Maaraue parkrun
Mainz, Germany
I’ve still not caught up with the UK parkruns I’ve done, so I’ve two to add in later. But for now, here’s an overseas (for me) one that happened today.
For Germany’s Unity Day, many events put on an extra parkrun. Maaraue (in Mainz) was the nominated one for the Frankfurt area - the idea is that local runs collaborate and take it in turn. Mainz is large enough that you can stay there, but it’s also reachable on the S-Bahn or other services. The Hauptbahnhof is a couple of miles from the start, but if you can get to Wiesbaden-Mainz-Kastel on the other side of the river then you’re only just over 1km from the start. I mention the full name of the station because the ticket machines are quite pedantic (or at least it seems so to my slightly uncomprehending English eyes) about the station name you enter. Alternatively, the RMVgo app allows you to buy tickets on a smartphone.
As is often the case, the extra event drew in tourists, mostly from the UK. The event wasn’t completely mobbed by them, though, helped by that local collaboration bringing people who might usually run at another event but can reach this one easily. There were 157 finishers, compared to 66 at the weekend. That number was boosted by people who travelled early to fit in a German parkrun on the Saturday; around 50 is more typical, and usually under rather than over, though it is growing steadily.
In my experience it has always been a festive experience going to the Unity Day parkrun, and today was no exception. It also felt a little less like a tourist day (though there were loads of Brits), but based on an experience of just one event on the day, that may mean nothing whatsoever. Certainly, though, we were welcomed by the team, cheered heartily - the fact that you run right past the finish after the first, shorter lap (with no out-and back) helps, because many of the team are there ready to do the necessary admin and so can cheer you past.
It’s a very flat course, though a few turns and slightly gravelly ground mean it isn’t quite the fastest you’ll ever do. It’s close, though - and courses are generally quicker on a second attempt, which I rarely get to, so it’s tough to judge them on one look.
It’s a very straightforward route. We were told there were no marshals, though there were a couple encouraging us all along and pointing us the right way. So long as you know to check for a sign at the end of the out and back, and turn around there (actually a small island to run round, so not a 180 turn), then it seemed well enough signed that you wouldn’t go wrong. At the end of the gravel path, first lap turn right to the river, second lap go left to do the out and back, then the rest is the same. The signs say the same.
Before I knew it (I ran within myself for a change, finally accepting that it’s a good idea not to push myself on every parkrun, so it wasn’t a grind) I was back on the river-side section which for me had the best views. You can see some of old-Mainz ahead on the left, watch other people exercising on the path or check for river traffic. Plenty going on.
This is one of - at present - 16 parkruns that are beside the Rhine, spread through the Netherlands and Germany, which gives an idea of the size of the river. It’s an immense and fast-moving presence everywhere I’ve so far seen it - partly from running 10 of those parkruns. I found it very calming to run beside it, though when it’s in flow the thought of swimming there, for instance, is the opposite of calming.
The course is smartly designed. For the front and middle of the pack, the finish funnel is visible on the grass as they finish the first lap. But there’s space for the team to then move the funnel onto the path. There’s space for the finish line to be on the path and for people to run/walk past it, and I think that funnel was then spread a little wider across the path once the tail-walker had gone through (at that point no one would need to bypass it). None of that process seemed rushed to me.
Afterwards we hung around and chatted before making our way back. The centre of Mainz is walk/runnable, and taxis are easy enough to call (using the Uber app) from the car park near the finish. If you’re being picky, then the portaloos (“toilet houses”) put a few people off and there were some bites insects on the grass. But there’s not much point complaining about nature - this is a lovely run, flat and accessible, with friendly people to welcome you in. And you might get to chase someone running with a parrot or two.
Results from Maaraue parkrun #101, 3/10/23; 157 finishers
Loving these blogs. I like a bit of Parkrun touring. I would like to do some in Germany in particular. Which is your favourite in Germany so far?
Thanks Gemma, glad to have you reading! I always struggle to pick favourites; they really are all good, and I'm at different events in very different circumstances. I used to be quicker, and enjoy racing people and so it's tempting to pick one like that - Nidda (Frankfurt) was very enjoyable. Equally, Westpark (Munich), for that reason and because I bumped into people from home. That one might make the top of the list if I had to pick, because it's a beautiful park. So I'll go with that, but it's ahead by a silver only.