A group of Runners from Johannesburg brought their South African spirit and the iconic ‘Gees Bus’ energy to the streets of Berlin, making the marathon an unforgettable team adventure.
Berlin, Germany (26 September 2025) – This past weekend, 14 Pirates Road Runners from Greenside, Johannesburg, joined 55,000 runners from across the globe to take on the Berlin Marathon, one of the seven World Marathon Majors. Dressed proudly in their Pirates SA flag kit, they carried their personal determination, collective energy and spirit of their club.
For Gerry Greyling, one of the Pirates runners, standing at the starting line was a moment they will never forget.
“You hear about it, but you just cannot even imagine the vibe and the hiss of all the people when you’re standing at that starting line. It’s an incredible privilege to be able to run in such a historic event.”
The Pirates team was not alone in feeling the electric atmosphere. With South Africans lining the streets, cheering their compatriots, and local bands playing almost every kilometre, the runners were supported at every turn.
“It was just amazing. Every now and then, someone would struggle a bit, and the rest of us would pull them through. We sang, shouted, and fed off the crowd’s energy. It was huge fun.”
Central to the team’s spirit was the “Gees Bus,” a spontaneous group formation that helped runners pace and motivate each other throughout the marathon.
“It wasn’t planned. We just ended up running together, pulling each other along, getting the crowds going, and keeping our spirits high.”
Among the unforgettable moments, running through Brandenburg Gate toward the finish line, with the South African and Pirates flags waving proudly, stood out. The Pirates runners also highlighted the joy of taking part in a bucket-list marathon, sharing their South African energy with Berlin.
While none of the Pirates runners consider themselves elite athletes, their goal was to enjoy the experience, represent their club, and soak up the unique vibe of Berlin. All contributed to the spirit and memories that made the marathon a truly top-class experience.
Sources: GTG Interview
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 