TEAM ELEPHANT TAKES ON THE ICONIC BMW BERLIN MARATHON
On September 27th, one of Team Elephant’s biggest teams of 25 runners took on yet another 26.2-mile race in the iconic Berlin Marathon. Together, they raised an amazing $6,791 all to protect, restore and rewild wildlife and their habitat. Learn more about our 2026 BMW Berlin Marathon runners in the blog below.
It wouldn't be the Berlin Marathon without an amazing start AND finish-line view of the Bredenberg gate. Runners begin along Victory Column, pass through the Charlottenburg Gate, then spot Germanys beautiful parliament building, Reichstag before setting their eyes on Fernsehturm, the famous TV tower and finally back where they started at the Bredenberg Gate, now in front of them.
Berlin is one of the most loved Abbott World Majors due to its relatively flat course with elevation of only 73m and vibrant, energetic atmosphere – every stretch is a party.
We are so proud and grateful for our dedicated runners, who ran for wildlife in the BMW Berlin Marathon. We had an incredible time cheering them on, and we know they had a blast as well…just take a look at those smiles!
A day before the race, our Team Elephant manager, Annic, took some of the runners through a shakeout run and visit to the famous Berlin Zoo to kick start the marathon excitement. Our Team Elephant runners were also joined by Wildlife Defenses', Team Rhino!
FROM TEAM ELEPHANT TO SOUTH AFRICA
Joseph in the field during a bird-ringing exercise holding a Red-capped Robin-Chat prior to release.
For Team Elephant runner, Joseph, the journey to the Berlin Marathon took a rather special detour through South Africa! Joseph first discovered Wild Tomorrow through 1% for the Planet. His company, Whitestone, is a member of the global network, and when looking for an environmental organization to support through his Berlin Marathon run, he was adamant that it should be a fellow 1% for the Planet partner.
After signing up to run Berlin with Team Elephant, Joseph began learning more about Wild Tomorrow’s work — and soon decided that running for wildlife wasn’t quite enough. He signed up for one of our two-week Conservation Experience trips and, before ever reaching the Berlin start line, travelled to KwaZulu-Natal to experience the conservation work he was fundraising for firsthand!
During his time in South Africa, Joseph joined our team in the field, experienced our wildlife and habitat conservation work up close, and spent time with some of the rangers and conservation partners working to protect this incredible landscape.
What began as a marathon entry has since grown into a wonderful ongoing relationship. Joseph has brought Whitestone along on the journey too, with the company supporting Wild Tomorrow through its 1% for the Planet commitment, including funding and sponsoring much-needed items for our World Ranger Day campaign and conservation teams in South Africa.
And then, after getting a firsthand look at exactly what he was running for, Joseph headed to Berlin and completed all 26.2 miles as part of Team Elephant!
We’re incredibly grateful to Joseph and the Whitestone team for taking their commitment well beyond the finish line.
INTERESTED TO GET INVOLVED?
If our 2026 Berlin Marathon team got you on your feet, click here to learn more about Team Elephant and discover how you can contribute to protecting wildlife by running, cycling or joining us for a volunteer trip in South Africa (or both!)