So if you are a running enthusiast and new to marathons or you are a runner who has run pretty much all marathons…then you don’t want to miss the Berlin Marathon. It is a firm welcoming, for the thousands of runners and spectators that trample their way from all over the world and, according to a reputation of being one of the most prestigious marathons on planet, it is becoming. So dive into the details of this incredible race and what makes it so popular.
Race Overview
The Berlin Marathon is the 42.195 kilometer (26.2 miles) annual marathon in the heart of Berlin, Germany in September. The marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, an exclusive group of six of the largest and best known marathons in the world. Professional runners who want speed records and the amateur of individuals who want to challenge themselves all come out to the race.
The Course
The Berlin marathon is famous for its flat and fast track that’s a favorite among marathon runners looking to run a PR (personal record), or a qualifying time for other prestige marathons. This race begins and finishes near the famous Brandenburg Gate, with participants meandering through the stunning tree-lined streets of Berlin, pointing out heritage places such as Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin Cathedral and Potsdamer Platz.
The big highlight of the course is running through the busy streets of West Berlin and crossing the legendary Berlin Wall. The route is fantastic with a lively, encouraging crowd support along it.
Registration and Entry
To participate in the Berlin Marathon, you have two main options for securing your entry:
- General Entry: A general entry is accepted each year but there are a limited number of spots available for it. That said, these slots fill up fast so be sure to register as soon as the registration period opens.
- Charity or Tour Operator Entry: You can also run for a charity, or take up a marathon package with an official tour operator. And these options often require a higher entry fee but their big draw is that they provide guaranteed entry into the race.
Training for the Berlin Marathon
To prepare for a marathon, you need to train very carefully. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for the Berlin Marathon:
- Build a training plan: Get in touch with a running coach, or use existing online training programs. Build your mileage up gradually, and work some speed workouts, long runs, and cross training sessions into the schedule.
- Stay consistent: Marathon training is all about consistency. Keep with your planned workouts, but do listen to your body and make changes to the workouts as needed.
- Include rest days: This is important as rest and recovery helps prevent injury and allows your body to be able to adapt to the training load. Remember to fit in regular rest days in your training plan.
- Nutrition and hydration: Fueling appropriate prior, during, and following your acquisitions are extremely vital. To support your training, stay hydrated and eat a well balanced diet.
- Simulate race conditions: Something like in a piece of preparation, use some of those long race training runs and try to simulate race day conditions as much as possible. Play the race pace, nutrition strategy, race gear game to make sure it all goes well on the big day.
Becoming a Spectator of the Berlin Marathon
A fantastic experience for runners and spectators, the Berlin Marathon is still not the maximum about what to experience in a marathon. If you plan to cheer on friends, family, or simply want to soak up the incredible atmosphere, here are a few tips:
- Plan your viewing spots: Take the course in, make yourself familiar with the course, chose strategic spots to watch runners. Are there different sections of the course, from the beginning, the end, or important landmarks?
- Join the crowd: The Berlin Marathon is a lively and supportive crowd. Enjoy the energy and cheer with other spectators cheering along with fellow participants till they conquer the course.
- Bring snacks and drinks: Depending on where you sit, think about how to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed during the whole day.
- Capture the moments: As you remember, when you finish don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the emotional finish line moments. For more details about the event, share your experience on social media with the official event hashtag.
Conclusion
Running is something that can mimic what a marathon can show athletes of all ages and skill sets. But whether you’re a self confessed marathon fan or simply an admirer of a great event, the Berlin Marathon is a combination of history, beauty and atmosphere to be reckoned with.
After all, you have found the wonderful wonders of the Berlin Marathon. Prepare yourself, lace up some good runners shoes, design a training plan and join to be a part of this beautiful event that will take place in Berlin’s centre.
Table of Contents