GERMANY: Berlin "Roast Goose Run" tackles those extra pounds after Christmas

Roast goose, turkey, pudding and alcohol -- the culprits of those few extra pounds people put on during the festive season. But the Berlin Sports Club Charlottenburg has found a way to address this problem, with its annual "Roast Goose Run" that was held on Tuesday (December 26) this year. According to the organisers, around 400 participants tried to run a 10 kilometre distance through the forest area of Berlin's Grunewald. It was the eighth "Roast Goose Run" and the flock of runners was personally led by Santa, who ran ahead of the pack, brandishing a faux goose. Others dressed as St. Nicholas or Angels followed. Even those who had not yet had their goose dinner participated in the event. "I have not eaten my goose or rather a piece of goose yet, but I have to take part in this with my friends, that's absolutely all right," said Gabriele Herlinger. Bernd Huebner is a marathon runner himself and organises the "Goose Run." "We have many guests who just spend the holidays in Berlin. And we said we want to organise a run everyone can have fun with. As one can tell, there are more and more people every year, close to 400 this time, which is sensational." And just in case all that exercise proved too much for Christmas-lovers, a small outdoor canteen served refreshments and mulled wine at the five kilometre mark. That way, all runners were able to finish their challenge and this year's Christmas celebrations in a relaxed manner.

ITN Source | December 28, 2006

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