Relaykandidaten

RelayKandidaten is a German term that translates to "relay candidates" in English, referring to individuals who are considered potential participants in relay races, particularly in the context of long-distance running events such as marathons or ultramarathons. The concept gained prominence through the 2014 Berlin Marathon, where a group of runners known as the "RelayKandidaten" participated in a unique relay effort to break the world record for the most participants in a marathon relay.

The idea originated from a grassroots initiative by a small group of runners who sought to challenge the traditional marathon format. Instead of a single runner completing the entire 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles), the RelayKandidaten divided the race into segments, with each participant running a portion of the distance. This approach allowed a much larger number of people to contribute to the effort, fostering a sense of community and collective achievement.

The Berlin Marathon relay involved over 10,000 runners, who collectively completed the race in just under 24 hours, setting a new world record for the most participants in a marathon relay. The event demonstrated the potential of relay races to engage broader audiences and promote inclusivity in long-distance running. While the RelayKandidaten concept is not officially recognized as a standard format in competitive athletics, it has inspired similar grassroots initiatives worldwide.

Participants in RelayKandidaten-style events typically run shorter distances, often ranging from 1 to 5 kilometers, depending on the total race length and the number of runners involved. The focus is on teamwork, shared accomplishment, and participation rather than individual performance. These events often emphasize fun, camaraderie, and accessibility, making them appealing to runners of all levels and ages. The concept has also been adapted for other types of races, including charity runs and themed events.