45 Facts About Berlin Marathon 2024

The History and Significance of the Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon has a rich history and holds a special place in the world of long-distance running. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic race.

1. Course History: The Berlin Marathon began in 1974 with 286 participants and has since grown into one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world.

2. Historical Significance: The Berlin Marathon has been closely linked to significant events in German history, including the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The 1990 marathon was one of the first major sporting events to cross the old divide.

3. First Winners: The first Berlin Marathon was won by Günter Hallas of West Germany in 1974 with a time of 2 hours, 44 minutes, and 53 seconds. The women's first winner was Jutta von Haase of West Germany with a time of 3 hours, 22 minutes, and 1 second.

4. Notable Performances: Over the years, the Berlin Marathon has seen numerous notable performances. For example, in 1987, Suleiman Nyambui of Tanzania set a course record with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 11 seconds. In 1998, Ronaldo da Costa of Brazil set a new course record with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 5 seconds.

The Course and Its Unique Features

The Berlin Marathon course is renowned for being flat and fast, making it a favorite for runners aiming to set personal bests and world records.

5. Course Characteristics: The race is known for its flat and fast course, which winds through the city center in a clockwise loop. The course starts and finishes near the iconic Brandenburg Gate.

6. Course Route: The route begins in Tiergarten and circles through the city before ending near the Brandenburg Gate. This route change in 1990 marked a significant moment in the race's history, as it was the first time the course included East Germany just before German reunification.

7. Course Elevation: Despite being known as a flat course, the Berlin Marathon route does feature some elevation changes. There is a gain of 73 meters and a loss of 79 meters throughout the race, with some gradual inclines in the second half.

8. Course Landmarks: The course passes beneath the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish, which is a special and slightly disheartening moment for runners. The finish line is located a bit further away than expected, adding to the excitement and challenge of the race.

9. Course Markings: The route has distance markers at each kilometer but no mile markers. Runners are advised to stick close to the painted blue line down the road to ensure they stay on course.

Elite Athletes and Record-Breaking Performances

The Berlin Marathon attracts some of the best marathon runners in the world, leading to numerous record-breaking performances.

10. Elite Field: The 2024 Berlin Marathon features a deep elite field, with six men holding personal records under 2 hours and 5 minutes and four women under 2 hours and 20 minutes.

11. Course Record: The current men's course record is held by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, who set a time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds in 2022. This record is the second-fastest official marathon time ever recorded, just behind Kelvin Kiptum's 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 35 seconds in the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

12. World Records: The Berlin Marathon has been the site of numerous world records. In fact, the last eight men's world records were all set on this course, with the women's world record also being set here in 2023 by Tigist Assefa with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds.

13. Elite Athletes: Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie has won the most Berlin Marathons with four victories, while the women's record for victories is shared by Renata Kokowska of Poland and Uta Pippig of Germany, each with three wins.

14. Halfway Split Times: The top 11 runners in the 2024 Berlin Marathon achieved a half marathon split time of under 1 hour and 57 minutes. This pace suggests that they could potentially run under 2 hours and 4 minutes for the full marathon, a feat only two athletes have ever achieved on this course.

15. Elite Performance: The elite field in the 2024 Berlin Marathon is incredibly strong. The top four runners were able to break 2 hours and 4 minutes, a significant improvement from last year's race where only the top three achieved this feat.

16. Course Records Breakdown: Only two athletes have ever broken 2 hours on this Berlin course, and only four athletes have ever gone under 2 hours and 2 minutes for any marathon. The current course record set by Eliud Kipchoge is extremely challenging to attain, with a pace of 4 minutes and 37 seconds per mile or 2 minutes and 52 seconds per kilometer.

Participant Experience and Logistics

The Berlin Marathon is not just about elite athletes; it also offers a fantastic experience for all participants.

17. Participant Numbers: The 2024 Berlin Marathon expects to have over 50,000 participants, a significant increase from previous years.

18. International Participation: Runners from over 150 different countries are expected to participate in the 2024 event, showcasing the global appeal of the marathon.

19. Start Times: The race starts at 9:15 AM for non-elite runners, with the elite handbikers and wheelchair competitors beginning earlier at 8:50 AM and 8:57 AM respectively.

20. Start Waves: Runners are divided into four waves to reduce crowding in the early stages of the race. The start wave and corral letter are clearly visible on the race bib, with first-time marathon runners placed in the last wave regardless of their expected finish time.

21. Water Stations: Regular water stations are available along the route to ensure that runners stay hydrated throughout the race.

22. Support and Crowds: The Berlin Marathon is known for its great crowd support, which is more chilled than the loud crowds at American Majors. Runners can enjoy the on-course music and the wide streets while being cheered on by spectators.

23. Finish Line Experience: The finish line area features grandstands that are free to use but can be crowded. Runners and spectators should arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the end of the race.

Entry Process and Qualifying Times

Getting a spot in the Berlin Marathon can be competitive, but there are several ways to secure entry.

24. Entry Process: Entry to the Berlin Marathon is typically via a lottery system, which opens late in the previous year. Runners can also secure a spot through past marathon times or by using a tour operator.

25. Qualifying Times: For the 2024 event, qualifying times for men include under 2 hours and 45 minutes for those up to 44 years old, under 2 hours and 55 minutes for those up to 59 years old, and under 3 hours and 25 minutes for those 60 and above. For women, the qualifying times are under 3 hours for those up to 44 years old, under 3 hours and 20 minutes for those up to 59 years old, and under 4 hours and 10 minutes for those 60 and above.

Weather and Its Impact on Performance

Weather conditions play a crucial role in marathon performance, and the Berlin Marathon is no exception.

26. Weather Conditions: The weather on the day of the race is crucial for setting records. In 2024, the temperature at the start was nearly perfect at 45°C, and the wind was minimal.

27. Weather Impact: The weather conditions on race day can significantly impact performance. In 2024, the near-perfect weather with minimal wind and ideal temperature contributed to the fast times achieved by the runners.

28. Projected Finish Times: The opening 5K split time of 14 minutes and 25 seconds put the runners on a projected finish time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 30 seconds, just outside of Eliud Kipchoge's course record.

Supporting Events and Community Involvement

The Berlin Marathon is more than just a race; it's a celebration of running and community.

29. Expo and Bag Drop: The Berlin Marathon Expo is a significant event that takes place before the race. Runners can pick up their race packets, attend various events, and explore the city's running community. The bag drop area is also located at the Expo, where runners can store their bags securely during the race.

30. Supporting the Event: The Berlin Marathon is supported by grandstands at the finish line, which are free to use but can be crowded. Spectators should arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the end of the race.

31. Support and Crowds: The Berlin Marathon is known for its great crowd support, which is more chilled than the loud crowds at American Majors. Runners can enjoy the on-course music and the wide streets while being cheered on by spectators.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Berlin Marathon continues to be one of the premier events in international athletics. With its fast course, strong elite field, and historical significance, it is poised to continue setting records and pushing the boundaries of human endurance. As the 50th running of the Berlin Marathon approaches, anticipation is high for what could be another historic event in the city's rich sporting history.

32. Course Layout: The course is designed to be fast and efficient, with long straights and few turns to slow down runners. This layout contributes to the high number of world records set on this course.

33. Course Markings and Navigation: The course has distance markers at each kilometer but no mile markers. Runners are advised to stick close to the painted blue line down the road to ensure they stay on course.

34. Elite Athlete Performance: The elite athletes in the 2024 Berlin Marathon are among the best in the world. The top runners have achieved incredible times in previous races, setting them up for potentially historic performances in Berlin.

35. Course Records and World Records: The Berlin Marathon has been the site of numerous world records. In fact, the last eight men's world records were all set on this course, showcasing its reputation as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.

36. Historical Significance and Cultural Impact: The Berlin Marathon is closely linked to Berlin and German history. The race has been a significant event in the city's sporting calendar, attracting international attention and participation.

37. Course Elevation Changes: Despite being known as a flat course, the Berlin Marathon route does feature some elevation changes. There is a gain of 73 meters and a loss of 79 meters throughout the race, with some gradual inclines in the second half.

38. Support and Crowds: The Berlin Marathon is known for its great crowd support, which is more chilled than the loud crowds at American Majors. Runners can enjoy the on-course music and the wide streets while being cheered on by spectators.

39. Finish Line Experience: The finish line area features grandstands that are free to use but can be crowded. Runners and spectators should arrive early to secure a good spot to watch the end of the race.

40. Notable Winners: Over the years, the Berlin Marathon has seen numerous notable winners. For example, in 1999, Josephat Kiprono of Kenya won the men's race with a time of 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 44 seconds. In the women's race, Tegla Loroupe of Kenya won with a time of 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 43 seconds.

41. Course Layout and Navigation: The course is designed to be fast and efficient, with long straights and few turns to slow down runners. This layout contributes to the high number of world records set on this course.

42. Elite Athlete Performance and Strategy: The elite athletes in the 2024 Berlin Marathon are among the best in the world. The top runners have achieved incredible times in previous races, setting them up for potentially historic performances in Berlin. The strategy for these athletes involves maintaining a blistering pace throughout the race to achieve record-breaking times.

43. Course Records and World Records Breakdown: Only two athletes have ever broken 2 hours on this Berlin course, and only four athletes have ever gone under 2 hours and 2 minutes for any marathon. The current course record set by Eliud Kipchoge is extremely challenging to attain, with a pace of 4 minutes and 37 seconds per mile or 2 minutes and 52 seconds per kilometer.

44. Conclusion and Future Outlook: The Berlin Marathon continues to be one of the premier events in international athletics. With its fast course, strong elite field, and historical significance, it is poised to continue setting records and pushing the boundaries of human endurance. As the 50th running of the Berlin Marathon approaches, anticipation is high for what could be another historic event in the city's rich sporting history.

45. The Berlin Marathon Experience: The Berlin Marathon is more than just a race; it is an event that embodies the spirit of competition, perseverance, and community. With its rich history, fast course, and strong elite field, it remains one of the most exciting and challenging marathons in the world. As the 2024 edition approaches, runners and spectators alike are eagerly anticipating what could be another historic performance on this iconic course.

Berlin Marathon 2024: A Race to Remember

The Berlin Marathon 2024 promises to be an unforgettable event. With its flat and fast course, it's a prime spot for record-breaking performances. Expect over 50,000 participants from 150 countries, all eager to tackle the iconic route starting and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate. The elite field is stacked, featuring runners with jaw-dropping personal records. Weather conditions look ideal, setting the stage for potential new records. The marathon's rich history, from its humble beginnings in 1974 to its role in German reunification, adds a layer of significance. Whether you're a runner or a spectator, the Berlin Marathon offers a unique blend of athletic excellence and historical context. Get ready for an event that embodies the spirit of competition, perseverance, and community. This year's race is set to be one for the books!