Working at EDAG means making impossible things possible, especially in mobility and industry. Inspired by this spirit, a diverse EDAG team spent ten weeks preparing together for the Munich Half Marathon. They discovered that 21.0975 kilometers can feel incredibly long – and incredibly fun. Here’s the story of their boundary-pushing experience.
Darja has always enjoyed running, ever since she was a teenager. "Exercise clears your mind, feels good, and makes you happy," she says. Running three to four times a week, covering five to ten kilometers, combined with some yoga or aerobics, has become second nature to the 38-year-old economist. Darja, an AR/VR project manager, has been working at EDAG in Munich for three years. "Sports are the perfect balance for the focused work in the office," she explains. "But it always takes a bit of willpower," she adds with a wink. "The inner couch potato loves the comfort of the sofa, especially in winter when it's cold and wet outside, and it gets dark early."
Not having to push herself alone, but working out with others, provides Darja with a significant motivational boost. This includes participating in corporate runs or trying out yoga, aerobics, or fitness classes offered by EDAG. So, last year, when EDAG's health management introduced the opportunity to form a team for the legendary Munich Half Marathon, Darja jumped at the chance. "I've never run a half marathon before. It's quite a challenge – why not?!" she thought and quickly signed up.
The preparation program was set for ten weeks. Every Wednesday after work, the team met for an hour of training. They gathered at the EDAG Engineering Hub at Frankfurter Ring, heading to nearby Petuel- or Luitpoldpark. "We were a great group of diverse people from different departments and locations in Munich, of various ages and levels within the company, united by our enthusiasm and motivation to achieve something special together and push our athletic limits. Even though it could be quite tough sometimes."
Guided by experienced runners Sandra Mastropietro and Sebastian Hallmann, the EDAG Running Team focused on structured fitness and endurance building. They gradually increased their performance and distance through specific cardio workouts, stabilization exercises, and sprints, aiming to reach the half marathon distance without injury or health risks. "We received incredibly valuable tips from our trainers," says Darja. "From proper training and load management to race strategy and, just as importantly, proper recovery. You quickly notice your progress, both personally and as a team. It's a significant motivation boost for further training during the week."
October 8, 2023, arrived, and the team was ready at the start line at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden, with only one member absent due to injury. "You can feel your pulse quickening even before the race begins," Darja recalls. "Start slow," she reminded herself, determined not to make the common mistake of starting too fast and burning out halfway through. Sandra and Sebastian had emphasized this many times during training – "and don't be swayed by those who go full throttle right away. You'll pass many of them if you stick to your pace."
When the starting gun fired, Darja found her rhythm by following another runner who maintained a steady pace. "That was my guide – and it worked perfectly, all the way to the finish." "The run through the English Garden, along Munich's grand boulevards like Ludwig- and Leopoldstraße, and over Marienplatz, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds, was fantastic," Darja enthuses. "I still get goosebumps thinking about it." Finally, the finish line approached: entering the Munich Olympic Stadium through the Marathon Gate, Darja summoned her last reserves of energy. "1:55" was her final time. "I aimed for under two hours, and I did a bit better," she says, beaming. "Amazing!"
In the finish area, the EDAG runners in their black EDAG Running shirts celebrated together. Everyone had run their own race and completed it, feeling "mega-happy" and a bit proud of their half marathon accomplishment. Darja sums it up: "It's not just about the times and achieving the big goal. For me, the journey is almost more important. I met many wonderful colleagues, some of whom I now work with. We pushed our limits, encouraged, and supported each other. We achieved something together that some of us thought impossible. Simply amazing!"
This spring, EDAG in Munich is already planning the next half marathon preparation. Darja will be there again. Will she ever tackle a full marathon of 42 kilometers? She smiles and waves the idea away. "That's not for me. I just want to enjoy running."
