Berlin Marathon - Race Reviews

I have been a big fan of quality German products. BMW Berlin Marathon made me wonder the quality of German products. Like this event, BMW is poorly produced as well? I have run 46 different marathons prior running Berlin marathon. This is the first time I have rated a event organizer less than 3 rating. I have observed the following in Berlin marathon. 1. The expo has a chaotic environment. I have waited more than one hour in the lines simply to get the bib. And, no, your family members are not allowed to be with you while you were waiting in lines. 2. You have to wear an if-removed-you-cannot-put-it-back wrist band from the time you are identified as a Berlin Marathon runner at the expo to the time you have finished the marathon. 3. No T-shirt for runners. You have to buy the "official" T-shirt with a minimum of 30 Euro a piece. 4. Anyone can buy a 2019 Finisher T-shirt before the event started - Don't you think this is unethical? 5. This course has many all of sudden narrowing down sections. The narrowed course sections were okay for the crowd size for professional runners, not appropriate for the size of the regular runners. At those sections, you have to slow down if you don't like to step on others. 6. The head shot of their ex-boss on the 2019 medal is not appropriate, or, is it a joke? 7. In the finish area, the announcer told the runners to return their timing chip to the staff at the exit gate. I was turned away from a gate staff. I had to return the chip to the staff at some certain exit gate. Why not use the widely used timing stripes? 8. The given away ponchos, as an option of not check in bag, are made with single use disposable material. Those ponchos did not provide runners meaningful protection from the cold rain in 2019 event. If you expect the quality of Poncho you have in New York Marathon, you will be disappointed. The size of 46,000+ runners is too large to the capability of the organizer, and to the course, as the organizers arranged so. Some positive experience: Even if it rained heavily in 2019 event, many spectators were still along the way to cheer the runners. It was touching to see the bands play under the rain. The volunteers were very helpful. The free bus ride with bib number during the running day was very helpful. The warm tea supplied in a couple of the water stations were pleasant surprise. We ran the course where the world record is set. Berlin is a great city with rich history. I enjoyed my visit there.

I have done 28 marathons and this is the first time I have commented. Berlin is a great city and a this is great race destination. The marathon was surprisingly poorly organized for a lot of reasons The corrals were a mess, and tough to get into, portable bathrooms lined the entrance to corrals which means runners lining up across the path making jostling a requirement to get to the corral on time. The water station handing out plastic cups was ridiculous as many have written. Additionally many of the runners mentioned water was being taken from open bins which were also being used for sponges. The volunteers and crowds were wonderful. CHIPS on the foot remains a pain the task of pulling them off after a race is never a great experience. The course was great but crowded, PBs could be tough if you get jammed up along the route. The expo had a great atmosphere we got there just after opening the first day, it is at an old airport, I am told by others runners that closer to the race day the expo was a "gong show". Just an observation but I did not feel the runners spirit at this marathon, people pushing and shoving at the expo, on the course several people pushing and shoving to get by, I heard this from other runners as well. Merchandise was overpriced I got the jacket for 80 euros which should sell for $40. Anyways the race is one of the big 6 and Berlin is a great city, and with world records who wouldn't want to go. I have run other big races and I am sure these shortfalls could be easily fixed.

This was my 3rd grand tour race. The course is excellent, roads are in great condition and very wide. The finish through Brandenburger gate is spectacular, just keep in mind you still have about 2 tenths of a mile to go to finish! The expo was very large, plenty of international races to learn about. Getting to the expo and race is very easy using the U subway, which is free on race day. Plenty of fan support and water stops on the race . They did offer a reusable cup, but it was not practical to use in race conditions as you have to stop and go to a water spigot to use it and it takes too long. As far as small issues, one, the water was in plastic cups. Second the other fluid really had a bad taste for me, like beet juice. Also, no t-shirt, unless you buy it. They did give you a nice poster that has a spot for your bib. I did this race with my wife and we finished together, never felt rushed to beat a cut off time. We loved the whole event and would highly recommend it!

Let me preface this with a special note for American runners. If you run Berlin, you need to understand that this race is in Europe, and there will be some significant differences from races held in the US. If you go in knowing what to expect, then you will have a great day. Do your research! This was my 26th marathon, and 3rd world major. The Berlin marathon is a fantastic race. I will list my likes and dislikes, but keep in mind, my overall rating for this event is high. Likes 1. Packet pickup and Expo. The expo was located at Station Berlin, which is a historic building, so don't expect the expo to take place in one giant room. It is all connected, but spread out over 4 rooms. The vendors were many and varied, and the bib pickup process was simple and quick. 2. The course. Amazing. I prefer courses with no long straight aways and one with more turns. This course was ideal in that regard. The views along the course are fantastic, the history, significant and unmistakable. There was a triple width striped blue line along the course that indicated the shortest possible distance (tangent), and that was a great help. I followed it as much as possible. I have never seen this in a race before, and believe it was there due to the world record attempt. My gps distance was still 26.4, but that was expected and budgeted for. 3. Spectators. I don't remember many sections that were void of spectators, and there were many bands along the course. 4. The finish. Running under the historic Brandenberg gate was a personal lifetime running highlight for me. The finish medal was typically understated as with other world majors, but the ribbon was the German Flag. Nice touch. Dislikes. 1. The bib was too big, too degradable. It was a wet day and I had to re-pin mine at about mile 23 while in full stride. 2. Plastic cups for hydration. I don't get this one. They break and crack, with each squeeze. They are loud as runners stomp them into the ground. 3. Corrals. You are seeded by past marathon times, not by your goal time (understandable), but it is harder to hit your goal if you are in a slower corral due to the enormous volume of runners. I was fine, but some friends were not. 4. Champion Chip timing. It's 2017. Time to move on from these, get bib timing. They are not terrible, just outdated and costly if you forget to return it. This is prob close to 1000 words, so I will finish by saying.. do this race, but know what you are getting. You will absolutely love it.

Just a few thoughts on this prestigious major: - Packet p/u at the expo is super easy and fast, however the building that hosted the Expo is quite old and it was a bit chaotic AFTER the initial packet p/u. - You have to wear a bracelet that is attached at the Expo, until the end of the race. This will identify you as a participant. Not a bad security check I suppose, and it eliminates sharing of bibs. - Bib is HUGE, but typical of European races. Also made up of a more simple substrate than U.S. bibs. Saw many bibs on the ground during the race as the material of the bib is very weak. - They still use the Champion Chip that's tied to your laces. - Believe it or not, they use plastic cups, which become quite the obstacle when there are so many on the ground (and the noise). - Many hotels are near the start/finish of the race; however it takes a bit more time than you think as you have to navigate around a large security area. - Although you don't see a large police presence, the race itself feels very safe. - The width of the course is rather inconsistent, and sometimes becomes quite narrow. - The course is a good tour of Berlin, however there are many turns (but no sharp ones). - Tremendous feel of history, particular near the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. - For the most part well organized - however inconsistent aid stations, both in what is offered from one to the next, but also the side of the road that it will be on. - I don't recall the electrolyte drink, but it's nothing like Gatorade. Didn't taste all that good, but did the trick. - Crowd support is pretty good. It was a dreary day - hard to judge what it would have been like with nicer weather. - Has that big/important race feel to it. - Good communication throughout the process, and good website. - Great finishers jacket and t-shirt, both of which must be purchased for an additional fee. - There is a poncho option, but the purpose is defeated as you have to walk just as far to get the poncho as if you had a bag drop off. - Pretty limited post-race bag of food, but you can get a non-alcoholic Erdinger Beer, which actually tastes real good. - Very flat yes, but consider that there are many people to get around. Seems like most of my comments are negative, but overall it was a great experience to run this race in Berlin.

Great race! The runner gear is very good at this race compared to Chicago and New York. This past year the event and finisher shirts had a unique design. I'm a big fan of having cool gear to run in after I have run such a long way. If you want to run a fast marathon then this is the race. All the recent world records have been broken here. The best part about this race is you do not have to get up super early and hang out for hours before the start. I have stayed at a hotel that is within easy walking distance to the start and finish areas. It's a great time of year to be in Germany in the Fall.

The course is flat for sure. However, don't expect you can always run your PR. It is because of the traffic jam in the course. The starting area has 6 road lanes. Many sections of the course has 2 road lanes. Imagine how crowded it is in those areas. You have no room to pass other runners. Too many turns too. Many water stations have no volunteers to hand out drinks. You have to get it from the table. Worse is many runners just stop in front of the tables to drink especially during 2nd half of the run. Momentum is lost if you need to grab a drink on the run. Chaos at water stations. No chance to enjoy the course because you have to watch out for other runners. First, you have to pay for the rental of the timing chip. If you forget to return it right after the run, 25 euro is charged to you. You will be so tired to remember to do that. No races in US do that. Old technology. You also have to buy the Finisher Shirt. Run it if you want to do Majors. Otherwise, not worth the money to fly over there.

given the size of this race the organization is incredible. Everything went smoothly from online registration, expo, race start and finish. I didn't experience any race bottle necks which is amazing considering how many people ran it. The free breakfast run on Saturday is also a must do as you finish in the 1936 Olympic stadium.

Berlin is one of the Marathons you have to run. The course is very nice, flat and quick. Weather generally fresh and dry. Organisation very good, despite the huge number of runners. Lots of spectators (even if not super loud) and music. After race party is great, I actually shooke Bekele's hand and had his autograph! :) The cons: expensive and no t-shirt, despite the high registration price. There is a ballot so it is not sure you can take part to it.

This was my 1st Berlin Marathon, but my 3rd World Marathon Major. The pre-race information, Expo and race morning logistics ran efficiently and very effectively - with one concern about corral entry (they have a single-point-of-entry to enter the road/path in the park, to the corrals, and it gets very congested when the 1 person is trying to check everyone's bib). As far as the race goes, the course is remarkable.....many many landmarks, and motivated and loud spectators the entire length of the course. And, many bands stationed throughout the event. A couple of concerns for American racers, in this event: 1. Train to the metric distances. I know it doesn't sound like a big deal - but on race day, the metric signs can play havoc with your nutrition and hydration plan. 2. Speaking of hydration - this race does NOT have an aid station at every mile....or sometimes every 2 miles. For the first half, the stations are 2.5 to 3 miles apart in some sections....as the race progresses - the stations get a bit closer together.....but, train-to-the-race-course stations....otherwise your risk hydration issues (or, simply wear a hydration belt). 3. CROWDED! I had other racers on my elbows for the entire race. But, this is a big-race and you know that when you register....just be aware that it will be crowded the entire day. I would highly recommend this race. The City of Berlin and Country of Germany are outstanding hosts.....the people of Berlin are very gracious and accommodating. And, more places to visit and places to eat - than NYC or Paris (in my opinion).

I decided to do the 2015 Berlin Marathon with a tour operator - Marathon Adventures. This was a great way to do a big city event and one of the World Marathon Majors. Marathon Adventures did a great job and I would highly recommend them over the other tour provider in the U.S. (I have also toured with them and do not recommend them at all). The event itself was awesome! The spectators are very supportive and line the entire course. The course is super fast. And finishing just past the Brandenburg gate is epic! The only downside is that they charge for a t-shirt. You would think they would follow suit with the other majors and provide a shirt with the entry. Other than that, excellent event and hope to do again!

Second time I have done this race, the first was way back in 2002. Pros: - Fast flat course. No wonder world records are set here, definitely a race to achieve a good time. - Well stocked aid stations - Great spectator support - Generally good organisation - Great weather this time of year - Friendly 9am start time - Start/finish in same central location, easily accessible via public transport - Quirky expo location at Templehoff Airport - Efficient luggage storage - Well supported event with a great vibe - Berlin is a great city to spend a few days Cons: - Crowded expo, not really enough room, too many chokepoints - Wristband that you get at the expo and have to wear until race day. Why? - Some random seeding at start - start corrals not as good as Chicago, very slow runners in front corrals - Start area and access to start corrals a little confusing, lack of signage

The BMW Berlin Marathon meets every sense of the word 'major marathon'. The organization was top notch and the course was nice and flat. The weather also cooperated and led to an overall great experience for all involved. The only negative I can think of is the use of plastic cups at the water stops. Dodging a million slippery plastic cups on the floor is not ideal, however, I survived so not a huge deal. I also wish shirts were included, but that is just nitpicking. Overall, I recommend this race to all!

Don't like when I am forced to fight thru giant expos to get my bib. If I can take care of the essentials with no fuss I am a lot more relaxed about spending time and money with the vendors. Getting to the corrals is either easy or hard depending on which side of the park your hotel or transportation station is located. Started race in the last corral of wave 1 and passed people continuously from start to finish. Not a problem except where the course gets tight and you are stuck behind a pack of people with fictitious seed times or some guy with 30 gels on his belt walking on the racing line. Good number of water stops. Did not have a problem slipping on plastic cups. Lots of fan support and excellent music. Course not absolutely flat but there are no hills. Layout allows family and friends with modest walking capabilities to see their runner more than just the start and finish. City is well capable of handling events of this size. Food and other activities for all interests. Perfect weather.

Race day organization was excellent, easy to leave in bags and room on either side of corals to warm up. great course loads of great things to see and the crowd never thin out and are so supportive. The expo for me was way too big with very narrow walk ways, which meant I missed many stands. Nobody really wants to do that much walking a day or two before a marathon.

2015 race: you hear flat when people say Berlin, the course is not hilly but not table-top flat like Chicago. The course wheels thru Berlin centered on the Brandenburg gate. the course is crowded despite the corral starts. not so crowded that it bottlenecks but you do have many instances when you have to weave around other runners. weather was perfect Pros Good crowd support, plenty of water stops, music along the course, expo was nice. 9:00 start time works well Cons Stupid wrist band for access to the start area - nobody else does this, why here? Pre-order finisher shirt? why - just include it in the price. Plastic cups - at the water stops, creates a slip/slide wonderland - use paper. Port-a-lets - not enough, but plenty of trees at the start. Start area - confusing, not enough info people to ask questions, hard to find your gear check tents. Directions to start corrals and access to start chute was pretty random.

This was my first international race and I think races here in the US have me spoiled. There are lots of good things about this race, but it also lacked in some areas. The good: The course is fast and the weather was good in 2014. Slightly warm towards the finish, but nothing too terrible. The crowds are good and it was fun to see racers from so many countries. There are also a lot of hotels near the start/finish, so logistics on race morning are pretty easy. Getting to the expo via cab or public transportation is pretty easy, just go on Thursday if you can. We went on Thursday and were able to get our bibs pretty quickly, but you could see the setup for the long lines that were to come. There's lots of free beer at the finish, but it's alcohol free. Might be a little bit of a bummer to some. The finisher's area is in front of the Reichstag, which is a cool area to lay around for a bit. Ok, now the bad: You have to pay for a participant shirt, finisher shirt, and to rent your chip. You also have to make sure to return your chip once you are done. The return stations for chips in the finisher area weren't marked well, so I wandered around for a while looking for one. There also aren't a ton of restrooms at the start, so I found myself going in the trees before getting into my corral. The water stops are also a mess. They are only lined up on one side of the street and are not very long. There also isn't one at every mile like other World Majors, so if you miss a stop you're hosed. The stops also weren't adequately manned a lot of times so I found myself grabbing water off the table vs. having it handed to me. Also, like others said Europeans will push and shove at water stops, so be ready to throw an elbow or two. I'll agree with others that the Erdinger sign was poorly placed. I knew we had to run through the Brandenburg gate to finish, but if you didn't know that it would look like the finish line. The bracelet was also very annoying and mine was pretty beat up by the time Sunday rolled around. Overall I enjoyed the race and set a new PR here. The course is not as flat as advertised, so do some slight hill training as there are some rolling portions of the course. The upside to this is that the slight hills are pretty forgiving and provide some variation on the course.

I'll start by saying that I made my BQ time in this race. That, combined with Berlin being my first non-US race make me thrilled that I ran it. In addition, the weather was great albeit somewhat warm for a marathon), the international vibe was fun, and the landmarks and abundant free beer at the finish were fabulous. Both the massage at the expo and after the race were lovely (although the lines after the race were long and there were a lot of people cutting!). However, I'll echo others by saying that there are things that could be improved: The expo was a challenge, both in terms of getting there and then wandering forever to wait in a long line to pick up my number. A woman handing out the pre-paid t-shirt was quite nasty to me (and to others in a similar boat) when I tried to exchange my small for an x-small (I swear you couldn't select the x-small online, but either way....). I did get a different person to exchange it at least. The baggage check area at the race was a mess. None of the volunteers seemed to know where to go for a particular number and men and women are separated (so my fiancé and I had baggage check as far away from each other as you could get, despite having the same proof of time figure). On the bright side (depending on your perspective), no one had any qualms about going to the bathroom out in the open, so losing time to porto potty lines wasnt an issue. There are a lot of bottlenecks on the course. Particularly if you are aiming for a faster time than the time you used for proof for the corralling, you are going to do a LOT of swerving around people. Anyone with a Garmin knows they ran WAY more than 26.2 miles. There are also a lot of turns and its hard to run toward the inside in the crowds. Despite the flatness of the course, I dont think its that fast if youre a non-elite who has more room to run. I echo the comments on the water stations being a total mess. Large plastic cups were used and no one threw them to the side or swept them, so each station was a slip-and-slide hazard. Theres a reason paper cups are used in every other race. Also, I run with a bottle of water, but there were a lot fewer water stations than in, for example, NYC (although I get that Americans have a water obsession). I also echo the issue on the strange false finishes. I thought the crowds were decent and enthusiastic, but compared with NYC and Chicago, they are a lot sparser and the course itself is pretty unscenic for the majority (the finish is fantastic though and the start in the park is also great). My bib was branded with an F. For Female. Really. It was also yellow, to further differentiate me from the men. While I appreciated that the female baggage check was closer to the start line than the mens baggage, it was pretty odd. The race seemed to skew more male than any other marathon Ive been in (and Berlin was my 7th). That doesnt bother me, but it was noticeable.

I agree with almost every comment made before mine. However, I should mention that in the US marathons, marks are only in miles(well, every 5 K are in KM). I also highly disagree that this is better than Chicago; I was there in 2013 and I have the sensation that in Berlín people are by far less commited with their marathon than in Chicago (not to mention Boston). You do not see adds in the streets or in the subway stations. Fans are not as great as in Boston or Chicago. Water supply during the marathon was a mess, as they were only on one side of the course, and Europeans push you, and do not care about the other runners while taking water. Start corrals are not respected at all, as I saw runners that were late climbing the fence without any problem, despite they were not assigned to my start corral. I also saw people crossing streets during the race without taking care of (or mind about)the runners. Berlin is a very nice city, but course do not take advantage of that; I think they could make it much nicer, although maybe that will not be as fast as the current. Seems to me that the only purpose is to have a WR, and the amateur runners do not matter as in US majors. Yellow plastic cover at the start was very good. I did not understand the paper wristband I got at the expo on Thursday to make sure it was me the one that was at the starting line. In a marathon, you compete with yourself. Seems to me that Roberto Madrazo was not the only one that had not followed the rules, and, as it (not following the rules) is very common in Berlin. I got the impression that many runners there had not behaved as a marathon runner; otherwise, why should we need to wear a wristband for 3 days before the start?. At the end, I would not give it a 'major' grade, and would not do it again.

Good points: it is flat and fast. The course is very easy on the knees and legs. I finished with a nice time despite not as much training as previous marathons. However, it's actually a little bland as big city courses go. Tons of people throughout (the crowd support was really wonderful; it's the highlight of the race) but lots of the city is just residential neighborhoods, not a ton to see. The 'false finishes' at the end were a little annoying. There was a huge advertisement about a half mile away that looked like the finish and then I thought the Gate itself was the finish. Not a huge deal, but it would be really annoying if you were a beginnner and thought you were done But, I felt the best that I've ever felt at the end of the race thanks to the good racing course and great weather. Thing that was really annoying was the expo and after the finish. The number pickup was too far into the expo (took forever to walk through the whole thing). Also, you had to wear this annoying bracelet that they made you put on at the number pickup until the race. So I picked up my number on Thursday and couldn't take the stupid bracelet off until after that. Also, apparently there was a finisher's t-shirt but there was no indication in the packets, expo, or even at the finish that it was there. I went out to the 'Family Reunion' area and apparently there was no finisher's t-shirts there. Pretty annoying. And finally, the water stations were a little congested. At a number of spots there was only water on one side (tea on the other) and it was too short a space to get to without needing to slow down. So it was a nice race. But I've run better big city ones and this was at the bottom end of them.

Fast, flat, shady course. Great crowd support. Huge expo. Only complaint is that it was hard to find the post-race refreshments.

Go to the Expo on FRIDAY. Saturday is a zoo! Get a finisher's shirt before you leave the finish area! I wish someone had told us there was a finishers' shirt! For a 'major', there sure weren't many people along the route. Even by the 3km mark it was nearly empty. Course is fantastic. Tree lined or building shaded most of the way.

This was my eight marathon and I have to say it was the best organised one I have ran. The course is really fast and there's a lot of spectators all over the course. The finish on Unter den Linden and through Brandenburger Tor is spectacular!

Boring route. Nothing to see. False finish line about 250m short - they put a big 'Erdinger' beer advertising arch over the course. Why? Many amateur runners made a sprint finish to find they had not actually got to the end. They still had to run through the Brandenburg Gate and into the park. Really cruel. The finish line is very difficult to see as there are many corners in the last mile. This is all good if you are an experienced runner, but the size of the field here (in the 40000+ right?) will have many amateurs, and is very slow unless you are right at the front of your group. Don't pretend you'll get a PB on this course, it is many bends and narrow turns where you will get bogged down and pushed off the shortest route. Distance markers are only in KM. Would not do this course again.

The course is great and the crowd superb. I have run all my marathons in different cities and I believe the course is great. The roads are in a good condition almost everywhere and there are no boring parts. It's of course flat, fast and no bridges or anything else uphill in the end. The crowd is superb, even better than Chicago. Big crowd, I've found only a bigger crowd in Tokyo. The organisation was ok. Expo was great however on saturday afternoon there is a skate marathon and they close the city. Difficult to get to the expo and impossible to get to the hotels downtown. And I was not prepared while arriving Saturday afternoon. I expected at least an email to warn everybody. It took me 1 hour to get to the start corral from my hotel. After the finish it took me 15 minutes and I could barely walk. Entrances were on one side only. Everything else was ok. I am not sure if all the waterstops as designed on the map were there but I only remember one waterpost on both sides on the road. I saw people that went down at these waterstops. Medal is very nice. After race drinks and foods also. And the people are amazing friendly.

What I 1st Marathon race. Wanted it to be Berlin, cause of the status, close to home and the reputation. Everything was really good also the expo and the Iphone App before the race and for the spectators to follow. However, with all the great things to see in Berlin - the course was disapointing. Yes Brandenburg Torr was amnazing to run under - butt, what about Checkpoint Charlie or the Church. The course could have been better.

The course was great with the best supporting crowd and music bands. No dead corner. Easy transportation, I guess from anywhere in the city, just follow the Runners that flocking to the Hbf/Brandenburg Gate in the morning. The hot tea was a nice treat since it was a windy/cold run. Sufficient drink,apple and banana to fuel you up even if you were slow. This was really sweet!!The warm up session at the starting block was quite amusing to follow. The music played at the starting block was great. It really helped to boost my spirit. Especially the one that started the race that had the strong drum beat. Anybody knows the name of it please tell me! I ran my PR. Berlin is a nice city and I would definitely do this race again in the future.

I have run Berlin four times, but perhaps the last time. The course is excellent, fast and flat. However, the race is becoming too crowded, even despite Berlin's wide roads. I am running at 3:15 pace so I can imagine it's even worse behind. The water stations are problematic as they are only on one side of the road, forcing a crush of runners weaving off to one side; every other large major marathon puts water stations on both sides of the road.

Positives: Beatiful city & great course. Negatives: 1.Too many runners. 2. Too few water stations & only on one side of the course. 3. Not enough toilets along the course. Runners were urinating on side of course. 4. Expo was a complete disaster. Poor organization. 5. No water or goody bags at the finish line. My goal is to run all the major marathons & I have run Boston, Chicago & Berlin. In my experience Boston is the BEST in all aspects. I wouldn't run the Berlin marathon again.

Thank you Berlin Marathon for a great event. I thoroughly enjoyed myself running this marathon. The logistics were so easy which was amazing considering 40,000+ runners. I was in corral H where there were friendly people and never more than 4 people in line for the portajohns. I had fun trying to run directly on the blue line. Lots of aid stations with cheerful volunteers who addressed me by name. Flat, fast course which got slower around 27km with all the people starting to slow and walk. This is definitely a male-dominated race so I was happy to see a separate packet pickup area for women. What I was disappointed in was the selection of official race clothing for women. Very little and not very attractive. I had hoped to buy a jacket but the purple/pink hoodie seemed poor quality. The mens jackets were green and quite nice but even XS was too large.Interesting that the colours of the official clothing line did not follow a colour theme such as German colours, blue line by Adidas, anything to unite. All in all, a great day and I am happy to have had the chance to run in such an interesting city.

All of the negatives that I read were correct. The Expo was a nightmare, standing on concrete for 2 hours for number pick up. There was no line control and people were cutting to the front often. The start was disappointing. I was truthful about my time and found myself in a block with some first time marathoners. All first time runners were supposed to be in the last block. Race officials did not verify times so whatever time you submit is what block you are put in. It was cold at the start and I was surprised how many runners dropped their plastic cover ups on the ground as they left the starting block. (most likely the first time runners) I saw 2 people fall within the first 100 meters of the race. Crowds were great and water stations are plenty. However as the comments suggest very dangerous. The plastic cups are very slippery and you have no choice but to walk through all the stations. Again surprised that the runners would throw their cups in the middle of the road instead of to the side. I am glad I ran this race but would not say you can get a personal best unless you put yourself in the first few blocks. I was in the 3:45 block and spent the entire race passing other runners and walkers. Beautiful city would recommend but I wouldnt do it twice.

Due to lack of porter-potties. Don't get me wrong, it was a great race, nice course and I did a new PR even though it was crowded throughout the whole race (finished 3:54:47) Good spectators, especially at the Wild Boar Square, enough water stations, but I really think the plastic cups are a hazard, I had to run very careful not to slip and fall at those stations and I found it disgusting that there were not enough porter potties, especially at the start area but also throughout the race. I waited 50 minutes to get 'my' porter-potty at the start area and I swear this one never saw any toilet paper (no paper rests on the ground or empty rolls). No disinfection either. There were with few exceptions just women in line, !00s of men were urinating in the park. They even had little prohibition signs all over the park to not to urinate in the park, but everyone did. They really should triple the amount of porter potties in the start area but also throughout the case. I did send a complaint letter to the organizer and to the state health government and especially the government are examining the 'porter-potty situation'.

I ran Berlin because of its place as a World Marathon Major, and it did not disappoint. The event is world class - second only to Boston in my experience. The atmosphere is electric and the city is a blast. My only real complaint would be the course is so crowded. 35,000+ runners, and I felt like every one of them was running next to me! Also, what's with the hot tea at the water stops?

Having not ran Berlin since 1996,I was now running on a new route to 1996 and this is my 5th time in the Berlin marathon (also ran the Berlin 25km event before). I really enjoyed it and the organisation was the best. I have ran over 20 marathons around the world and coming back to Berlin was just awesome! No record for me this time but I would like to come back again and run another Berlin marathon someday.

This was my second marathon, the first having been NY last year. Even though NY had more runners, Berlin felt much more crowded, perhaps due to the narrower streets. Organisers need to cut back on number of runners by at least 20%. Having to constantly watch out for runners around me, I actually didn't get to see much of the course at all! A shame really since it was my first time in he city and a bit of sightseeing around the course would have been nice!

It's no wonder that world records have been achieved on Berlin's course. It's wide, flat and smooth. The course is scenic, particularly the first and last miles. But there is room for improvement: 1) The lack of porta-potties along the course was shameful. They need to triple the amount. Bring handi-wipes with you! 2) The plastic cups at the water stops were a real hazard. I am not sure how they could call this a 'green' race. 3) Discontinue giving female runners a separate bib pickup & gear check area. For groups/couples, it just doubled the time for picking up the bib & checking gear. The Berliners were more spectators than fans, so don't expect alot of cheering except at the end. There were alot of empty stretches and the cheering was so-so. Still, the people of Berlin were very welcoming to the runners on the race weekend. And do not miss the breakfast run from Charlottenburg Palace to the Olympic Stadium. The opportunity to run on the Olympic track was truly special. That was absolutely the funnest running event I've been to.

I've run 20 marathons, including Boston, Chicago, and New York. In my opinion, Berlin is the best. Superb organization: easy to get to the start by public transportation; easy bag drop-off zone; easy access to corrals. No long waiting times before the race. Great flat course through historic Berlin with runners from all over the world. Great crowd support throughout the whole race. Well positioned water stations with fruit, water and drinks. Awesome finish area with a lot of volunteers. In summary a 5 star race. I recommend it to everyone that is looking for a PR, and to enjoy a great running experience.