A good race report from Dave Morton on last weekends Berlin Marathon.
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The Berlin Marathon is renowned for being one of the fastest marathons in the world, with the world record having been beaten there several times, including this year - the 45th edition. It is also one of the Abbott Marathon Majors, a 6 race compilation of some of the most prestigious and famous marathons in the world - Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York, although I feel this is more to do with sponsorship and the associated companies? Having now done Berlin and being continually involved in the London ballot process, the possibility of completing all 6 moves ever closer... you never know!
My preparation was good, but as always it could have been better, more miles I think. Time always seems to slip away as race day approaches. Race day was bright and airy although we were expecting the temperature to rise and it did, into the low 20's I believe. The transport system in Berlin is excellent, and runners get free transport on race day, so getting there is a breeze. The signage at the event could be better, but you manage to find your way in, the toilet and drop bag. There were a couple of routes to the start depending on your expected finish time, and was a nice enough start pen with music and big screens to see the elite starts.
Edging forward, and finally you're off! I changed my mind last minute and instead of cruising along at 8:45 pace for a 3:45 finish, I cruised at 8:00 for a 3:30, thinking I'd see how far I could go before it dropped off. About half-way is the answer. :-/ Things started to drag after that, and the run-walks came in the low 20's with Mr Cramp striking (as usual) at 24. 3:30 slipped to 3:45 which then, in the blink of an eye, became just over 4... again... ocht well.
As for the route, it really is excellent. Very flat (although Paris is flatter) with great crowds all the way round. The route winds through the city here and there and that would be my only negative point - it was a bit 'samey'... 3/4/5 storey buildings 90% of the way. But... that makes for great crowds and there was LOADS of music, lost count of the amount of bands playing out on the route. Water/aid stations are frequent and well placed. Few iconic locations and I would have enjoyed the Brandenburg Gate and the finish if I wasn't annoyed with my time.
Overall - thoroughly recommend! 9/10 (although in hindsight I preferred Paris, still my #1).
A few other Harriers did Berlin, apologies if I missed anyone:
John Hynd - 3:40:47
Dave Morton - 4:02:07
Jane MacLeod - 5:53:33 (assisting another runner)
Mags Doyle - 6:21:09 ... See MoreSee Less
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