One run after the other and therefore one marathon after the other was cancelled this year. The goal of improving my marathon best time of 2:39:16 hours, which I had set for the Loch Ness Marathon in autumn 2019, had been repeatedly shaken by several marathon cancellations. In the end, I managed to do it in the ninth attempt, so that I was able to start my 20th marathon on November 8th in the Großer Garten in Dresden at 10:30 am.

Thanks to the great commitment of the running scene Sachen, the Invitational Run Dresden could also take place in lockdown times. For this purpose, a 2.5-kilometre lap with two turning points was measured. In cool temperatures, I was able to find my pace on the attractive circuit from the first metre and at the same time be alone at the top. I was able to get behind the first four of almost 17 laps after 36:10 minutes and behind the first half of the marathon after 1:16:17 hours. Even if things had gone a little less well in the second half, I think I could have improved my best time. Fortunately, the second half went well, so I was able to increase the pace a little at first, then hold it and run the second 21.1 kilometres in 1:15:58 hours.

After 2:32:15 hours the clock stopped for me. 20 marathons in the past eight and a half years and a development from 3:28:35 hours to 2:32:15 hours are now behind me. What remains of it, apart from best times, placings and the victory in Dresden, are first and foremost unforgettable moments, for which my marathon journey has been worthwhile from the first marathon on.

Meanwhile, Natalie started over ten kilometres. In somewhat windy conditions she ran her third best 10-kilometre time of all time and finished after 36:13 minutes. Together with Patrick she was able to push hard in the last third. In the end she finished 8th in an outstanding race, which was won by the Swede Jonas Glans in Swedish national record.