At the end of September, the Berlin Marathon will take place in the German capital for the 50th time. sport.de provides an overview of the most important information about the most legendary run in Germany.
When does the race take place?
The 50th BMW Berlin Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024. The first starting signal, including for the professional runners, will sound at 9:15 a.m. The start takes place in four waves, which are divided into several starting blocks. The time limit is 6:15 hours. The handbikers and wheelchair participants start a little earlier.
Where can he be seen?
The Berlin Marathon will be shown LIVE on free TV. The TV broadcaster RTL has secured exclusive rights to the running event for the next three years. The run could be seen on ntv from the RTL channel family as early as 2010. In addition to the live broadcast, various RTL Group broadcasters are planning to accompany the anniversary event in 2024 with extensive pre- and post-reporting.
How is the route?
The start is on Straße des 17. Juni in the heart of Berlin. The starters then run through many parts of Berlin. Via Moabit it goes through Mitte, Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Schöneberg, Wilmersdorf, Steglitz before the route turns back towards Tiergarten. Shortly behind the Brandenburg Gate you will find your desired destination after 42.195 kilometers.
Which world records were set in Berlin?
Some! So far, 13 official world records have been set as part of the Berlin Marathon. Last year, Tigist Assefa shattered the old women’s record with 2:11:53 hours. The most recent men’s world record, set in Berlin, comes from running icon Eliud Kipchoge, who ran 2:01:09 hours in 2022. The two times are logically also the course records of the Berlin Marathon.
How many starters are there?
After the lottery process, around 50,000 runners are registered for the Berlin Marathon. Last year, a good 43,000 runners crossed the finish line. For comparison: in the first edition in 1974 there were 244.
Was it still possible to register?
The regular registration process, which is determined by lottery, has already been completed. However, it is possible to book a place through tour operators and through charity. At United Charity, Europe’s largest charity auction portal, interested runners can secure the last starting places for the anniversary edition of Germany’s largest marathon. Initially, 150 places can be purchased directly for 750 euros and then a further 50 of the coveted starting numbers will be auctioned off via the platform with a starting bid of 750 euros. Once again, 100 percent of the proceeds from the RTL donation marathon go to children in need in Berlin.
Which stars are expected in Berlin?
That cannot be predicted at this early stage. As a rule, many top German runners register for the most prominent German run. Last year these included the fastest German runner Amanal Petros and high-starters Hendrik Pfeiffer and Samuel Fitwi. Many international running stars also regularly do the honors. Like Eliud Kipchoge, who has already competed in Berlin five times and is a crowd favorite.
Why is the run so special?
The Berlin Marathon is one of the six major marathons in the world, alongside London, Tokyo, Chicago, Boston and New York, making it one of the most prestigious running competitions ever. In addition, the course is extremely flat and therefore ideal for breaking personal records or even world records. On no other route has the world record been broken so often. Berlin has the justified reputation of being the “fastest route in the world”. In addition, there is always an extremely good atmosphere in the heart of Berlin; as a runner, at virtually no point in the race are you without support. And last but not least: the weather has often cooperated in the past and provided the best running conditions. This means: not too warm, but dry and not too cold either. The best running temperature is 12 to 14 degrees.
How did the Berlin Marathon come about?
A group of runners from the Sport-Club Charlottenburg, which is one of the renowned German athletics clubs, organized the first BERLIN MARATHON in 1974. In 1981 the race was moved from Grunewald to the city center of West Berlin. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, a new era began. On September 30, 1990, three days before reunification, the marathon route led through the Brandenburg Gate and both parts of Berlin
Who is “Bottle Claus”?
A legend. And an icon of volunteerism. As a water enricher who precedes Eliud Kipchoge on his bicycle, he achieved worldwide fame and the nickname “Bottle Claus”.
The man’s actual name is Claus-Henning Schulke and in his professional life he is responsible for construction projects. At Kipchoge’s explicit request, he took care of the supplies at the Berlin Marathon and picked him up from the airport. The spectators particularly like his emotional and cheerful nature. You almost get the feeling that he is even more happy about the bottle handover than the runner himself.