Abbott World Marathon Majors—Berlin (1 of 6 in a series)

Since 2006, Abbott Corporation has sponsored a marathon series competition named World Marathon Majors.  There are 6 marathons worldwide that have passed the requirements specified by Abbott to become a World Marathon Major.  These marathons are (in alphabetical order): Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, and Tokyo. 

Elite athletes compete by running several of the six marathons within a year, and earning points toward the World Marathon Major competition based on individual marathon finishing results.

Amateur runners can also strive to complete the World Marathon Majors within a lifetime, as a significant marathon running accomplishment.  Runners can track their progress toward this goal on the Abbott World Marathon Majors site by claiming major marathon results on-line.  Upon completion of the sixth of six world major marathons, finishers get a very nice Six Star medal and certificate, and are officially added to the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Finishers listing.  Currently there are just over 6,000 runners worldwide who have completed all six world marathon majors. 

Below are some highlights and facts about the Berlin world marathon major.

Race Name:  BMW Berlin Marathon

Race Date (general): mid-to-late September

Race Info:   BMW Berlin Marathon  website

Number of Race Participants: approximately 45,000-47,000

Race Distance: 26.2 miles or just over 42 kilometers

General Race Course Description:  very flat course beginning and ending near same location, running around center of Berlin

Race Entry Options:  lottery, charity, tour groups…approximately 40-60% of lottery entrants get into the race

Race Swag:  see picture of Berlin medal above

Items of interest:  The 2018 Berlin Marathon was the race where Eliud Kipchoge set the current official marathon men’s world record in a time of 2:01:39.

There are many interesting historical sites to see around Berlin.  Also the race is usually run close to the time of Oktoberfest, a wonderful German culture celebration best experienced in nearby Munich, Germany. 

Here is a link listing ideas for the best things to do in and around Berlin.

Happy Running!