickoff Full of Team Spirit and Feather Dusters
The first day of the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5k TEAM-Relay brought the Tiergarten to life: The Sculpture Park and the 5k route turned into a vibrant stage for 1,975 relay teams with five runners each. Under bright early summer skies, it wasn’t just about speed—it was all about team spirit, fun, and shared experiences. Join in—because this is where the whole city runs as one!
A real eye-catcher – the new team medals in 2025. © SCC EVENTS / Sebastian Wells
From Sculpture Park to Relay Paradise
Long before the first runners took their strides through the Tiergarten, a true team effort was already underway. The SCC EVENTS crew rolled in to turn the peaceful Sculpture Park into a full-fledged event arena. Hundreds of meters of barricades lined the course, 1.5 kilometers of endless banners set the stage, tents popped up, cables were laid, and radios were tested. Anyone who thought a park was “just a park” had clearly never seen the build-up to the Berliner Wasserbetriebe 5 x 5k TEAM-Relay. The logistics were massive – and the transformation, a complete success. Where calm reigned the day before, less than 24 hours later, thousands were running, cheering, and celebrating. The park was buzzing with activity, chatter, and good vibes. People rolled out picnic blankets, gathered at tables and benches, or lined the course, cheering on their teams.
Full support for the runners from the sidelines on Day 1 of the 2025 relay. © SCC EVENTS / Sebastian Wells
Fast, Fierce – and All About the Team
Yes, there were some seriously fast legs out there. SCC Berlin’s teams clocked the best times of the day: 1:22:25 in the men’s race and 1:38:34 in the women’s. But let’s be honest – for most participants, it wasn’t about shaving off seconds. What really mattered was the journey together – with coworkers, friends, or teammates. The German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) fielded the largest delegation with 150 teams, followed closely by title partner Berliner Wasserbetriebe with 122 teams, as well as SCC Berlin e.V. and Bayer AG, each with 80 teams. A very sporty workday, Berlin-style.
Feather Dusters Above – Team Spirit on Full Display
A real eye-catcher in the transition zone: feather dusters. Lots of them. But fear not – no cleaning was involved! Instead, teams held the colorful, fuzzy tools high above their heads to help their teammates spot them in the crowd: “We’re here – like beacons in the runner sea!” Whether neon pink, glittery, or rainbow-hued, the feather duster quickly became the unofficial It-piece of Day 1. Practical, playful, and perfectly on-brand for the TEAM-Relay spirit.
The must-have item on Day 1: the feather duster in the transition zone. © SCC EVENTS
Day 1 Done – But the Relay Goes On!
The first day of the relay set the bar high: great atmosphere, strong performances, creative ideas, and plenty of laughter. And the best part? It was just the beginning. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Tiergarten will once again be buzzing with relays, cheers, and togetherness. Not part of it yet? Come by – with your running shoes or your feather duster. It’s worth it either way.
