Berlin Calling
There are so many reasons for picking Berlin as your 2023 marathon experience...
On 30 September 1990, three days before German reunification, 25,000 people ran through Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, many with tears streaming down their face. This wasn’t a political statement though; it was the finish line of Berlin Marathon. The race was being held for the first time since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and in doing so announced itself as one of the world’s most exciting running events.
“The story of Berlin Marathon is a story of the development of road running,” say its organisers. From modest beginnings in 1974, with 286 runners, Berlin Marathon now regularly attracts over 40,000 participants. The course passes many historic landmarks such as the Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz, Berliner Dom and the iconic Brandenburg Gate. With numerous marathon world records being set in the German capital since 1998, the race’s PB potential is obvious.
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge smashed the world record at this year's staging in a phenomenal time of 2:01:09 chopping 30 seconds off his previous best time on the course (2018). 2022 was also the year for amazing times in the women's race with Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia obliterating the course record by almost three minutes in 2:15:37.
2023's race is scheduled for 24 September, and with that autumn date comes ideal weather conditions for running. The course is also run on asphalt versus concrete - so it really couldn't be more perfect for emulating these record breaking times!
Starting and finishing in the famous Tiergarten, runners head past the magnificent Angel of Peace statue before continuing past the Reichstag and Berliner Dom. The field begins to spread out as participants pass the fountain at Strausberger Platz. The crowds continue to pick up, as does the noise, and it’s all supplemented with more than 60 bands lining the route. The course is one big sightseeing loop which includes the finish just yards after running through the Brandenburg Gate.
Signing up for Berlin Marathon does seem to offer runners the full package, from PB potential to a fantastic sightseeing tour of one of Europe's most popular cities. By heading over with a company such as Marathon Tours & Travel you can be sure that logistics are taken care of, meaning you can focus on running your best time, ticking off the sights, enjoying your share of German sausages and of course partaking in a beer (or two). Last but not least, you can rest assured with guaranteed entry.
Reviews from runners who have travelled to Berlin with Marathon Tours before speak for themselves:
“Marathon Tours & Travel made everything easy at my first international marathon, especially considering the COVID challenges. I have participated in many local marathons on my own, but I think I would have had a difficult time in Berlin on my own. Thanks!”
“I’m writing to say 'thank you' for absolutely everything you did to make Berlin amazing… over the past two years I cannot imagine the stress and gazillion emails you’ve responded to and you always answered each one of mine (and I ask a lot of questions!) so timely and with patience and above all, information! I’m appreciative! You helped calm a lot of nerves heading into this trip and I’m grateful to have MTT in my life!”
If you'd like to know more about Marathon Tours & Travel's packages to Berlin in 2023 then you can do so on their website here.
