It was colorful in Berlin on September 29! More than 58,000 runners from over 161 countries filled the marathon course for the 50th anniversary of the BMW Berlin Marathon. Around 85,000 people took part in sporting activities and we from BLACKROLL® were on the course as the official recovery partner. A colorful and radiant atmosphere, fat running shoes with XXL soles and lots and lots of emotions! You were so wonderful Berlin!
It all started on Friday with the 6 km Community Run through Berlin with our running partner Christina Hering, who also led the final roll-out session.
On Saturday, BLACKROLL® was also able to support numerous runners with regenerative tools as a strong recovery partner at a co-op party with ON Runnnig in the P61 gallery. At the EXPO, we from BLACKROLL® had our own stand in the exhibition hall where we were able to provide visitors with advice and support and test our products together.
Whether with motivational messages, supportive shouts or cramp-relieving hands - together we pushed ourselves to peak performance!
Speaking of top performances: Tigist Ketema practically celebrated a start-to-finish victory. The Ethiopian middle distance runner crossed the finish line in a breathtaking 2:16:42 hours, the third fastest time ever run by a woman in Berlin. In the men's race, Milkesa Mengesha sprinted to the finish line well before the Brandenburg Gate. The man from Ethiopia set a personal best of 2:03:17 hours.
In our BLACKROLL® Recovery Area in the finish area, we were able to catch numerous athletes in the AIR LOUNGER and ensure maximum recovery with our blankets. Tired legs were refreshed with the COMPRESSION BOOTS and targeted muscle relaxation was provided by the FASCIA GUN.
These and many other recovery tools were able to support the participants in their regeneration.
Among the runners was our employee Daniel, who set the tone with his motto “Everything is possible!”.
Read the following interview to find out how he personally experienced the marathon:
Daniel, you are already an experienced marathon runner and have also completed ultra trails. How did you experience the BMW Berlin Marathon 2024?
This marathon is more than a hobby - it's a global movement. People travel from all over the world, including Mexico, Japan, the USA, Australia and India, to compete in Berlin. The level of athleticism is enormous, when the group of runners I was in arrived at KM5, the elite had already crossed the finish line.
There was everything: from the favorite top runners to the winners of the very first Berlin Marathon to handicapped athletes. But there were also participants in costume - I saw Spartans in loincloths with spears and lances or a man carrying a tree trunk. Unbelievable.
How did you experience the atmosphere around the event?
The atmosphere was amazing - on and off the course, we athletes were cheered on loudly from everywhere along the 42 km route. The fans barbecued on grass verges, gathered on balconies or in front of pubs. Every few meters, a different band, drum combo or DJ set up. I have never received so many high fives during a run. The course was one big party!
How did you feel during the race?
I had goose bumps for more than five hours straight, my body was constantly electrified.From KM21 onwards, I was able to manage my physical pain well and fight my way mentally from KM to KM to the BLACKROLL® Cheering Zone (KM35) at the Memorial Church and the finish line.
What is your personal learning from this year's Berlin Marathon?
I realized once again that running a marathon is not easy. Even if you've dragged yourself to the finish line, it's not over yet.
Especially after the race, it is very important to keep yourself energized. To regenerate extensively.
I was very happy and glad when I was still lying in the COMPRESSION BOOTS with completely destroyed legs, wrapped in a recovery blanket and enjoying the Berlin evening sun. After that, the stairs to the subway were my final opponent (laughs).
Thank you, Daniel, for your very personal Berlin Marathon story!
Your tired but grateful faces have filled us and we say thank you to all sports enthusiasts!
The great interest in the BMW Berlin Marathon reflects the current trend of constantly growing running clubs and the running community. Sport and regeneration go hand in hand.
Your strong partner BLACKROLL® supports you daily with our recovery tools.