Note: This article first appeared in the Village News, p. 3, February 7, 2012, published by the Houston Chronicle.
The Rotary Club of the University Area has had a long-standing relationship with the City of Leipzig and the Houston/Leipzig Sister City Association, as several Rotarians are members of both. Last year, Rotarian Phil Cezeaux came up with the idea to invite German runners to Houston to participate in the Chevron Houston Marathon in 2012. Phil is a “retired” runner, who loves the sport and who has also made many trips to Leipzig. He put his love of several things together at one time (running, Leipzig and Rotary) and established a common thread of interest, which different groups could then weave into an international tapestry of friendship.
Phil’s idea came to fruition on January 11th, when four runners from Leipzig arrived in Houston. Silke Ebert , Frank Gottert, Dr. Klaus Arnold and Adelheid Nöbel – Schultz all arrived at Houston Intercontinental on the same flight and were greeted by Michael Von der Osten, incoming President of the Houston/Leipzig Sister City Assn. Since none of the runners had ever been to Texas and only one had ever been to America, Phil and Ute Cezeaux hosted a small welcome dinner that evening at their home. As she was sitting down to eat, Adelheid expressed delight at having her first “Texas“ meal.
In addition to the four runners, Dr. Gabriele Goldfuss, Director of International Cooperation, City of Leipzig and Ms. Kerstin Kirmes, Director of the Office for Sport, City of Leipzig flew in for the occasion.
The runners spent the few days before the marathon sightseeing, with day trips to NASA and to Galveston. And of course, a trip to Houston would not be complete without Tex-Mex and margaritas! Another first for the runners.
Joining the runners at Cafe Adobe were several members of the Houston Area Road Runners Association (HARRA), a 2200-member organization which fosters running in Houston and the surrounding counties. Bob Schamus, Membership Director of HARRA, is also the past president of the Rotary Club of the University Area. A common thread of running added to the tapestry.
Bob is now working with HARRA and with his new Leipzig friends, to encourage Houston runners to travel to Leipzig for the annual marathon held there. The city of Leipzig has held their marathon since 1977. The event began as an East German competition and it hosted the German Democratic Republic’s national championship on four occasions (1985, 1986, 1987, and 1990). The Leipzig Marathon includes both running and in-line skating, along with a 10km and 4 km run/walking event. www.leipzigmarathon.de .
In addition to the upcoming April event, the Rotary Club of the University Area, in conjunction with the Houston/Leipzig Sister City Association is organizing a trip to Leipzig in October of this year, as 2012 is year of celebration in Leipzig, from the 800th anniversary of the St. Thomas Church and the renowned St. Thomas Boy’s Choir to the anniversary of the death of Felix Mendelssohn.
From the volunteers who helped put all this together, to the runners who participated, everyone spoke with enthusiasm about the cammaderie and fun experienced by all. The common threads of friendship, running, Leipzig and Rotary wove together to create a international tapestry of warm memories and newly made friendships.
(For information on participating in the Leipzig Marathon, contact Bob with HARRA and for information on the Rotary Friendship trip contact Phil with the Rotary Club of the University Area).