Your go-to spot for all things Berlin Marathon, one of the fastest Abbott World Marathon Majors, occurring each September in Germany.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Berlin Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing Berlin veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
We had a great drop-in Zoom call full of Berlin Marathon racing insights, information, and tips.
Start: Straße des 17, between the Brandenburg Gate and the “Kleiner Stern”
Finish: Straße des 17, just after the Brandenburg Gate
Course type: Loop; undeniably fast and flat!
Berlin Marathon course map.
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 241 feet/ 73 meters
Elevation loss: 260 feet/ 79 meters
Berlin Marathon elevation map.
Temperature:
Average high : 63°F/ 17°C Average low: 47° F/ 8°C
Tips from Coaches:
“Like most Majors, it’s a crowded race. Unlike many Majors, they don’t do a great job of enforcing waves/corrals. For that reason, you’ll want to manage expectations for the first couple of miles. Take it easy, stay calm and know that things will ‘settle in’ after the first 5k or so.” – Coach Nicole Thome
”There is a decent walk from the gate to the start corral, so allow for plenty of time!” – Coach Heather Gutekunst
”Remember, the Berlin Marathon paints a blue line on the road to mark the tangents (the shortest possible route) of the course, so follow that for an “easier” route!” – Coach Vivian Vassall
”You’ll feel the urge to pick up the pace as soon as the Brandenburg Gate comes into your view (and you’ll notice other runners doing so), but know that the actual finish line is 400m past the gate!” – Coach Vivian Vassall
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Berlin Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Eliud Kipchoge winning with a new World Record at the 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon! PC: SCC Events
4. Shakeout Run
Date: TBD Time: TBD Location: TBD
All paces are welcome and the more the merrier! Feel free to bring a friend, even if they’re not a Team RunRun athlete!
5. Berlin Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. For Berlin Marathon-specific advice, here are some coaches to start with:
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The best little tour of bits of the Alps – dipping into Austria for a bit, some very runnable trails and some pretty wild climbing. Just felt like a treat being in two countries for the race. I also loved the setup of the course… good flat to get started, 4 main climbs, all getting progressively more challenging. But a relatively flat 15 miles after the first climb to reset the body.
Weather is pretty much perfect this time of year. Cool at night, not too hot during the day. Loved it.
Loved the 10PM start in theory, but flying over from the US was tough.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not a single toilet on the entire 111K course. Outside of trees, of course. And this was a race when I really could’ve used a real toilet.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I have friends who live in this Bavarian village, so I’ve been coming here for almost ten years. Super rad to start and finish in this little town with your best friends from across the country waiting up for you.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pretty well supported throughout. But that last climb is a real one.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This was a tough one with time zones from the US coupled with a 10PM Friday start.. just when you get over the jet lag, you stay up all day and start a race before Midnight.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Some pretty technical downhill spots and some real climbing throughout.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Gorgeous course. You’re running in and around Germany and Austrian Alps.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. Definitely lots of climbing and some technical downhill sections. Great runnable sections in plenty of spots and a nice 15 miles of relatively flat between big climbs 3 and 4.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well oiled machine. They keep adding distances, so were put to 5 races this year. Seems to be
Germany’s largest trail race with ~4,000 runners.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Eh, not particularly strong. A few folks that absolutely flew but not a pro field.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
No special handshakes – super easy, and can pay an extra $25 for a Flex pass – and decide which race distance you want to run up to the day before the race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Every 6-10 miles on the course.
Weather and typical race conditions
50s and perfect. Was warm during the day but 30s at night. Perfect conditions.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Just a typical long list of required gear.. nothing you wouldn’t have already.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Very friendly – couple great spots to take a gondola up to watch and cheer. First half of the course is largely in the dark so not as spectator friendly.
How’s the Swag?
Eh. Good enough.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
This course is fast and the weather was perfect! The race is one of the deepest fields I’ve ever run. The world record was broken during this race and there’s something cool feeling about running in the race where Eliud Kipchoge smashed the record.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I wasn’t super marathon prepared (training for summer ultras), but that’s not on the race, that’s on me!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The bibs! They printed them out when you did packet pickup. This was efficient b/c you could go to any of the many volunteers. But they printed the big on an 8×10 sized sheet and that was the bib – it was huge!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I felt strong for almost the entire race and I worked hard for it. It was the kind of race where I managed my effort well early, got in the zone and was grinding it during the tough middle 1/3rd of the race, and then my lack of marathon training showed up the final 4 miles, but I still held it together for a finish that I’m happy with.
I really loved how there were people to run with the entire time. I settled in with a good group for much of the race. It was clear they were focused on running an even race and it was easy to always be working with someone or tucked in behind someone.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This is the flattest race I’ve done, so be ready for flat.
The streets are wide but there are also a ton of runners (~45k) so be ready for a crowd the entire way.
It’s still a marathon so avoid getting too into race mode too early in the race b/c it’ll catch up with you.
Take public transit to the start.
There were plenty of bathrooms and it was easy to get to the start corals.
Have fun – there are so many awesome runners from all over the world here; take a deep breath and soak it all in.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Drink a little more. The aid stations felt like they were more spaced out than some of the bigger races I’ve done in the past and even where I was in the race in the top few hundred racers, it felt like a high traffic, competitive sport to get water. I actually skipped quite a few of them to avoid the hassle and I think I would have benefited from more. I probably would have taken in a few more calories too if I’d been drinking more. Just be ready for the crowds while still balancing your hydration and nutrition needs.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Totally flat!
There is a blue line painted on the street that I assumed represented the shortest route possible. However, despite making a big effort to stay close to this, I still finished with 26.4 miles. Do your best to be as close to 26.2 as you can!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Both years I’ve been in Berlin for the marathon the weather has been gorgeous. It’s a big city, so if you find that pretty, and you like nice autumn weather, it’s fantastic!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
A flat road marathon can be tough in it’s own way. Be ready for a total rhythm race where you run with the same motion for 26.2 miles. No hills or trail to mix it up for your body.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The best. Sign up, the expo, race day, it was all run well.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
2:01 won the race! The best in the world!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
There is a lottery. The charity spots aren’t unreasonable prices if you don’t get in via the lottery. There is an automatic entry qualifying time as well. Be on it for when registration is open and it’s easy.
We didn’t book our airbnb until last minute. However, we found a good place that wasn’t too much. The pickings were minimal though by waiting to the last minute.
Race bib was good for free train access in the city all day on race day. Really nice b/c I didn’t have to carry anything with me to the start.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Not as many as Boston – at least that’s how it felt. Water, sports drink, some fruit, and maybe one or two options for getting gels.
Weather and typical race conditions
50s and 60s. Clear skies. It was gorgeous!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Carried 4 gels. Nothing else besides shorts and shoes.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Really strong. There were people on nearly the entire course.
How’s the Swag?
The medal had Eliud Kipchoge’s face on it! Something about that just seemed cool to me, particularly b/c the medals were already made prior to the race, and yet he still won and set the world record. Shirts and other swag available for purchase, but none came with the race entry.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Loved it! 5 out of 5. If you like road marathons or big world running events, this one should definitely be on your list!
Awesome to be in a race where the world record was broken!
Course starts out with a long climb, then rolling and a quick, steep drop, then a quick steep ascent, then a long downhill back the same climb you came up
Leave some gas in the tank for after the first hill, as you’ll still have plenty of rollers and the long downhill to run
Pictures of the course don’t look very technical, and it looks like wide singletrack or a gravel doubletrack
Once you’re on the final descent, push the pace if you have anything left and enjoy it!
Course
Type:Lollipop with out and back and a loop around the top
Start/Finish Info: Both at Lemmerzbad, an outdoor swimming pool
Locations of water stations: 3 water and sweet tea locations throughout the race.
In the past, water and electrolytes as well as coffee, cake, and champagne have been available at the finish line. Other food and drinks for spectators are available for sale.
Spectator access
Access Locations: Start/Finish is best location
Race qualifiers
No, but the race is race #3 of 4 in a trail running series (Siebengebirgscup: http://7g-cup.de)
The Berlin Marathon is one of the six Marathon Majors and it lives up to all the hype – it’s a perfect time of year in Berlin, with crisp, Fall temperatures, a flat course with fast times each year, plenty of spectator locations, and overall amazing support and organization considering the size of the field. It’s an absolute must-run if you get into the race!
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Public transportation is fantastic for getting to and from the expo and the race, using the train, not the bus or tram, as roads will be closed. The bib number cannot be used as a ticket (as is sometimes the case for big city marathons).
If you’re coming from the States, be ready for jet lag and have a plan for either getting on the time zone quickly or having a plan for coping with it.
With it being such a flat, big race, with lots of people, it makes it easier to have a more even pace throughout and to be surrounded by people nearly the entire way.
Wave start means it’s not too congested at the start with so many people running (40,000)
Aid stations feel congested throughout because of the number of people darting in and out to get aid
There is warm tea offered at the aid stations with electrolytes
Berlin is a great city to explore, so leave the sight-seeing for post-race so you’re not drained for race day.
Course
Type:One big loop all around Berlin, starting and finishing in nearly the same location in Tiergarten Park.
Start/Finish Info: No parking at the start, so use public transportation, only runners allowed in starting area. More information here.
Hills: 65 feet of gain from miles 12.5 to 17.5 – super minimal!
Location of water stations: km 5, 12, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5, 34.5, 38, 40 (at 40km there will be tea and also ultraSPORTS)
Locations of water stations, electrolytes and fruit: water, tea* (warm & cold), ultraSPORTS Beetster, bananas, apples are located at km 9, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 36
Locations of electrolyte stations: km 27.5, ultraSPORTS ultraGel in the flavours Cola+Coffein and Berry
Summary: The GORE-TEX Trans Apline Run is a 7 day stage race, comprised of 300 teams of 2 persons, running a total distance of 158.7 miles, starting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, crossing the Alps via Austria (stops in Nassereith, Imst, Pitztal and Sölden) and Italy. The route continues from St. Leonhard, stopping next in Sarnthein, before the final day, when the runners cross the finish line in the city of Brixen, South Tyrol (Italy). Each day’s stage is a different distance, a different start time, and therefore different cutoff times throughout each day, as the teams of 2 make their way point to point from Germany to Italy, gaining nearly 54,000 feet of elevation in the process.
Stage Details
Day 1: 27.1 miles, gain/loss of 8,107/7,635 ft
Day 2: 17.5 miles, gain/loss of 5,512/5,653 ft
Day 3: 30 miles, gain/loss of 10,230/7,303 ft
Day 4: 16.9 miles, gain/loss of 7,533/8,602 ft
Day 5: 24.2 miles, gain/loss of 7,375/9,573 ft
Day 6: 21.1 miles, gain/loss of 8,281/7,293 ft
Day 7: 22.4 miles, gain/loss of 6,949/8,307 ft
Further course details, descriptions, and cutoffs noted here.
Consider using poles – Steep ascents and descents, with some technical footing throughout
Work with partner ahead of each stage to discuss how to approach each day, especially in terms of pacing – when to take it slow and when to run harder
Carry a little bit of money during the run in case you have to buy something in towns along the way, or if you need to drop and get to either the next aid station or the final location of the day’s stage.
Day 3 is seen as the make it or break it day in the stage run – have some mental strength to get through it and beyond it, and then days 5-7 are “easier” compared to the first few days
Notes of sore knees and feet from the pounding of the alpine terrain
The course has more “road” running than you would expect, as the route links lots of mountain villages via pavement/paths and ski service roads, so you end up running more road before and after the trail portions than you would expect
Incorporate trail runs where you run 2-6 miles of road before and after the trail miles
Some of the descents are just as pounding on the legs as the ascents, so keep that in mind when choosing routes for practicing vert, both up and down
Practice time on your feet – in many of the race reports, people were averaging 3 miles/hour on most days!
Climbs are mainly straight up and straight down
Each day’s start tends to be a bottleneck at first, heading out of town and into the uphill single track, so position yourself accordingly if you want to be out front or if you’re a particularly strong climber
Be sure to have a good med kit for stuff like upset stomachs, foot care, pain meds, etc., either while you’re out on the course or for each recovery evening between stages
Know the cutoffs – some are harder to make than others, because they are based on 5km/hour no matter the elevation profile, so you might spend some time hurrying up and other times taking it easier because of the cutoffs and terrain combo
Number of aid stations and locations varies each day, see details on Course page here.
What’s available: Including, but not guaranteed to be the same at each aid station: water, isotonic drinks, coke, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, bread, cheese, salami, vegan spread, energy bars, cake, cookies, fruits, raw vegetables, pickles, pasta, different soups, and potatoes with salt.
Crew access
Race offers a “Family & Friends” Package, with detailed directions to each aid station, as well as other perks. See details here.
Pacers
Pick your running team partner wisely, as they are your pacer!
Race: 
