Competing as an elite athlete in the Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon is a true highlight in the running calendar, attracting thousands of participants from across the globe every year. Berlin is one of the famous Marathon Majors and is also considered the fastest marathon course in the world. Several world records have already been set here, and many athletes use the race as an opportunity to chase new personal bests. The combination of a flat route, typically ideal autumn weather, and an atmosphere like no other makes the marathon through Germany’s capital an unforgettable experience.

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A Course for Sightseeing & Records

The Berlin Marathon is a relatively straight circuit that starts and finishes on 'Straße des 17. Juni' near the Brandenburg Gate. Along the way, runners pass other Berlin landmarks, including the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral and the Victory Column.

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Photo Credits: Eddson Lens on pexels.com

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Berlin shines with fast times like no other marathon. With only about 73 metres of elevation gain, the course is a paradise for world records. The last women's record was set in 2024 by Tigst Assefa (ETH) with an incredible time of 2:11:53. In the men's category, Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) broke the record in 2023 with a phenomenal time of 2:01:09. A total of 13 world records have been set since the first Berlin Marathon in 1947.

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Running with the Elites

In 2025, our running ambassador David Gärtlein took part in the Berlin Marathon, lining up directly in the elite field.

We were curious and wanted to know how it feels to stand side by side with world-class runners at the starting line.

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How does the invitation process for the Berlin Marathon elite field work, and how were you able to qualify?

At my level, it works like this: There is a contact person for the elite field. You apply, and if you meet the criteria and the field is not yet full, you get a starting place. The faster you are, the better your chances are. I qualified with my time from 2024.

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How does the elite field differ from a ‘regular’ marathon start, and what is it like to line up right at the front alongside world-class runners?

On the one hand, you don't notice the large number of participants, as you get your race numbers at the Elite Hotel and enter the starting area from the other side, because there is a tent for all elite participants right next to the start. We also have our own tables for our own catering, which ensures that we are well looked after during the race. The feeling is indescribable, a mixture of everything: excitement, pride, gratitude. It was a long road to get there.

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During the race, did you follow the pacemakers’ pace or did you choose to run your own strategy?

At the technical meeting on Saturday, the times that the pacers will be running will be announced. You can use these as a guide, but ideally you should just run with them, because there is no one else in between, so to speak.

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Did you start in Berlin with a clear target time or a personal best in mind, and how satisfied were you with your result?

I definitely started the race with ambitions to achieve my best time and a goal in mind, but you have to change that when the conditions are not what you hoped for. That was the case in yesterday's race. Nevertheless, my coach and I tried to stick to the original plan and run with the 2:18 group for as long as possible, but unfortunately the pace slowed down after the half marathon and the group got smaller and smaller, until I decided at 28 km to run my own race and push ahead. I am very satisfied. I was able to run my best time in difficult conditions, finishing 4th among German runners and 30th overall. Fortunately, I coped well, even though I suffered a lot at the end and the high temperatures took a lot out of us.

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What does running in the elite field mean for the rest of your season and your long-term goals?

Berlin was very spontaneous. I only registered 3.5 weeks beforehand because I was in very good shape; it was my shortest marathon preparation to date. The original plan was to run the Valencia Half Marathon in October and the Valencia Marathon in December. I will definitely run the half marathon, but the marathon is not yet certain. Of course, I would like to show what I can do on a good day in good conditions. The goal would be a 2:17:xx, and Valencia is the perfect place for that. Well, we'll see.

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Beyond times and placements: what did the Berlin Marathon mean to you personally? Were there any moments that will stay with you in particular?

There was a lot going on in the city and along the route, and the atmosphere was fantastic. I always enjoy meeting my trainer in Berlin, but I also like chatting with others and soaking up the atmosphere.

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Are you inspired to stand at the starting line yourself and break records at the next Berlin Marathon?

The next race will take place on 27 September 2026. What are you waiting for?

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