This yr, the tempo automobile for the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon was none apart from the all-new, all-electric BMW iX3 Neue Klasse. BMW has been the lead sponsor of the aptly named BMW Berlin Marathon since 2011. For 2025, greater than 55,000 runners from 160 international locations took half. BMW’s title and autos have been seen all through the occasion. Yours really was not solely reporting on the marathon for BMWBLOG, but in addition operating within the full marathon.
A Fleet of BMW Assist Autos
No fewer than 65 BMW autos have been in use over the weekend, together with about fifteen BMW motorbikes. The star of the present, nevertheless, was the all-new BMW iX3. It served because the official tempo car for the skilled runners who accomplished the course in simply over two hours. I had an opportunity to see the iX3 tempo automobile up shut and seen it carried a manufacturing unit BMW roof rack with the LED pacing signal mounted to the roof gutters. It regarded extra just like the setup you’d see on a 3 Sequence than the clamp-on fashion used with X3 roof rails.
Runners started their marathon weekend on the Marathon Expo, held on the Messe Heart, about 45 minutes from the beginning line. A fast trip on the U-Bahn—Berlin’s subway—obtained us there. Proper on the entrance, BMW had a robust presence, with an iX2, i5, and i4 on show. Regardless of 55,000 runners needing ID checks, bib assignments, and wristbands, the method was impressively clean.
The Marathon Expo Expertise
An e-mail weeks earlier beneficial reserving an appointment for bib pickup. The expo ran Thursday by Saturday, with a separate lane for walk-ins, however the appointment line was fast and environment friendly. The athlete wristband was surprisingly attention-grabbing: about one centimeter vast, comprised of sturdy but slick cloth, reduce to measurement, and heat-sealed. Within the days main as much as the race, these distinct BMW Berlin Marathon wristbands made it straightforward to identify fellow runners round our resort.
Beginning on the Brandenburg Gate
The beginning and end of the marathon have been set towards the long-lasting Brandenburg Gate. The course is known for being flat and quick. At primarily sea stage—115 toes (35 meters)—it’s the other of operating someplace like Colorado Springs. Course guides promise minimal elevation change, they usually’re not kidding. Throughout the 26.2 miles (42.2 km), the online achieve is simply 241 toes (73 meters). After operating it, I couldn’t inform you the place any of that elevation achieve even was—it’s that refined.
I’m a temperature-sensitive runner, and sadly for me, 2025 introduced record-breaking warmth. Temperatures have been 15°C above the seasonal common, at 27°C (81°F) as a substitute of the standard 12°C (mid-50s °F). Organizers warned us repeatedly in regards to the dangers, and each water cease was well-stocked with water, sports activities drink, and volunteers prepared with pitchers to refill bottles. The volunteers deserve enormous credit score—they saved 55,000 runners hydrated. For these questioning, sure, there have been additionally loads of transportable restrooms stationed alongside the route.
My Race Day Journey
As for my race, I began in wave 3, about an hour after the professionals and quickest amateurs. In warmth like this, earlier is all the time higher, so ready round Berlin’s Tiergarten for my 10:10 a.m. begin wasn’t supreme. However as soon as I used to be within the chute, optimism took over.
As we edged towards the beginning line, I heard dozens of languages round me, music blasting, and even flames taking pictures off the highest of the beginning gate. It was spectacular—I want I’d filmed it. Crossing underneath that gate with hundreds of different runners, music pumping, you’re feeling mild as air. Inside minutes, we break up across the Siegessäule Victory Column, surged out of the Tiergarten, and we have been on our method.
Crossing the End Line
I had aimed for a 4-hour end however reminded myself to run the race in entrance of me, not the one I deliberate. The primary 10K was slower than anticipated, however I instructed myself it was high quality—higher that than burning out. By mile 11 (18 km), I used to be shocked to already see runners getting medical assistance on the sidelines. I attempted choosing up the tempo, but it surely solely lasted 5K earlier than I needed to begin strolling breaks. At first, I restricted them to water stations, however quickly they got here extra usually. Nonetheless, someway, I managed to select myself up and run once more between breaks.
The spectators have been unimaginable. Berlin’s streets have been lined with folks, many calling out names from our bibs. My private favourite cheer got here from a gaggle of Brits who noticed me and shouted, “Go King Charles!”
The BMW Berlin Marathon really appears like a city-wide celebration. Regardless of the huge crowd, the whole lot flowed easily. It’s laborious to not be impressed once you notice 55,000 individuals are operating beside you, but all of it works.
My marathon private file is 3:45. I’m not a quick runner, however this yr my aim was easy: end. And I did, crossing the road in 4:36. At first, I used to be disenchanted to not be nearer to my aim, however now that I’ve had time to replicate, I’m proud of the end result. Everybody on the market was actually racing themselves, testing their limits in robust circumstances.
Would I run Berlin once more? Proper now, my legs are too sore to even contemplate it. However ask me once more in a couple of weeks—I simply may say sure.
