On 21 September 2025 I took part in Berlin Marathon. This was my 9th time running Berlin, 8th time as a sub 4 pacer. Berlin is one of those all round enjoyable events for me, that ticks all the boxes. It is a World Marathon Major, it is an International event, it is relatively quick to get to (I can get there and back on a weekend), and it is affordable for me. Not only is Berlin a great event, I love the city and the food.
I set off early on Saturday morning from Gatwick. The plan was to get to the expo by 12:00, but with some delays I arrived with Scott (fellow pacer) at around 13:30. This was still plenty of time to get some lunch and enjoy the expo. I don’t tend to spend much time at expos these days as I have done many. This is my 9th Berlin Marathon, but in total this was my 173rd Marathon (plus) and my 128th time as an official pacer (including 65 marathons). It was my 12th marathon of 2025, and 9th as a pacer this year. It is also my 35th World Marathon Major.
The expo has changed location this year, and is now at Messe Sud. I initially was not keen of the change, that is until I arrived. The venue is so much bigger and better for the expo, it meant it was far less congested and just much smoother. Having been to Berlin Marathon 9 times, the lay out and feel of the expo was the best I’ve ever experienced. Considering I arrived at peak time on a Saturday, it was so quick and easy to get my stuff, meet the Pace Team organisers, pick up some fuel for the race, have an erdinger and get out.
After the expo I went to check in, and this year I got really lucky. I always like to be around Alexanderplatz, but look for offers. I ended up with a suite with a sofa and 2 TV’s. Of course much more than I needed, but I got return flights and hotel room for 400, so can’t complain.
Whilst it is not ideal pre-race, I absolutely love having a stein in Germany. This is one of the benefits running a comfortable time rather than pushing for a PB, that I can be a little more relaxed. I usually like to go to Hofbrau for a pork knuckle, but they closed early because it was the first day of Octoberfest. I always eat early on the Saturday so I can enjoy my knuckle and then go back to my room, so coming back for Octoberfest is certainly not something I would recommend before a marathon.
I found a nearby location to get a fantastic pork knuckle, and had a catch up with Scott. My hotel was around the corner from the Brooks activation. They were doing free tattoos… yes free tattoos, amongst hair cuts, nails etc. Scott managed to get a tattoo, I was thinking about it, but there was not space for me unfortunately.
Finished the day in Berlin with an early night and getting my kit ready. I absolutely love running in my adidas Boston 13 walking boots, a great all rounder.
Berlin Marathon 2025
The start and finish of Berlin Marathon is in the same place, and it is so well organised. It is a later start, which I feel should be earlier. I was asked to be there 1 hour before my scheduled start of 10:10, but I like to be in the starting pen at least an hour before, so I arrived at 08:00. It is great to catch up with the other pacers before the event.
It was a warm start, throughout the day reaching 28⁰c. I made my way to the start area where I joined the 3rd wave in “G”. As always, I got my group together, to talk about the course, race strategy and answer questions, offering general reassurance. There was a great group of runners at the start with a mix of first timers and people aiming for sub 4 for the first time. Tristan joined my group for the 4th time in Berlin.
The atmosphere at the start of Berlin is not rivalled by any others, you have the entire field all lined up on one stretch, 55 thousand people in one pack, with 100’s, maybe a thousand aiming for sub 4, all looking out for the flag.
With the heat this year I paid close attention to water stops, making sure everyone took responsibility to collect water, for drinking and pouring over their head. The water was in cups, but there was plenty. It was great that the water was really cold as well, which was welcomed with the temperature.
Whilst I expected many runners to drop-off because of the heat, it was interesting that it felt busy the whole race. It was never congested, but I never had any space around me, it was busy from start to finish.
We had a fantastic run. Probably one of the best group of runners I have ever ran with. The group spirit was strong and we ran, sang, supporting each other every step of the way.
I visibly saw at least 20 people I started with finish with me. I had half a dozen come back at the end for a hug. The heat made it so difficult that the accomplishment was so rewarding for us all.
My 8th time pacing Berlin. My fastest time remains 3:59:35 and my slowest time, 3:59:52. It was such a rewarding day, and next year I will be back for my 10th to join the Jubilee Club.
I had a quick turn around with many beers drunk and a few different meals on the way to the airport.
Love Berlin, can’t wait until next year.
pickupthepacepaul 