Runners to mark unification by tracing former border

The runners are from clubs in Gummersbach in the former western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and Burg bei Magdeburg in the former eastern state of Saxony Anhalt.

They will be running along what is now in many places a haven for plants and animals, as the border was not built on, or frequented during the time Germany was divided.

Starting on May 15, they will run the route in several sections, from Mödlareuth to Lübeck-Priwall, taking in museums and memorials along the way.

“It is amazing that a natural paradise has emerged along the former border, but also that one still finds, 20 years later, remains of the border itself, such as the patrol roads,” said Stefan Esser, from the organising team.