What a big thing. What a debut. What a spectacle. I am so happy that it all went so well. Thank you everyone for every kind of support. Even since years. It all has helped a lot. And turned this crazy race into a big personal highlight. Especially for this year. 2026 marks the 10th year of being an athlete (it was quite the opposite before that). What a great anniversary. 🥳
For years, I didn’t think I could do it, to run a Marathon. Running 42.195 km in one. Really? But many friends told me I could. Well, it’s just a different kind of endurance – running instead of riding a road bike all day. All the trainings have paid off, including a lot of runs in the Kenyan highlands, especially in Iten – Home of Champions. That gives you a boost. So many memories re-appeared during the race. That was incredibly nice and pushing. 💪💪
The day has started quite early at 5.45 am (race starts at 9.05 am). Outside it was fresh and slightly cold, even for me. 😉 Until the start I had to wear a jacket. Our team chat became active and I was super happy that my Kenyan gal (Sharon) could support me from there all the time. 🥰 And Mathias, a good friend has supported me on the track (more on that later). 🙏
I was excited to do something very new. I have prepared myself for weeks and months and was confident to manage. Although it might be tough.
No point of return. Entered the area, looking back to the Reichstag
However at some point I dropped off my stuff including my phone and was alone – and yet not alone. So many other runners around me. This crazy run we do have in common. The tournament has started 30 minutes earlier than last year to accommodate the runners’ wish for an earlier finish – prompted by the heat last year. It turned out to be a good decision. 👍
Until km 25 everything was easy. Until that time my friend and personal supporter along the track, Mathias, handed me 2 times a refreshment bottle not available publicly. One bottle each at km 11 and km 22. In total I had three personal drinks of 0,5 litres, each for one meeting point at km 11 (water + magnesium) and km 22 + 33 (water + aminos). In case that anything goes wrong with drinking for any reason, amino pills would do it then. We left nothing to chance. Not today. 🤓
Everything went well and Mathias also managed to get Sharon on the phone so that we could talk with each other briefly for two times (km 22 and 33). At least we could say hi, could tell that I am good and sending kisses to Kenya. And got a huge motivation from her. The sweetest support one could get. 🥳Greetings and virtual kisses from the country of running champions. Yeah. 😍
At around km 28-31 it got a bit difficult. It was expected, but I wasn’t down at all. My longest run until then was 33.33 km, just recently did this. I knew and remembered how I did this and also I’ve remembered my feelings at that time. I felt that I can add another 9 km. So I will do it. I just decided to reduce the pace. Up until then I was a bit faster than planned, but it all went well. There were so many other runners and several times I had to overtake properly and without bothering others. This might’ve caused the higher pace. Also, I should have eaten some more in advance. Just a few bananas before and during the event is far too little. The thing is, I am not the person to eat a lot so early. 🤷♂️
It was loud, it was like a public festival all along the track. A countless number of handshakes, even with adults. I have spotted a whole lot of bands and other performers, they were really pushing. Except the downtempo jazz. 🤪 They say there were around 70 bands, playing during the entire event. 🎺🥁 🎸 Plus countless speaker boxes with music. Amazing! 🎉
Luckily my personal “weak moment” was short before the third meeting point at km 33, where I could stop for a moment, receive my third refreshment bottle. And I could briefly talk to my Kenyan girlfriend again. 😘
Before km 33 it was even needed to take some water at the public spots. It just got warmer and warmer. Already from km 11 to 16 I could anticipate this because I unexpectedly finished my entire water bottle within 4-5 km (taken at km 11). Later I was very happy about some light wind at Potsdamer Platz and Potsdamer Straße. By that time I have done 37 km and “just” 5 km left. But it got tough – just as expected. 😜🤣
No matter how it turns out today, this will be my longest run ever. With a large and growing crowd along the track it was relatively easy to proceed as the spectators constantly cheered all the runners. That’s so amazing, how they celebrated us. For another two times I had to stop briefly to stretch and to avoid cramps. It wasn’t serious about cramps but I could feel body reactions – and a few km before the finish line I did not want to take any risk. Same at km 41. Just a short moment to gather the last energy for the last mile. It was a complete new experience. And the first half was relatively easy for everyone.
There were more and more spectators and supporters cheering at us. It got louder and louder each mile we got closer to the finish line. I knew this from the past years as a spectator and supporter (handing bottles to friends who were running). But to be on the track this time, that’s just incredibly amazing.
And then there was this magic moment to see the Brandenburg Gate. This iconic and imposing structure is so remarkable and has a long and very moving history. There could not be any better place to finish this run. Impossible to finish the run here before the wall came down in 1989.
And now it is about time to add another memory. Not only me. But more than 50.000 personal memories – for each runner. To see the Brandenburg Gate. To shake hands with random spectators, to be cheered on, getting closer and closer with the very last bit of energy at this time, to run towards the gate… These moments are so hard to describe. And still it wasn’t done yet.
The finish line was on the other side of the Brandenburg Gate. Exactly at this place the Berlin wall has divided not only Berlin and Germany but also millions of people. To just go through is something that we just enjoy or notice briefly. But to finish a marathon by going through here – that is super special.
And then, “just” another 200 meters or so. I don’t know how I managed this last part. At least on a blue carpet. I believe shaking hands with so many people while running slowly towards the finish line did the trick. And with the help of the spectators I could really push myself. Please, no drama. 😁
The finish line seemed to be close and yet far away. But I crossed it. Finally. Could not imagine to run any further meter. Walking – yes. With some small tears of happiness I walked around to receive my medal – that is so deserved. I was so happy to get this done. It took some moments to realise – and to celebrate silently. Don’t know if I would’ve had the power to scream or to wave my hands in the air. I just had the demand to remain and to celebrate silently. To not waste any remaining energy was something that I had in mind.
For sure I wore the “right” shirt for today. This Kenyan soccer shirt is my favourite running shirt since a while. 🇰🇪 Met a number of Kenyans along the track whom I could greet in Swahili and we shook our hands even more delightfully. What an extra fun. Yay. 🥰
But also, many other spectators called for me, referring explicitly to my shirt, which clearly says Kenya. 🇰🇪 Apparently there wasn’t any Kenyan around me. So, this part of the strategy has also paid off. 😁 I consider Kenya my second home since a while. What an incredible support. All the time. So amazing. 🤩
I wanted to carry lots of Kenyan spirit to Berlin. From Korando (where I often stay) and Iten – Home of Champions. Hoped it would help me well. And it did.
The biggest support however I have received from my team, being constantly there. Thank you so much honey (Sharon)! 😘
In your words, you are the best addition to my life! 😘
Thank you so much Mathias, to be there and handing me the bottles. For all the pictures and videos. For giving Sharon a lot of insights and to enable us having a quick & brief talk. For her it was as if she would be along the track.
To have her on the phone was a great idea. ☎️
In the aftermath it was a great experience. Next time I would change some smaller things. Especially some more food before the race. No run two days before the tournament. Other than that I hope to see Sharon on the course next time – in person. To get a real kiss. Before, during and after the race. 🥰
Now it’s time to rest and to review my run. In the TV I saw what else has happened on that event*, which was well organised by the way. From the arrival until my leave – everything has worked perfectly well.
A big thank you to the organisers as well as to all the volunteers. 🙏
*) For example there were two female ultra runners who managed the marathon two times (!) the night before the actual race (!!) and the actual race was their third marathon in 24 hours (!!!). So crazy.
As usual – statistic of the day:
Map of the day: Berlin Marathon 2026
Certificate of the day. The time above is the “real” netto time without any stop for drinking, refilling my bottle and short stretching breaks.
Last but not least: videos and most pictures courtesy of Mathias F.
Leave a Reply