Michael Ryan's Staging Area

I was so looking forward to running the “world’s fastest” marathon that my expectations were maybe a bit too high.
First, the pre-race area sorely lacked porta potties as line lengths extended more than an hour, and I witnessed two women nearly come to blows over one I had just departed. The lack of facilities on this cool, rainy morning led to some people, including women, going in public and causing others to actually miss their corral start time. It was pretty much a joke. The porta potties were an abomination inside (I will not paint a picture with words) and lacked even rudimentary follow-up materials (ie. TP).
As for the race itself, I would suggest fudging a bit on your time and starting in a corral faster than your anticipated finish. I started in the last corral, knowing months ago I could not put in the training I would have liked, and paid dearly for it. Although the course is flat and very fast, it was beyond super crowded. I spent more time and energy running sideways in an effort to work my way through the crowd than I did running forward. I also was forced to nearly walk the first kilometer due to congestion and the proliferation of selfies. Steady rain throughout much of race also slowed the slower runners. It was exhausting and difficult to work one’s way through the mass of humanity running in this race!
Even further, many starting in the last corral were running their first marathon and apparently were not aware that aid stations extended beyond the first person handing out water or snacks causing massive jam-ups early in the race.
The race was so crowded it was difficult to even take full strides at times, and the congestion never really cleared. The streets were not as narrow as many other races I have run, but as an indication of how the crowd size, my fastest 2K was from 40-42 kilometers when the avenue finally widened.
As for the aid stations, there were more than enough, with bananas, beer, Red Bull and gels available at various points throughout the race. Although the Red Bull stop did cause some problems as the product was served in biodegradable cups. Rain, crowded streets, tired runners and paper cups turned to mush make for some hazardous conditions.
I also appreciate Berlin race officials for trying to become more eco-friendly. The plastic cups put into play were at least an attempt to change the status quo as was the try at recycling. It might not have worked perfectly, but something does need to change when it comes to the waste generated by these massive events.
The crowd support was awesome considering the weather, and running through the Brandenburg Gate was pretty cool. However, because of the destruction brought on by the war, Berlin is a fairly new city and there is not really a great deal of cool architecture or many historic sites to see along the course.
I don’t run for medals or swag, but each runner was provided with a bag of water and snacks afterward making the transition from running to finishing up pretty smooth. Ponchos also were provided, a welcome sight due to continued rain and cool temps. The expo also was well-organized.
This was my third international marathon and my sixth overall. How easy was the course? I really didn’t feel stiff or sore after; in fact, I continued my European vacation to Prague and walked nearly 20 miles over the next three days without pain and suffering.
I would recommend Berlin, and it is a great race for those attempting a PR (even though I ran by far my worst time ever). Fudge on your finish time, get to the corral early and work your way to the front, take care of personal business in the porta potties along the start area and don’t be afraid to push your pace.
Although I didn’t enjoy Berlin all that much as I vacation spot (I do credit the people of the city for owning its role in the Holocaust and the pervasive guilt is palpable), there is still something about being able to run in Europe that is special.