Berlin Marathon 2010 - Race Report
28/09/2010
Persistent rain, cold temperatures and thick cloud failed to dampen spirits at this year’s Berlin Marathon. We headed out with a small team of runners who were looking forward to taking part in one of the 5 World Marathon Majors on what is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest marathon courses.
World record holder and winner of the last 3 stagings of the race Haile Gabriesellese from Ethiopia was absent this year, but Patrick Makau and Geoffrey Mutai were leading the Kenyan challenge on the race and the world record. Makau eventually took a thrilling victory by just 2 seconds from compatriot Mutai with a time of 2:05:08. Ethiopian Aberu Kebede took the women’s race with a time of 2:23:58. Both victors posted fantastic times in the worst weather conditions for 20 years at the Berlin Marathon.
It was inspiring to watch runners of such a phenomenal level compete at the most challenging the standard running distances. The form, technique and pace were something to behold from the first to the last kilometre.
I’ve been injured since the Paris Marathon earlier in the year and therefore despite an entry had to settle for spectating this time. The sheer size of the expo took my mind off of my reluctant visit to the expo where there was envy at the buzz of anticipation being felt by the other visitors. However, I enjoyed my experience on the other side of barrier and enjoyed studying the differences between a 5 minute marathon runner and a 10 minute marathoner in my search to improve my own running as I continue my rehab.
It was fantastic to see runners from so many countries represented, including big contingents from the UK, Spain, Italy and Denmark as well as German runners amongst the field of 42,000. A number of British Charities, including the MS Society, McMillan, CYR and the British Heart Foundation were well represented as were a number of running clubs, notably London’s Serpentine.
Our congratulations go to Kate Taylor who achieved her goal of running under 4 hours, aided by sister Sarona to clock 3:57:08.
There was a great atmosphere throughout the race and throughout the City with runners proudly supporting their medals and stiffed legged walks around the Brandenburg Gates and other landmarks of this historic city through Sunday and Monday.
The whole weekend was superbly organised and I’m looking forward to being on the otherside of the fence for the event next year. With cheap flights from the UK, plentiful accommodation within an historic city, we would highly recommend the 2011 Berlin Marathon.
Visit the Berlin Marathon website
Berlin Marathon 2010 - Race Report
28/09/2010
Persistent rain, cold temperatures and thick cloud failed to dampen spirits at this year’s Berlin Marathon. We headed out with a small team of runners who were looking forward to taking part in one of the 5 World Marathon Majors on what is widely regarded as one of the world’s fastest marathon courses.
World record holder and winner of the last 3 stagings of the race Haile Gabriesellese from Ethiopia was absent this year, but Patrick Makau and Geoffrey Mutai were leading the Kenyan challenge on the race and the world record. Makau eventually took a thrilling victory by just 2 seconds from compatriot Mutai with a time of 2:05:08. Ethiopian Aberu Kebede took the women’s race with a time of 2:23:58. Both victors posted fantastic times in the worst weather conditions for 20 years at the Berlin Marathon.
It was inspiring to watch runners of such a phenomenal level compete at the most challenging the standard running distances. The form, technique and pace were something to behold from the first to the last kilometre.
I’ve been injured since the Paris Marathon earlier in the year and therefore despite an entry had to settle for spectating this time. The sheer size of the expo took my mind off of my reluctant visit to the expo where there was envy at the buzz of anticipation being felt by the other visitors. However, I enjoyed my experience on the other side of barrier and enjoyed studying the differences between a 5 minute marathon runner and a 10 minute marathoner in my search to improve my own running as I continue my rehab.
It was fantastic to see runners from so many countries represented, including big contingents from the UK, Spain, Italy and Denmark as well as German runners amongst the field of 42,000. A number of British Charities, including the MS Society, McMillan, CYR and the British Heart Foundation were well represented as were a number of running clubs, notably London’s Serpentine.
Our congratulations go to Kate Taylor who achieved her goal of running under 4 hours, aided by sister Sarona to clock 3:57:08.
There was a great atmosphere throughout the race and throughout the City with runners proudly supporting their medals and stiffed legged walks around the Brandenburg Gates and other landmarks of this historic city through Sunday and Monday.
The whole weekend was superbly organised and I’m looking forward to being on the otherside of the fence for the event next year. With cheap flights from the UK, plentiful accommodation within an historic city, we would highly recommend the 2011 Berlin Marathon.
Visit the Berlin Marathon website