BMW Berlin Marathon
Known as the fastest marathon course of the five World Marathon Majors
About the Race
When: 29th September 2013
Where: Berlin, Germany
In 1990, the Berlin Marathon hosted over 25,000 runners who for the first time ran through Brandenburg Gate and into East Berlin. Runners were crying while they stopped to kiss the ground. It was an emotional run for all. Since then, runners have continued to flock to Berlin each year to experience one of the best organised marathons in the world.
Course: The race starts at the “Kleiner Stern” on both lanes of the boulevard “Strasse des 17 Juni,” around the Tiergarten area, passing by the Reichchstag before looping through the old East Berlin and continuing through various neighborhoods, running along a section of the Kurfurstendamm, past Potsdamer Platz, along the Unter den Linden before running through the Brandenburg and finishing on the boulevard “Strasse des 17 Juni in front of the Soviet monument. The course is completely flat and fast. The men’s former world record was set there in 2008 when Haile Gebresalassie blazed to an incredible 2:03:59. In 2011, Patrick Makau set a new world record of 2:03:38! The course also produced the first sub 2:20 marathon by a woman, Naoko Takahashi, in 2001.
Vital Statistics:
- Distance – 42.195K
- Flat, fast loop course around the city
- Time limit of 6:15 hours
- Open to anyone 16 years of age and older
- Average temperatures range between 55F-70F, nice conditions for running
About the Destination
Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is a modern, vibrant, and exciting destination. Much of the city has been rebuilt and restored over the last 50 years and the result is an interesting juxtaposition of old and new architecture. The city offers plenty to see and do for both day and night. Sightseeing during the day could include historical landmarks such as the Reichstag (Parliament Building), Victory Column, Berliner Dom Cathedral, or Gendarmenmarkt, one of Berlin’s splendid plazas, or any of the city’s many museums covering history, art, culture, film, and much more. The nightlife is known to be dynamic offering dining to tempt any palate, music, dancing, and shows.
Package:
- Four nights hotel at Crowne Plaza City Centre from September 26-30th based on twin share
- Full breakfast each day
- Cocktail reception – at the Hotel Concorde
- All hotel taxes
- Half-day city sightseeing on Friday morning
- Pre-race dinner Saturday evening at the Concorde Hotel
- Private transfer to the race start
- Roundtrip Transfers to the International Breakfast Run
- Hosted by Marathon Tours & Travel staff
Price per person (based on twin share): $1229.00
*Single supplement extra $880.00 per person
*Extra nights’ accommodation available, based on twin share $215.00 per night, based on single share $400.00 per night
•All rates are per person
•Entry only is not available
•Rates may change due to currency fluctuations and city taxes.
Hotel Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre
A chic, four star property that is spacious and relaxing for your stay. The hotel is situated in the city center west, at the Kurfuerstendamm and the iconic Kaufhaus KaDeWe department store, both excellent addresses for shopping and lifestyle. This is an ideal location to explore the highlights of Berlin, within minutes of the Zoologischer Garten, the Tiergarten, and many other historic locations. You are a 10 minute walk from the Hotel Concorde Berlin where your welcome cocktail reception and pre-race pasta dinner are held.
BMW Berlin Marathon Entry:
Eligibility: All runners must be 18 years of age on race day.
Time Limit: 6 hours 15 minutes
Awards: Every finisher receives a medal.
Price per person: $240.00
Visit the official site of the BMW Berlin Marathon.
Fancy sticking round in Germany to Experience Oktoberfest? Relax for three additional nights in Munich, Germany from Sepetmber 30-October 3. Package includes:
- Airport transportation from your hotel in Berlin
- Morning flight from Berlin to Munich on Air Berlin
- Arrival transfers in Munich to your hotel
- Three nights at the Eurostars Book Hotel
- Daily Buffet Breakfast
- Entrance to the Löwenbräu Tent from 12pm-4pm including two pints and a half-roasted chicken
- All taxes and gratuities
Three night package rate:
- Double/twin: $1,499 NZD
- Single: $2,359 NZD
Day three (Wednesday, October 2) optional tour to Neuschwanstein – full day tour to castle includes experienced local guide, pick up and drop off at hotel, entrance ticket and guided tour of Von Ludwig’s castle. Tour duration: 9 hours. $99 NZD per person.
Contact us to create your personalized marathon tour at marathontours@hot.co.nz.
