I Ran the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon Behind BMW’s iX3

This yr, the tempo automotive for the 2025 BMW Berlin Marathon was none apart from the all-new, all-electric BMW iX3 Neue Klasse. BMW has been the lead sponsor of the aptly named BMW Berlin Marathon since 2011. For 2025, greater than 55,000 runners from 160 international locations took half. BMW’s title and automobiles had been seen all through the occasion. Yours actually was not solely reporting on the marathon for BMWBLOG, but additionally working within the full marathon.

A Fleet of BMW Assist Autos

No fewer than 65 BMW automobiles had been in use over the weekend, together with about fifteen BMW motorbikes. The star of the present, nonetheless, was the all-new BMW iX3. It served because the official tempo car for the skilled runners who accomplished the course in simply over two hours. I had an opportunity to see the iX3 pace car up shut and seen it carried a manufacturing unit BMW roof rack with the LED pacing signal mounted to the roof gutters. It seemed extra just like the setup you’d see on a 3 Sequence than the clamp-on fashion used with X3 roof rails.

Runners started their marathon weekend on the Marathon Expo, held on the Messe Middle, about 45 minutes from the beginning line. A fast trip on the U-Bahn—Berlin’s subway—received us there. Proper on the entrance, BMW had a robust presence, with an iX2, i5, and i4 on show. Regardless of 55,000 runners needing ID checks, bib assignments, and wristbands, the method was impressively clean.

The Marathon Expo Expertise

An e mail weeks earlier beneficial reserving an appointment for bib pickup. The expo ran Thursday by way of Saturday, with a separate lane for walk-ins, however the appointment line was fast and environment friendly. The athlete wristband was surprisingly fascinating: about one centimeter huge, produced from sturdy but slick material, minimize to dimension, and heat-sealed. Within the days main as much as the race, these distinct BMW Berlin Marathon wristbands made it straightforward to identify fellow runners round our lodge.

Beginning on the Brandenburg Gate

The beginning and end of the marathon had been set towards the long-lasting Brandenburg Gate. The course is legendary for being flat and quick. At primarily sea stage—115 toes (35 meters)—it’s the alternative of working someplace like Colorado Springs. Course guides promise minimal elevation change, and so they’re not kidding. Throughout the 26.2 miles (42.2 km), the web achieve is just 241 toes (73 meters). After working it, I couldn’t let you know the place any of that elevation achieve even was—it’s that delicate.

I’m a temperature-sensitive runner, and sadly for me, 2025 introduced record-breaking warmth. Temperatures had been 15°C above the seasonal common, at 27°C (81°F) as an alternative of the standard 12°C (mid-50s °F). Organizers warned us repeatedly concerning the dangers, and each water cease was well-stocked with water, sports activities drink, and volunteers prepared with pitchers to refill bottles. The volunteers deserve large credit score—they saved 55,000 runners hydrated. For these questioning, sure, there have been additionally loads of transportable restrooms stationed alongside the route.

My Race Day Journey

As for my race, I began in wave 3, about an hour after the professionals and quickest amateurs. In warmth like this, earlier is all the time higher, so ready round Berlin’s Tiergarten for my 10:10 a.m. begin wasn’t ideally suited. However as soon as I used to be within the chute, optimism took over.

As we edged towards the beginning line, I heard dozens of languages round me, music blasting, and even flames taking pictures off the highest of the beginning gate. It was spectacular—I want I’d filmed it. Crossing beneath that gate with hundreds of different runners, music pumping, you’re feeling gentle as air. Inside minutes, we break up across the Siegessäule Victory Column, surged out of the Tiergarten, and we had been on our approach.

Crossing the End Line

I had aimed for a 4-hour end however reminded myself to run the race in entrance of me, not the one I deliberate. The primary 10K was slower than anticipated, however I informed myself it was nice—higher that than burning out. By mile 11 (18 km), I used to be shocked to already see runners getting medical assistance on the sidelines. I attempted choosing up the tempo, however it solely lasted 5K earlier than I needed to begin strolling breaks. At first, I restricted them to water stations, however quickly they got here extra typically. Nonetheless, someway, I managed to select myself up and run once more between breaks.

The spectators had been unbelievable. Berlin’s streets had been lined with individuals, many calling out names from our bibs. My private favourite cheer got here from a bunch of Brits who noticed me and shouted, “Go King Charles!”

The BMW Berlin Marathon actually appears like a city-wide celebration. Regardless of the huge crowd, all the things flowed easily. It’s onerous to not be impressed whenever you notice 55,000 individuals are working beside you, but all of it works.

My marathon private file is 3:45. I’m not a quick runner, however this yr my aim was easy: end. And I did, crossing the road in 4:36. At first, I used to be dissatisfied to not be nearer to my aim, however now that I’ve had time to replicate, I’m proud of the consequence. Everybody on the market was actually racing themselves, testing their limits in robust situations.

Would I run Berlin once more? Proper now, my legs are too sore to even take into account it. However ask me once more in just a few weeks—I simply may say sure.