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May 12, 2024

Berlin Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Berlin Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.2

Spectators 4.6

Number of comments: 120 [displaying comments 91 to 101]

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A. B. from North Carolina, USA (10/5/2005) "Great way to see Berlin" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the 2005 Berlin Marathon and had an overall positive experience. I agree with most of positive comments posted on this website by other people regarding scenery and spectators. This message is directed at people wanting to set a new PR and first-time marathon runners. One thing I disagree with is the idea that this is a great place to set a PR. It could be a PR-setting course if the start were organized a little different. After starting on a multi-lane street the course takes you through several sections where the number of lanes and lane widths decrease, which causes a bottleneck of runners if you are not in the very front. This width change happens a couple of times during the first 10 miles of the run and makes it difficult to get into a steady sustained running pace simply because the running pack hasn't had space to spread. After having trained well enough to set a new PR (previous was 3.03.28 in New York Marathon), I was disappointed with a 3.05.55 finish in Berlin. While I can't say the crowd was the reason I didn't meet my goal of under 3 hours, based on my 5K interval split times, I could have set a new PR if it were not for the delays due to crowding during the first half of the race. My suggestion is if you are trying to set a PR then arrive very early on race-day and get to the very front of your race corral. Also, if you are a person running your first marathon and are running for the best time you can achieve given your months of training, this might not be the marathon for you. This was the case of my friend who also ran the race. All runners with no previous marathon time are placed in the back of the pack regardless of what your anticipated mile pace is. You inevitably will not get the time you could because you will be stuck behind many many people who are slower than you. It will take time to get around them and also precious energy that you will need after the 30K (approx 19.5-mile mark).
N. H. from Dallas, TX (10/5/2005) "Wow! What an amazing marathon!" (about: 2005) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was told by many runners that Berlin was amazing, but it was more than I ever imagined. The organization was superb, as only the Germans can do. Runners are grouped in columns A-H with staggered starting to prevent congestion. The weather was gorgeous. Bright sunshine with a slight cool breeze. The course is flat, wide and there was plenty of water, Gatorade, bananas, apples and porta-potties. The most amazing part is the crowd. I met a Berliner the day before the marathon who told me he goes out to the marathon every year to cheer people on. Even though he has never known a runner. He told me that all his friends go to the marathon. He laughed and said, 'Germans love any excuse to party.' The gorgeous weather probably helped bring out the crowds. It was obvious that the city came out to cheer on their marathon. There were crowds that covered every foot of the marathon. The people brought anything they could find to make noise. Pots and pans were very popular. I ran with a guy who has run Chicago, Marine Corps, Paris and NYC. He told me that nowhere do the crowds compare. As we ran he kept looking at me with his eyes shining and would ask, 'Isn't this just incredible?' There were several bands and several places where private people played. Loved the Brazilian band on the stage with the Carnival dancers in full costume. It is a great tour of the city. This might be an odd suggestion, but I would have enjoyed seeing signs telling us what the scenic points were. We would run by buildings and everyone would wonder what they were. The finish through the Brandenburg Gate was almost spiritual. The crowds roar at the finish. I felt like an Olympian going for the gold. My parents came and the easy subway system meant they were able to see me at multiple spots with no traffic or problems. They had found the marathon to be exciting and fun even as spectators. I chose Berlin for its excellent reputation and I have to say that the reputation is well deserved.
Charles Rheault from Australia (10/1/2005) "Well done Berlin in 2005" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The 2005 marathon was a great experience as there were over 40,000 runners. The spectators were outstanding with people, bands and noise all the way around. A flat course that winds around the city and gives the runner a good view as to the old 'east and west' sectors of the city. The people were friendly and very helpful and the entire weekend is full of activities. Finishing under the Brandenburg Gates is a must !
M. S. from Shanghai, China (10/1/2005) "Great City for a Marathon" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 What a great running experience. I've done races around the world - Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and now Berlin - and this is my favorite by far. Maybe it was the 8 perfect days of weather leading up to the race, but you can't ask for more in terms of organization, scenic route, and spectator enthusiasm. Was there anything in need of improvement? Of course, there always is, but they are minor. The race number was not great quality, and mine fell apart during the race. Had to stop several times to re-pin. Route was a little tight in spots at the beginning, when there were lots of runners, but even other spots, after we'd thinned out. They could have pushed crowds back a bit. OK, and all the drumming starts to wear thin after 3-4 hours. More talented musicians would have been a relief. All that pales in comparison to what you get - a private tour through one of the world's great cities for you and 39,999 of your close friends, great support from start to finish (OK, the Gatorade was too watered down), a nice medal, short massage lines, and tons more. If I weren't coming all the way from Asia, I'd do it every year. Being so popular, I can't imagine it will remain first-come-first-served for long. Run it next year, while it's still open registration. They start taking applications in January, or so says the bulletin they handed out. You won't be sorry.
Jeff Siebold from Warsaw, Poland (9/29/2005) "A Must-Do for any Runner" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This is my 14th marathon, and first out of the US. I've run Chicago 3 times, Boston once. As a Chicago-native, I unfortunately have to admit that the crowd in Berlin is actually louder than Chicago! Noise makers, pots and wooden handles, whistles...people made noise with whatever the could. Weather was perfect, in sharp contrast to 2004. Course starts just after the Brandenburg Gate, and finished by running directly under (through) it and then finishing 200 meters later. Course could have included a few more famous Berlin scenes (Checkpoint Charlie, Alexanderplatz, etc.) but no marathon seems to be able to fully do this. Complaints: the drop-off trucks were about 3 km from the start of the race. The last thing I need is all that walking right before the race, some over wet grass. Gatorade was available at about 7 stops, but I had to grab it myself on most occasions. Water stops are on 1 side, which makes for chaos and a lot of quick cutting in and out at these areas. Water is served in plastic, as opposed to paper, cups, which makes it hard to utilize the normal 'pinch and drink' approach. The course is not pancake-flat like Chicago, but no hills to keep you from getting a PR. And, you'll be less sore the next day, not using the exact same muscles throughout. Runner's World properly ranked this as one of the best marathons in the world...mainly because of the crowd, good course, and great finish.
C. M. from Mannheim, Germany (3/29/2005) "Chain-smoking cheering sections cast damper" (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I loved the flat course and didn't even mind the chill of freezing drizzle and wind (as a resident of Germany... I'm used to it!), but as I struggled for breath through congested spectator alleys... I couldn't believe the clouds of cigarette smoke in the air. Cheering crowds encroached upon running paths often. I also disagreed with the use of plastic sheets versus space blankets at the finish. Chilly! Final (albeit) negative note, I signed in the last afternoon before the race at the Real Expo... and found they were out of race t-shirts. In return, I received my $25 refund. Bummer, but in all, a good first marathon.
D. H. from Paris, France (10/20/2004) "Flat, Fast, and Tons of People to Cheer!" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Berlin Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've now finished this marathon 7 times and almost every year set a new PR. There are no hills (nor downhills) and might be a few slight inclines but with all the people along the course, you probably won't even notice (I don't and I'm a wimp). I wouldn't call the course 'pretty' (like Paris', for example) but with all the people and flatness and decent weather, who cares? One note: 2004 weather was a bit of an exception with the drizzle and wind and chill. I usually run this marathon each year for its consistent weather: cool & sunny. I highly recommend this marathon, ESPECIALLY if you want a PR and love crowd support.
T. J. from San Francisco, CA (10/14/2004) "Won't run any faster than here!" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 If you're looking for a PR, a qualification time, or some other milestone, this is the event that will maximize your chances of success. The course is super fast, very flat, one noticeable but short hill early on (bridge across the Spree) but hardly any inclines after that. The profile indicates a 5K incline starting at the half-marathon point but you don't notice it until you crest it and you get a short downhill segment. It's really more of a faux-plat. Weather is usually perfect, this year with light rain and a slightly stronger than ideal wind. The crowds are huge, and seem even bigger because spectators use the U-Bahn to get to multiple points. They are not quite as animated as in Boston but still enough atmosphere to feed off on the last miles. As you approach and pass through Brandenburger Tor you start searching your key pocket for ear plugs. The last-mile crowd beats both Boylston St. (Boston) and Avenue Foch (Paris). But you gotta ding the organizers for a few grave mistakes that you have to be puzzled they can make in such a big event. First, what is the deal with the chip voucher and deposit system? That is just lame. Are the beer vendors pushing for this so all runners will be carrying 25 euros as they exit the finish area? Another thing is the chaotic start. You have to start walking to the start at least 45 mins before the gun if you wanna make it into your corral. And the corrals are not separated, so even if you start close to the front (block C in my case) the first few miles are like Bay to Breakers with scores of slow people to dodge. It should be embarrassing to the Germans that even Paris has better organization. But I'll finish on a positive note. This was a wonderful day where I managed to smash my PR by more than 15 mins. 2:42 and a guaranteed entry into NYC. Thank you Berlin, and what a wonderful welcoming city it is in general. Well worth a long visit, with or without the marathon.
A. G. from The Hague, Netherlands (10/1/2004) "Flat and fast" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Ran for the first time in 2004. Weather perfect for a marathon (cool drizzle), and a course perfect for a PB, even though I didn't make that achievement. Judging by congestion at the expo and the start, felt like either far too many runners or inadequate organization. However, once set off, the roads were all very wide and more than able to cope with the numbers. Good drinks and food stations every 3km or so. Overall, the scenic qualities of the course are average at best. Good to run through the Brandenburg gates at 42km, but nothing else of note. Occasional bands and lots of spectators. Finish well manned. Great medal, drinks and food. Lots of massage tables with short queue times. Quick get away to very adequate public transport. Overall, summary is a frustrating pre-race experience (due to congestion), a fast and runner-friendly course and an efficient finish. Worth doing it, if nothing else to check-off another of the major global marathons.
Charles Teng from Singapore (10/1/2004) "Marathon for PBs!!!" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Berlin Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Despite the bad weather (starting temp was 9C) and slight rain, the marathon was wonderful. The course was held over flat asphalt road and passed many landmark in Berlin. The spectators came out in force to support the runners despite the weather. Despite having so many runners (36000), the start was not cramped and there were plenty of roads for everyone. However, I would prefer all aid stations at 2.5km interval, serving Gatorade rather than 5km. It became a bit confusing as I can't remember which station is giving out water and/or Gatorade. After crossing the finishing line, it seem like a funeral procession as runners walked slowly along and grab some food & drinks. There should be music playing as it was at Brandenburger Gate. It was quite anticlimactic. The organizer should consider giving out thermal blanket like those in NYC & Chigago. Instead, we were giving large plastic sheets, which hardly can keep me warm. The deposit trucks worked great. So did the certificate counter, they worked swiftly. The expo is quite far from the start point so for those thinking of getting all your meals (i.e. via pasta voucher) there, you may want to consider twice. Also you can buy them (and any event-related stuff) there rather than when filling up the entry form online. This might save you some money in case you change your mind. All in all, this is a great marathon and it helped me to a PB.

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