After running numerous marathons in North America, I decided to look into other places where I could both travel and run. When I heard about the World Majors, I knew completing those specific 6 marathons would be my next challenge.

The Berlin Marathon is at the end of September. We were fortunate to have great weather the entire time we were there (sunny and 17 degrees).

Lodging:

• My goal was to find a moderately priced hotel without carpets (seems more hygienic), with a buffet breakfast (more for my boyfriend then myself), and free WiFi (in the rooms and not just the lobby).
• We ended up in Alexanderplatz. It was 3km from the start and finish of the race, but close to transit and seemed (on paper) like it was in the middle of things.
• After visiting Berlin, I think I would have liked to have been closer to some areas with shops and organic restaurants.
• On the flip side, we were there during Octoberfest and got to walk through a Biergarten every time we went to/from the public transit (some might see this as a pro…I did not)

Race Expo:

• The expo was huge and there were fun things for kids of all ages to try (from bungee swings for the younger kids to test driving BMW’s for the older kids).
• To collect our bib numbers, we had to walk through the entire expo first. This was not ideal for me as I would have been more apt to look around once I completed the registration process.
• After collecting our registration package, we were directed to a line to get race shirts. While there was no line for the registration package, there was a huge line for the shirts. While in the line, I watched people contemplate over the style and size of shirt. I wasn’t used to there being any choice (beyond what you sign up for when you register) and I was getting very frustrated. At this point, I realized that people were paying for their shirts (that’s right, no free T’s at this race to put at the bottom of your running clothes drawer). I got out of line and checked out the Adidas booth (the official clothing sponsors of the race) and bought something there. The clothes were a little different, but at least I didn’t have to wait in line.
• As for the rest of the booths, I didn’t find anything new or interesting like I usually do.

Race Day:

• The area for the runners was extremely large. The places to drop off your bag were clearly marked, there was grass to stretch, and a ton of port-a-potties.
• I followed the runners until the pack stopped and I couldn’t walk any further. With 10 min before the race was scheduled to start, I realized that with my estimated pace, I should be in corral F, but I was stopped at corral H. I started making my way to the side to see if I could get out of the corral and back in at the right spot. The other runners were not happy with my trying to move around in the packed space and often wouldn’t make room to let me pass. I gave up and realized too late that there was room just outside of the corrals to both move up and go to the washroom. Each corral had an entrance spot on the side with someone stationed to make sure you are walking into the right section.
• In the end, I had to dodge a lot of people (and a lot of elbows) to be able to run with people around the same pace as me.
• The route was very flat and for the most part had very wide roads. There was a lot of water, Powerade, and fruit throughout the run.
• I have never seen so many medical cots along the route with runners getting massaged. I can only imagine that with this course, the runners are really trying to push themselves.
• My only issue was at the end. All I wanted was a bottle of water when I finished the race and it took a while before we were herded towards the refreshments. The beer quickly followed (I passed on that, but others certainly seemed to enjoy it).
• The directions to the family meeting area stopped before I really knew where I was going. Luckily I saw the letters for the family meeting area and started heading towards them. I was still in the runners area and there was a fence between me and the family meeting area. I was so stiff and so sore, the fence was not a pleasant site. I finally found the exit where a woman reminded me to give her my timing chip. In past races, volunteers have been lined up to remove the chip for you. This was not the case in Berlin. I bent over (slowly, carefully, and with the feeling that I might fall over and not get back up) to remove the timing chip from my shoe. Fortunately, I put it right at the top of my laces and didn’t have to spend as much time playing with my shoe as the guy beside me. When I gave the woman my chip she said, “thank you”. If I had said, “your welcome”, it would not have sounded sincere.

End result:

• Enjoyable route
• friendly city that was pleasant to explore
• For the most part, very well organized
• Now I am ready for the next World Major.