Berlin Marathon 2025 – Race Report
Berlin Marathon 2025 was my third race in the German capital, but also the most demanding. Although I was in the best shape of my life, the weather conditions brutally challenged my expectations. Below I share my experience – from Friday’s arrival to Sunday’s finish, with reflections on what went well and what could have gone differently.
Friday: Arrival, Tracksmith, and EXPO
I arrived in Berlin on Friday afternoon by train. After a quick hotel check-in, I headed to my favorite running store – Tracksmith. There I picked up the Hare A.C. member kit, which always gives me a sense of belonging to a larger community. The atmosphere in the store was as friendly as ever.
Next, I went to the EXPO, which this year took place at a new venue – Messe Berlin, replacing the old Tempelhof Airport location. Although Messe is a bit farther away, getting there wasn’t difficult. The EXPO impressed me less than in 2023 and 2024. It lacked the same charm, and the booth arrangement didn’t make browsing easy. Still, I quickly collected my race packs for both the Generali 5K and the marathon, and made some purchases: Sporcks socks, a Maurten race nutrition kit, and the official marathon shirt.
Pre-race Time: Pizza, Pasta, and Recovery
For Friday’s dinner, I chose my tried-and-true Neapolitan pizza spot – Nea Pizza 1889. As always, thin crust, fresh ingredients, and swift service. The next morning, I ran the Generali 5K – a planned shakeout: 4 km easy pace, last kilometer at marathon pace. The course was nice but crowded. The rest of the day was all about carb-loading and resting. I drank plenty of fluids, knowing the weather forecast was not in my favor.
Sunday: Starting in the Heat
My hotel was close to the start, so I entered the race village shortly after 8:00 a.m. I began my warm-up late, and getting into my start zone (wave 1, corral B) was difficult – it was crowded and tight. At the start time of 9:15 a.m., the temperature was already 21°C with no wind and rising humidity.
I decided to start conservatively – max pace of 4:18–4:20/km. The plan was to speed up after 5 km to 4:14/km. I held the pace until the 25 km mark, when the heat began to win. My heart rate was very high from the start – 168–169 bpm – noticeably more than in my threshold training runs for Berlin. Gradually I slowed, as my body overheated despite pouring water over my neck and head. Maurten gels were harder to swallow at this temperature, though I had no stomach issues. Water stations offered only lukewarm water. Many runners needed medical assistance that day, and the medical teams were busy throughout.
Finishing in 27 Degrees
By the finish, the temperature had climbed to 26–27°C. Despite taking in about 60 g carbs per hour and drinking water at every station, I was clearly dehydrated. Based on scientific studies, the heat cost me around 8 minutes – not counting other race factors. Positives included my second race in the Adidas Adizero Pro 4, which performed better than in London. They held my foot securely, didn’t overheat, and offered sufficient cushioning.
Post-race Reflections
This was my third Berlin Marathon, and ironically, my slowest time – 03:08 – despite being in peak form. Still, I gained invaluable experience, a beautiful medal, and the reminder that even perfect preparation doesn’t guarantee success in extreme conditions. The heat demanded flexibility in pacing and mindset.
I have no regrets about racing. Berlin is always more than just a result – it’s about meeting other runners, the amazing atmosphere on the course, the cheering crowds, and the music that stays with you long after. Even though I was far from a SUB3 finish, I know I gave it everything I had.
Also worth reading:
If you’re planning to run the Berlin Marathon 2025 or want to prepare better financially, check out my other post: Costs of participating in the Berlin Marathon 2025. You’ll find detailed info about race entry fees, accommodation, food, and extra expenses worth including in your budget. This guide will help you avoid surprises and plan your trip smartly.
