Berlin - My first Major.

/September 24th 2023 - 4h20/

/Elevation 90m - Temperature 15℃

/Access via the ballot in October, qualification or charity bib.

/Sponsor: Adidas

/43300 finishers

"You should run a Major and start collecting stars"

Just after crossing the finish line of Paris marathon a few months earlier, I already wanted some more. Every experienced runner around me said how hard is to run a marathon and how emotional the finish line will be. Not a tear, and I'm not a tough cookie! But, omg the satisfaction and the pride! I was a marathon finisher and I was so proud to fight the pain and the struggles. So, when I looked for a new marathon, many runners told me about Berlin. A marathon Major, and not far from home.

It was too late for the lottery, I wanted to do it this year! So I paid a sports tour agency in Denmark to have a bib number and a hotel.

THE EXPO

It was super well organised and smooth and in a very atypical place, the old airport of Tempelhof! The choice of goods and services was equivalent to Paris but with a little "Marathon Major" seriousness touch.

THE COURSE

The Berlin course is a loop through several parts of the city, with the start and finish close together in central Berlin. Unlike a simple out-and-back, it takes runners through a succession of neighbourhoods before returning towards the historic centre. To be honest, I found it a bit boring. BUT, it's flat, the flatest of all Majors and that's a selling criteria for a PB.

THE WEATHER

Typical early Fall in Berlin is around 10-18 degrees and grey sky with no garantee as this trend tend to change every year for way warmer temperatures.

THE ATMOSPHERE

I remember being surprised that it was not as fun and loud as Paris. Some neighborwoods are more animated than others. The finish is iconic. Approaching the Brandenburg Gate after 42 kilometres is a defining moment, particularly for runners who havespent months or years hoping to race Berlin. Be careful, the race doesn't stop at the gate, you still have about 200m to finish!

WHERE TO STAY

I'd prioritise staying near the start and finish around Tiergarten, Potsdamer Platz or Mitte. On marathon weekend, being able to walk to the start, avoid transport stress and get back to your hotel easily after 42.195km is worth a lot.

WANT TO SEE MORE?

Check at my Instagram video for a live experience!