Berlin Marathon

Berlin Marathon: The Fastest in the World

The exact date of the first Berlin Marathon remains somewhat unclear. In fact, two editions could be considered as marking its inception.

The first one took place on October 13, 1974, on the outskirts of Berlin in Grünwald, where 286 people stood at the starting line. This was the first marathon ever organized in Germany. Although this inaugural event was successful, the future seemed uncertain. The organizer at the time, Horst Milde, knew he had to bring the race into central Berlin. The challenge? At that time, Berlin was divided into two parts, with France, Great Britain, and the United States controlling the western section. But it was on September 27, 1981, seven years after the marathon first appeared on German soil, that the event was finally held in the heart of Berlin, both in the east and west!

Year after year, this marathon has grown at an impressive pace. Today, it hosts no fewer than 40,000 participants! It rightfully earns its spot on the World Marathon Majors calendar! It is the largest annual event, just behind the New York Marathon. The European king owes its success not to chance, but to two standout factors. Firstly, the striking aesthetics of the 42 km course. The route includes notable landmarks, especially around the Reichstag, a neo-classical palace known for its impressive architecture. There are also classic spots that tourists love, such as Alexanderplatz, a prominent square in the Mitte district, one of the most famous and busiest areas of the German capital. The Siegessäule also stands proudly along the course, impressive for both its beauty and its historical significance (Victory Column).

But the Berlin Marathon is also, and perhaps more importantly, known as one of the fastest marathons in the world! Its relatively flat terrain has hosted 9 world records up to 2022. That year, Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge set the fastest time ever recorded in the Grey City, clocking in at 2:01:09. In 2019, the last five records were all set at the Berlin Marathon.