The fact that the past eight men’s marathon world records (most recently in 2022) were all set in Berlin speaks to the course’s fast and flat profile. As the first of three World Marathon Majors series races staged in the fall, Berlin typically offers perfect running weather on a course …
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The fact that the past eight men’s marathon world records (most recently in 2022) were all set in Berlin speaks to the course’s fast and flat profile. As the first of three World Marathon Majors series races staged in the fall, Berlin typically offers perfect running weather on a course that showcases one of the most world’s most historically significant cities. Though the crowded, narrow streets at times feel more like a parade route than a marathon course, arguably no home stretch in the sport inspires such raw emotion as passing through the Brandenburg Gate with the Tiergarten finish line in sight.
A group of runners from one of Germany’s most prestigious athletics clubs, SC Charlottenburg, organised the first BERLIN-MARATHON in 1974. It was not until 1981 that the race moved from the Grunewald (a big forest) into the city center of West Berlin. Supported by the three western allied forces (Britain, France and U.S.) it quickly developed into Germany’s biggest and best quality marathon.
It was after the Berlin Wall collapsed in November 1989 when a new era started. On September 30, 1990, three days before reunification, the course of the Berlin Marathon led through Brandenburg Gate and both parts of Berlin. In 2001 Naoko Takahashi became the first woman to break the 2:20 barrier in Berlin. The flat and fast loop course then was changed significantly for the 2003 race. Paul Tergat, who ran the world record of 2:04:55, became the first man to cross the new finish line, passing through Brandenburg Gate – the symbol for reunification.
LESS
Probably better when non-anniversary
Berlin offered nice weather, a relatively flat course, wonderful spectators, and really well organized pre-race administration. However, I think that the huge crowd due to the 50th Anniversary was a … MORE
Berlin offered nice weather, a relatively flat course, wonderful spectators, and really well organized pre-race administration. However, I think that the huge crowd due to the 50th Anniversary was a bit overwhelming. It was nearly impossible to get to the aid stations since they were positioned on only one side of the streets. If you love extremely crowded races, then this one is for you. I’m glad that I went, but I probably wouldn’t ever do this one again.
Too big for its own good
Race was too big/ crowded, corral assignments were bad (Walkers mixed in the same corral with 3hr pace groups). Plastic cups at the aid stations is a terrible idea, witnessed … MORE
Race was too big/ crowded, corral assignments were bad (Walkers mixed in the same corral with 3hr pace groups). Plastic cups at the aid stations is a terrible idea, witnessed several runners fall because of the plastic cups all over the road. Too much pushing, tripping and elbowing for 26.2 miles for me to enjoy the race. Please rethink the field size… 54k is way too many runners for the narrow streets in Berlin.
VERY Crowded + Spectacular
Since this is a world major, I fully expected the whole package. I wasn't disappointed since the volunteers, the crowds, the weather, and the scenery were phenomenal. I only have … MORE
Since this is a world major, I fully expected the whole package. I wasn’t disappointed since the volunteers, the crowds, the weather, and the scenery were phenomenal.
I only have 2 complaints:
1. Since this is a world major, there were over 50,000 runners… so it was packed and crowded. It was very hard to keep a steady pace since I was constantly surrounded by other runners, and I constantly had to zig-zag between the other runners.
2. There were times when parts of the road were blocked off, so we sometimes had bottleneck situations. With this, we were sometimes in tighter situations, so it was hard to run and navigate the road.
Overall, this is a wonderful race and I’m extremely fortunate to participant in its 50th anniversary! I wish I could run here again, but I’ll focus on other races.
First Major
It was AWESOME!!! 🤩 best race I’ve ever taken a part in. The crowds were great, and pumped you up. Flat and fast course. The swag was amazing for their … MORE
It was AWESOME!!! 🤩 best race I’ve ever taken a part in. The crowds were great, and pumped you up. Flat and fast course.
The swag was amazing for their 50th anniversary. They don’t give you any swag, you have to purchase them all.
Security lines went smoothly. There is a lack of port a potties for some reason in a race of such large scale. 58,000 runners.
They do pump you up and make it a party! Happy to have been there for their 50th. I’d return again if I can. Loved all of it!!
Biggest marathon of the world!
This was the 50th edition of Berlin Marathon and with 54.280 finisher Berlin has become the biggest marathon of the world. It‘s an amazing race and the atmosphere was epic. … MORE
This was the 50th edition of Berlin Marathon and with 54.280 finisher Berlin has become the biggest marathon of the world. It‘s an amazing race and the atmosphere was epic. Weather was perfect – clear blue skies and cool temperatures between 10-15 degrees Celsius. The course is absolutely flat and takes runners through different parts of the city. It never gets boring and most of the time there are many people cheering even though the Germans are not that loud and enthusiastic as the Americans for example in Chicago and New York. The medal, which I never liked in Berlin, is for the very first time absolutely beautiful!
What runners should know before coming to Berlin to run the marathon: the expo is always absolutely crowded and you need to bring time! It takes place at the old airport of Tempelhof which is located more or less in the city centre and it’s quite interesting to see this old airport and the old so called „Rosinenbomber/Candy Bomber“, but it was so crowded that we had wait for about 1 hour to get into the expo. We visited the expo on Thursday in the afternoon right when it opened. Maybe it would be better to go there in the morning or later in the evening.
50th Anniversary Fun
Berlin is as flat and fast as they say it is! Am very appreciative to have run the 50th Anniversary shortly after turning 50 myself. With over 50k runners/finishers, it … MORE
Berlin is as flat and fast as they say it is! Am very appreciative to have run the 50th Anniversary shortly after turning 50 myself. With over 50k runners/finishers, it was likely a bit more strained/crowded than usual/other years but it was still an amazing World Major experience– beautiful neighborhoods/scenery /landmarks and vocal crowd support/great bands/music along the way. Running through the Brandenburg gates is as epic a finish as there is (for me, it was as special as turning on to Boylston Street or finishing in Hayward Field). If you can get in, do it. The expo/crowds/etc are more than worth it.
Nice preview of final 5k of marathon
Apparently there used to be a free breakfast shakeout run the day before the Berlin Marathon and open to anyone. With 2024 being the 50th anniversary and with so many … MORE
Apparently there used to be a free breakfast shakeout run the day before the Berlin Marathon and open to anyone. With 2024 being the 50th anniversary and with so many more participants, the 5k was changed to a paid event and was to be the last 5k of the marathon course. Start line was near Potsdam Platz and then went by the Mall of Berlin before turning onto Unter den Linden and finishing on other side of the Brandenburg Gate. The course is nice and flat with beautiful buildings to run past. The swag included a medal, a banana, a bottle of water, and a Berliner (jelly donut). We ran it specifically for the preview of the last 5k of the next day’s marathon – however when I got to where the 5k started during the actual marathon, I was already passed 39 km. As I followed the 5k course from the day before, they had revised it somewhat and instead of turning right for an out and back by Humboldt University, we simply turned left and finished the marathon with an out and back segment at the end. Absolutely glad I did the 5k though as it is just amazing to run through the Brandenburg Gate!
Amazing race for a first timer
I participated and trained with a goal only to complete within the time limit - I didn’t want to push myself and not be able to enjoy the rest of … MORE
I participated and trained with a goal only to complete within the time limit – I didn’t want to push myself and not be able to enjoy the rest of the trip. That said, this was an amazing race and trip. Planned for a few days of sightseeing before the race as well as a day of sightseeing after in order to stay loosened up for the long flights back to US. This being my first time in a world major, I knew it would be big and chaotic – but I think it was more so this year for being the 50th anniversary. There was a language barrier and communication was a little confusing – but yay for having a German degree and a chance to dig deep and use it finally! The course was flat – the scenery amazing – the swag was decent, however several other runners have had issues with their adidas items being poor quality. Mine have been fine so far. There was an issue with the medals – some faster ones took more than one and they ran out, having to use the inline skating medals or volunteer medals instead – but the race is fixing this issue for those who received them. As big as this race was, the sponsors are working round the clock to make sure it’s a good experience for all who finished! I’ve been impressed throughout the whole thing. I’ll never be fast enough to qualify and we entered the lottery on a whim – never expected to be picked!
Awesome Day in Berlin
Pack your own toilet paper in a ziplock bag. Easy access from local subway station. Lots of bananas and apple on the course in second half. The had both electrolyte … MORE
Pack your own toilet paper in a ziplock bag. Easy access from local subway station. Lots of bananas and apple on the course in second half. The had both electrolyte drink and a ‘tea’ for beverages, along with water of course. Really great crowd support and a very fun race, I’m not fast, so I have a good time 🙂
Loved being apart of the 50th running
The start of the race was special. The entire event was very well organized. Loved the music from the various bands on the course. Running through the Brandenburg gate and … MORE
The start of the race was special. The entire event was very well organized. Loved the music from the various bands on the course. Running through the Brandenburg gate and the remaining 250 meters (approximately) was Amazing. Race shirts, jacket, and medal were Bad Ass. Wish they offered Gatorade ( or similar product) on the course.
Perfect Shake Out Run!
For the first time ever Berlin Marathon offered a 5k shake out run the day before the marathon. The last 5k of the official marathon course including the world famous … MORE
For the first time ever Berlin Marathon offered a 5k shake out run the day before the marathon. The last 5k of the official marathon course including the world famous finish through Brandenburger Tor can be run on Saturday morning. The race starts at 10 am and around 10.000 runners took part in this inaugural and sold out 5k. The atmosphere was fantastic and having the chance to finish like the marathoners do, is absolutely worth to run these 5k, which are the perfect shake out run for all runners who want to run the marathon on Sunday!
One race I would repeat every year!
This is truly a marvelous event; everything around it is amazing. The only pain point I had, were the cups; they use large, hard plastic cups for the electrolytes which … MORE
This is truly a marvelous event; everything around it is amazing.
The only pain point I had, were the cups; they use large, hard plastic cups for the electrolytes which are incredibly uncomfortable to drink from.
First International Major
Obviously a bucket list race now checked off of my list. I was lucky to gain entry to Berlin due to the bonus entries offered for having already completed 3 … MORE
Obviously a bucket list race now checked off of my list. I was lucky to gain entry to Berlin due to the bonus entries offered for having already completed 3 majors. Thoroughly enjoyed this race! My first time to Germany (and Europe) and this was a great way to see Berlin. Race was as well run as any of the other majors I’ve run (Chicago, NY and Boston). I was a little disappointed in the race swag, both what was included and available for purchase. This varies from year to year though so I guess this just wasn’t the year for me. Otherwise I had an amazing time in Berlin and would highly recommend this race.
What a fun world major race!
First time international marathon and it was great. Expo was really easy to get in and out of. The hype at the start is contagious. The course is a fun … MORE
First time international marathon and it was great. Expo was really easy to get in and out of. The hype at the start is contagious. The course is a fun and flat. Supporters of all nations line the streets and are all cheering you on. Aid stations were easy to get through. The vibe for this race is amazing. One of my favorite marathons.
Best World Major yet
My favorite World Major out of the 5 I’ve ran so far. A welcoming race that loves a runner of any caliber. This was my 2nd time running Berlin, and … MORE
My favorite World Major out of the 5 I’ve ran so far. A welcoming race that loves a runner of any caliber. This was my 2nd time running Berlin, and I would keep running it as long as I can.
Good race
Expo was tedious for purchasing items. No discernable line queues for check out. Jacket was definitely NOT worth the price paid for it and selling the finisher shirts to anyone … MORE
Expo was tedious for purchasing items. No discernable line queues for check out. Jacket was definitely NOT worth the price paid for it and selling the finisher shirts to anyone before the marathon? Really?
Must do if you're doing the world majors
Course, aid stations & spectators are AWESOME! Flat, fast, awesome people, volunteers and gels. The expo needs much improvement. Needs to be so much larger to accommodate all of the … MORE
Course, aid stations & spectators are AWESOME! Flat, fast, awesome people, volunteers and gels. The expo needs much improvement. Needs to be so much larger to accommodate all of the runners. The cattle car experience getting your wrist bands that you had to wear the entire time leading up to the race — needs so much for efficiency! Paying for your souvenir shirts and items complete disaster. Had no idea where the line started, literally snaked around like multiple areas. One line to take pictures with the Berlin Marathon logo for a keepsake. The whole thing was an entire chaos and made me want to leave as quickly as possible. Utterly disappointing!
Overrated
First world marathon major for me so I had high hopes for this race, but as always never go in with high expectations because it was a bit of a … MORE
First world marathon major for me so I had high hopes for this race, but as always never go in with high expectations because it was a bit of a letdown as a “major” (I’ve seen better productions from non-majors). Entered the lottery around November 2022 and results were announced in early December. This was my first time applying for the Berlin lottery so it seemed like it was fairly easy to get in (unlike London, which is Mission Impossible).
Expo: Held at the old airport on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before the race. I went on Friday afternoon and the process was fairly smooth. Upon entry I was given a blue wristband (not to be taken off until after the race) as the volunteers would check the wristband and bib to prevent unauthorized runners on race day. It was a bit annoying to have the wristband around on Saturday so if you don’t want to be stuck with a wristband I suggest going on the last day of the expo (unless you want to get the merchandise as they may be sold out by then). In addition to the bib, I rented a ChampionChip for timing to tie to our shoes to record time (why we are still using these timing chips is beyond me, I thought most chips are attached to the back of the bib these days, not to mention we were supposed to return these ChampionChips after the race, extra hassle). The good thing is registration comes with free public transportation from Thursday through race day so it was nice not having to worry about how to get to and fro. I also picked up a finisher shirt (a bit awkward to get the finisher shirt before the race) but race entry (163 EUR) didn’t include any shirt. I believe next year (50th anniversary) the race entry will be 205 EUR (26% increase, yikes), not sure if a shirt will included at that price tag.
Race Start: Entrance was right across from the Reichstag building where the volunteers checked your bib and wristband upon entry. I was placed in the last corral (if your expected finish time is at or over 5 hours you’d be placed last). This is my main issue with this race. The last two corrals (J and K) started the race around 10:40am, yes you read that right, 10:40am. Within the first hour the sun is already directly above your head which significantly slowed me down with all the heat (within the first six miles no less). If you expect to run for more than five hours, essentially you won’t be done until around 4pm. By the time I started around 10:40am the temperature was in the 60s and ramped up to the 70s in a flash with little to no wind (yet humid). Those in the earlier corrals likely had better weather conditions (and probably amenities, more on that later).
Course: Relatively flat with a few inclines but nothing major. Scenery was just so-so until near the finish line upon running through the Brandenburg Gate (that was nice). Some drumming for entertainment but not a whole lot (I prefer more upbeat music over drumming though).
Aid Stations: On-course refreshment included apples, bananas, water, warm sweet tea, and a mystery sugary drink (they called this “drink mix”, I had a sip and thought it had an odd taste). I had to devour apples and bananas as my lunch because essentially I didn’t finish until around 4pm. Not sure why they didn’t offer electrolytes or gels on course, those would be way more beneficial than offering tea which dehydrates. I also saw a bunch of gel packaging on the ground near all aid-stations which led me to believe that gels were offered at one point but obviously ran out for those starting in the latter corrals, but that wasn’t the worst part. The worst part of the race was the porta-potties. I’ve only used it once on course during the first half of the race, but all the stalls went out of toilet paper. Now, this being a ~48K runner race that it’s understandable for stalls to run out of toilet paper, especially for those starting in the last corral, but as a world major you’d think they have more supplies in stock or improve from prior years, but nope.
Crowd Support: Plenty of spectators throughout the course (crowd cheering on your name printed on the bib). Sidebar: the hotel I stayed at offered pasta party the night before the race, despite it not being within vicinity by any means (~30 min train ride to the race), so the city seemed committed to this event.
Race Finish: I thought the Brandenburg Gate was the finish line but apparently it was about 400 meters further out (I actually started walking after crossing the Brandenburg Gate, making a fool of myself before realizing it wasn’t the finish line hah).
Post-Race Refreshment: Bottled water, a few bite sized snacks, and a banana. Water and tea were offered at the finish area as well.
Swag: None. I opted for a poncho instead of a drop bag so if that’s considered as a swag then sure. Other than that nada. Any other items you’d need to order upon registration or buy at the expo (I bought the finisher shirt upon signup and picked up at the expo).
Final Thoughts: My performance was pretty bad considering this was a flat course, which I believe partly stemmed from the lack of fuel (i.e. electrolytes and gels) and the heat/humidity due to late start. Overall the production was disappointing considering this race being a world major per the points mentioned above (if it was any other regular race, I would have thought it was fine). On the other hand, it was an amazing feeling to run at a race where a world record was broken (Tigst Assefa broke the women’s marathon world record at 2:11:53, though she probably already started drinking her beer before I finished my 10k with the late start). It’s certainly a “must-run” race for marathoners based on its world major status, but other than that I probably wouldn’t run it again.
Starting line organization poor
The Expo was great. It's at an old airport and the location is convenient. However, special items like running shorts/hats/backpacks with the Berlin Marathon branding are sold-out by Saturday. Arrive … MORE
The Expo was great. It’s at an old airport and the location is convenient. However, special items like running shorts/hats/backpacks with the Berlin Marathon branding are sold-out by Saturday. Arrive early because by 11AM it gets really crowded. They printout your race number on a laser jet and give you a timing chip with a number that is also shown on your race bib. The timing chip can only be read if it’s on your shoe laces. According to their site, if it’s in your pockets or around your neck, the scanner cannot read it. They want their chip back in the end and have crew members at the exit gate to collect them. Crowd support was good. There are designated cheering areas throughout the course. So locals are out watching in groups and having fun, but are reserved. It gets loud like Chicago at the designated cheering areas and there are some really good bands throughout the course. Plenty of restrooms at the starting line. No issues there. Course is pancake flat with the exception of slight up hills on a few bridges over the river. Now the downside: There is a massive security area of fencing that expands miles and miles with only one entrance. I found that entrance the day before after a two hour search. On race day, they had put in another fence overnight and caused another half mile walk. No matter where your hotel is, you will be walking over 2 miles+ to the start line which is in the middle of a park not near public transit and only one entrance sort of near the finish line, but not the start line. The A,B, and C corral has too many runners for the space. There was no volunteers at the corrals checking race bibs to see if you were entering the correct corral. Which means, thousands of runners shoulder to shoulder climbing fences and police barricades (in high end racing shoes) at the starting line trying to find a space to get in the corral. Expect pushing and shoving. It was amazing a fight didn’t break out.
They only serve water on the course. The Germans, for some reason, do not believe in electrolytes whatsoever, and this can greatly impact how dehydrated you are at the end. Especially cause there is generally only a water station every 5K with these thick plastic cups. So when you get to the station plan on thousands of plastic cups on the ground. Only one time did they serve warm sweet tea other than water, and there was one station that gave out gels, but they appeared to be a local running club giving them out. It felt like there was no water stations the last 5K… it was shocking when you needed water most at the end; there were no stations. Major two thumbs down on that. You get through the finish line and the medal is really nice. Real art compared to other races! Long walk after the finish line again to get to a final water station, and once again no Gatorade/electrolyte whatsoever. It’s truly shocking. The bag had a little toddler size bag of pretzels, a chocolate croissant, some chocolate morsels, and a bottle of water. Of course it’s a long walk out of the security area before you can attempt to get to a train station. Overall, I had fun and liked the sideline support, but wouldn’t do it again.
Weather was in the 50’s but high humidity. I was sweating the first 8 miles significantly more than I would expect. No signs stating water station ahead. Stations are small and infrequent. Every 5km. Too many runners to see the water station coming up until you are right on it. So expect people will be darting across the street to get to one. Race started at 9:15AM, and much of the course is not in the shade. You appreciate the neighbourhoods that have significant trees/shade. You are completely locked in with a group of runners for the first 8 miles. Their pace is your pace cause there is someone always two feet next to you the first hour. Mile 16 is when people start dropping off and walking. Mile 25: there aren’t that many people left, and passing the Brandenburg Gate, you are almost running alone. Total tunnel vision to the finish line which is another quarter mile. BTW no mile markers! Only KM signs. So bring a watch that you trust! Non-alcoholic beer is served on the way out of the security area but not at the finish line like Chicago.
Berlin Marathon
From the beginning the race organizers keep you up to date with details. When I arrived to Berlin I knew exactly where I was going. Do not be afraid about … MORE
From the beginning the race organizers keep you up to date with details. When I arrived to Berlin I knew exactly where I was going. Do not be afraid about how packed it is at the EXPO, it goes by really quick. I highly recommend purchasing the swag with your entry. It was so smooth to receive my bib and my merchandise. Race day – If you have to go to the potty, make sure you do not go to the ones as you arrive. Keep walking, keep walking, keep walking the restrooms right next to the start line are empty. Race itself is super flat and weather in Berlin is a bonus. Enjoy the views and the race.