Wednesday, 18 April 2018 | Source : European Championships
A “European Mile” is set to bring sport and culture to Breitscheidplatz square in the heart of Berlin this summer.
The square will be transformed from 7-12 August as part of the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships, acting the finish line for the marathon and walking events, as well as the stage for the men’s shot put qualification and nightly victory ceremonies. All in the shadow of the iconic Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
A 400m vivid-blue running track will line the entire square, inviting visitors to stroll or run along it. A 3,000-capacity cultural arena will be built to allow spectators to enjoy nightly victory ceremonies on a huge stage. This will be the first time in the history of the continental championships – since 1934 – that victory ceremonies will be held in the city centre of the host city.
The inclusion of Breitscheidplatz in western Berlin into the European Athletics Championships was essential for the city and fully supported by the Berlin state government.
The European Mile was a key part of Berlin’s bid for the European Athletics Championships, and the terror attack in the square in December 2016 only served to underscore its importance. “After the terror attack we wanted to scrap the whole concept for reasons of reverence but all parties involved adhered to the planning and the authorities motivated us to stick with the Breitscheidplatz idea,” recalls Frank Kowalski, CEO of Berlin 2018.
Berlin 2018 wants to include a commemoration to the victims of the terrible attack during the Championships. There are plans for an ecumenical service for the bereaved and a “Room of Silence.”
Visitors to the European Mile will be offered an attractive and diverse program with six road race events in the marathon and walking, the men’s shot put qualification and athletics activities framed by a big show. Within the theme of “Das Sport Festival”, the European Mile, within easy walking distance from the media hotels, will play a key role in the Championships. The fact that athletes, coaches, media representatives, sponsors and officials will be accommodated in the immediate vicinity is a novelty that underlines the special character of the Berlin sports metropolis.
The Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships will be part of the European Championships alongside co-hosts Glasgow. The European Championships is a major new multisport event taking place every four years, supported by Europe’s free-to-air broadcasters, which aggregates the existing senior continental championships of Athletics (European Athletics), Aquatics (LEN), Cycling (UEC), Gymnastics (UEG), Rowing (FISA), Triathlon (ETU), with a new Golf Team Championships (ET & LET) – all unified under a common brand.