Miles, Mindset & Motivation: Voices from más 5k with Edi Urbanek and Kathi Ertz

To bring the race experience even closer, we spoke with two participants who took part in the first edition of más 5k, both familiar faces in Berlin’s running scene and vibrant members of the city’s vibrant run club community (LOAD BERLIN, Kraft Runners, Adidas Runners, Blend Kollektiv). Edi Urbanek and Katharina Ertz shared their thoughts on the course, the atmosphere, and what it meant to be part of Berlin’s Fastest Loop.

What caught your attention about the mas 5k and made you want to participate?

Edi: The idea of representing Load Berlin excited me, and also the opportunity to race alongside elite runners.

Kathi: I first heard about the MAS 5K in our team chat when Lisa Klein, the founder of Blendkollektiv, invited Toni and me to participate. Lisa hosts runs on both Wednesdays and Sundays, but Toni and I each support different days—Toni on Sundays and I on Wednesdays—so we rarely get to see each other. It was great, though, that we had the chance to race together for this event! At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the race, but I thought, “Why not give it a go?”

Did you approach this 5k different in terms of training or mindset compared to other races?

Edi: Training was, of course, a lot more specific, with short intervals at high intensity. I tried to maintain a mindset of not putting too much pressure on myself and enjoying everything.

Kathi: I admit I was a bit nervous because I’d never run a 5K race before agreeing to participate. However, having spontaneously paced a friend at the Frauenlauf 5K race earlier gave me a better sense of the distance. My training, which included hill sprints starting in March (primarily for a half marathon), remained consistent without specific adjustments for this race.

What were your expectations going into the race and how did the actual event compare?

Edi: I knew I would be racing against the fastest runners, and it was going to be tough, but I wanted to stick with the pack and give it my all. The event did not disappoint and the organization was top, also the atmosphere was electrifying.

Kathi: I didn’t set many expectations other than anticipating a fast-paced race, which it certainly was. Running through Berlin’s streets without stopping for traffic lights was exhilarating and enjoyable.

How did you feel crossing the finish line?

Edi: Honestly, when you finish a 5K where you've given everything and pushed even harder at the end, you feel your body reaching its limit, and at the same time, some relief that it's over and you made it.

Kathi: Crossing the finish line brought a mix of emotions – relief and happiness that I completed the race, yet also a sense of accomplishment tinged with the relief that the challenging last kilometer was behind me.

What was the most challenging part of the race setup for you?

Kathi: The most challenging aspects for me were finding the right pace at the start, dealing with the heat (which I struggle with), encountering occasional strong winds, and the solitude of running the last 2.5 kilometers with no one nearby.

Would you recommend mas 5k to others? And if so, who do you think it’s perfect for?

Kathi: Absolutely, I would recommend the más 5K to anyone looking to challenge themselves and seeking a unique racing experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy pushing their limits and embracing a competitive yet supportive atmosphere.

What would you love to see improved or added in next year’s edition?

Kathi: Given the pre-race heat, I would suggest providing more water stations for participants to ensure everyone stays well-hydrated throughout the event.

Acknowledgments and Final Remarks

Thanks Kathi and Edi for sharing your voices. We hope to see you soon smashing your PB at other races or… just running!

A huge thank you to LOAD BERLIN and Maurice Pehle for capturing the spirit of más 5k so vividly. The energy, determination, and excitement of the runners shine and bring the race to life through every frame.