Events

BMW Berlin Marathon

This is my third world major with Travelling Fit and as with the other two- the team once again out did themselves! Berlin Marathon 2017 hosted 44,000 runners from 120 countries.  Whilst the ...

This is my third world major with Travelling Fit and as with the other two- the team once again out did themselves!

Berlin Marathon 2017 hosted 44,000 runners from 120 countries.  Whilst the Germans are known for their efficiency, the magnitude of the event combined with voting in the German Federal Election on the same day made the event a little more chaotic than usual and not the most organised of the majors that I’ve run. I won’t take away from the amazing event that it is and I certainly would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a world major. The course is the fastest in the world and the only marathon in the modern era where seven world records have been broken.

My day started early because I didn’t sleep much. At 7.30am we took off on our 20 min walk to the start line in cold and wet conditions. The atmosphere was already abuzz and the excitement of my 3rd world major was building. Today, along with runners from all over the world I would run through a historical city and soak in the German hospitality of 1 million spectators.

When you finally wind your way through the crowds at the starting village to your block the emotion becomes overwhelming. Music is playing, languages from all over the world are spoken excitedly and it is very hard not to cry. Cry from relief that you’ve made it here uninjured, cry for the sacrifice you and your family have made and cry for the incredible experience you are about to have. So with tears in my eyes we were off, running in the rain towards the Brandenburg Gate.

After leaving Brandenburg Gate, the course loops through both the former East and West of the city and passes all the major tourist attractions.  The beautiful green historic city that Berlin is makes every twist and turn on the course spectacular. Despite the rain over 70 bands lined the way and the Berlin people braved the conditions to make us feel at home in their city.

My race was going well and I was on target and focussed. A travelling fit couple from Perth on similar time goals ran with me and kept me on pace. I was lucky enough to see my friend Jenny at the half way mark and it really lifted my spirits. Taking my fuel and drinking water at the stops, everything was going to plan.

At 29km I got a cramp up in my ribs. It took my breath away and I struggled to catch my breath again. I don’t know if it was being wet or cold or just unlucky. I was quite unwell with a long way to get home. I composed myself and thought through what I needed to do to get through. In one of the most beautiful cities in the world I could keep pushing through the acute pain or I could take it back a notch and enjoy the last 13 km. So I cut back and whilst still not feeling great I consciously made the choice to enjoy the experience. I started to dance at each band, sing along and high five the children. I Aussie Aussie Aussie oi oi oi’d and yelled out with fellow Australians and I relished the incredible experience I was having.

My watch was way out because I didn’t run the line so at 42km there was no sight of the finish. Finally as I clicked over to 42.8km I turned the last corner and there it was the beautiful Brandenburg Gate. I started to cry. With cheers and music getting louder I knew this was it. 43.12 km and I was home.

A marathon is hard. It’s unpredictable. It’s scary. They don’t get easier. Every marathon I have run takes all of my being to keep going to the finish.

As they hung the medal around my neck I thought about how I got here. 4 years ago when I started running I would never have dreamt of this moment.

I guess I can’t really end my story here. It would be remiss of me not to mention the beer at the finish line. I am in Germany after all. Also I have forgotten to thank my hero on the day. As I meandered the streets lost (as always), wet, cold and tired  I was starting to despair. Suddenly a tuk tuk comes around the bend – a dude riding a bike where I can be the passenger. I jumped in front of his bike and begged him to take me to the hotel. I didn’t have his asking price but I must have looked so deranged he accepted my 20 euro. So up and over footpaths and across roads we went and eventually I got back to the hotel alive. Thanks mate you really were my hero.

So there it is Berlin Marathon 2017. Couldn’t recommend it more. What an experience!

I can’t wait to do London with Team Travelling Fit in April. I wouldn’t do international marathons any other way!

Written By Ana Croger

Berlin Marathon Testimonials

Hello Tina, Mari-Mar and all the crew at Travelling Fit. Having just returned from the Berlin Marathon experience I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on a job really well done! The entire time in ...

Hello Tina, Mari-Mar and all the crew at Travelling Fit. Having just returned from the Berlin Marathon experience I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS on a job really well done! The entire time in Germany was made so easy and uncomplicated by your excellent planning and management. It is so good to see company members who clearly love what they do, it sends out good vibes that are infectious. I have no doubt at all that I am going to be a ‘Travelling Fit’ client for many years to come and along the way will be referring as many potential clients to your business as I can. As you well know, referrals are gold but they only come because you are doing a great job, so give yourselves a big pat on the back because you are all running a great business and deserve the success I am sure you will receive.

Thanks for making our holiday a most memorable one.
Dan Cudmore – October 2013 – Berlin Marathon

This is just a short note of thanks and appreciation for the efforts by you and your team. I’ve recovered well from Berlin and started back with some easy running!!! Racing in an unknown part of the world always brings about some mixed feelings and anxiety. However,meeting Achim and the team soon settled all that. They have to be the most professional and enthusiastic team I’ve come across by far! Talk about people who love their job! Nothing was too hard for them and they couldn’t have done enough to make us feel so welcome in Berlin. I’m certain the entire Australian team would feel the same – we all felt right at home. It’s easy to get lost in Berlin and a simple call to Achim and your back on track! The race itself was “fast” and exciting!

Thanks again for all your efforts and looking forward to the next one!!!
Wayne Spies – October 2012 – Berlin Marathon

WOW! One of the best weekends ever (2012 BMW Berlin Marathon). Achim was amazing, his level of organization, enthusiasm and support for all of us was really impressive. Julia and Marcia were also so great, they are all such positive people – most of the time I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. Apart from the marathon itself, Achim took us to a penthouse restaurant (you may have been there) afterwards where we saw the sun set and moon rise simultaneously whilst looking out over Berlin from 10 stories up. The after party – what a hoot! Again Achim positioned us so that we saw the winner walk to the stage right past us, very uplifting. I felt like I knew them all so well after only 3 days, the rest of the Aussies were also great people, only mistake – didn’t take you up on the Oktoberfest option! Lock me in for next year.

Thanks so much for all your help in making this happen – very grateful,
Geoff Couper – October 2012 – Berlin Marathon

Written By Travelling Fit Runners