Joe Reed shares his experience of participating in the Generali Berlin Half Marathon

The German capital is a European tourist hotspot, buzzing with history, culture and much more. It is an undeniable bucket-list destination for any keen traveller. And, what’s more, it’s home to two of the greatest running races on the planet; the world record breaking BMW Berlin Marathon and the Generali Berlin Half.

It was great to be back at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon last weekend. Joe Reed, our Sports Tours Rep, also took part in the event in 2021. Joe was delighted to be able to support our customers and to share his personal running experience of what it was like to participate in the Berlin Half Marathon. He was also able to pass on insider knowledge, hints, and tips…

The day started with a short train ride to the Berlin Central Station. Joe mentioned that the hotel was ideally situated, as it was only a short 10-minute walk to the start area, near to the Reichstag and buzzing with energy!

Just after 10am, Joe’s half marathon journey around the beautiful city of Berlin began. The atmosphere was electric and the excitement (and pre-race nerves) kicked in. The Berlin Half Marathon course is flat and circular. As the course headed West, Joe came across the first major monument of the race, the famous Victory Column, known as one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

At the 7km mark the route took the runners towards the beautiful area of Charlottenburg, known for its elegant pre-war buildings, high-end boutiques, and of course the iconic Charlottenburg Palace. Next, Joe headed towards the Kaiser Wilhelm and the zoo garden district of Berlin before passing the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, one of Berlin’s most popular tourist spots. Joe stated that Berlin’s world-famous landmarks are a pretty good distraction when you’re starting to feel the pain!

Towards the end of the route, Joe ran through the government area of Berlin, home of the many foreign embassies, the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, and the famous Brandenburg Gate.

Joe said that: “IT’S A FASCINATING FEELING RUNNING THROUGH THE ICONIC BRANDENBURG GATE ON THE HOME STRAIGHT OF THE ROUTE. THE CROWDS ARE PACKED EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THEIR THOUSANDS WHICH CREATES A BRILLIANT ATMOSPHERE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GIVE IT ONE LAST PUSH TO THE FINISH LINE. THIS REALLY IS A SPECTACULAR RUNNING EXPERIENCE AND A BRILLIANT WAY TO FINISH THE ROUTE.”

Joe has run a lot of Half Marathons, but he mentioned that Berlin Half’s finish line, situated just next to the Brandenburg gate, was arguably the most iconic finish in the world!

Joe finished by mentioning that the Berlin Half Marathon is like a sightseeing run across the city. Indeed, both the half and full marathon courses are compactly routed through the heat of the city so it’s a great way to see the many sights. If you are looking to compete in a world-class event in an iconic capital city, running in Berlin is as good as it gets!

The German capital is a European tourist hotspot, buzzing with history, culture and much more. It is an undeniable bucket-list destination for any keen traveller. And, what’s more, it’s home to two of the greatest running races on the planet; the world record breaking BMW Berlin Marathon and the Generali Berlin Half.

It was great to be back at the Generali Berlin Half Marathon last weekend. Joe Reed, our Sports Tours Rep, also took part in the event in 2021. Joe was delighted to be able to support our customers and to share his personal running experience of what it was like to participate in the Berlin Half Marathon. He was also able to pass on insider knowledge, hints, and tips…

The day started with a short train ride to the Berlin Central Station. Joe mentioned that the hotel was ideally situated, as it was only a short 10-minute walk to the start area, near to the Reichstag and buzzing with energy!

Just after 10am, Joe’s half marathon journey around the beautiful city of Berlin began. The atmosphere was electric and the excitement (and pre-race nerves) kicked in. The Berlin Half Marathon course is flat and circular. As the course headed West, Joe came across the first major monument of the race, the famous Victory Column, known as one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.

At the 7km mark the route took the runners towards the beautiful area of Charlottenburg, known for its elegant pre-war buildings, high-end boutiques, and of course the iconic Charlottenburg Palace. Next, Joe headed towards the Kaiser Wilhelm and the zoo garden district of Berlin before passing the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, one of Berlin’s most popular tourist spots. Joe stated that Berlin’s world-famous landmarks are a pretty good distraction when you’re starting to feel the pain!

Towards the end of the route, Joe ran through the government area of Berlin, home of the many foreign embassies, the Jewish Holocaust Memorial, and the famous Brandenburg Gate.

Joe said that: “IT’S A FASCINATING FEELING RUNNING THROUGH THE ICONIC BRANDENBURG GATE ON THE HOME STRAIGHT OF THE ROUTE. THE CROWDS ARE PACKED EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD IN THEIR THOUSANDS WHICH CREATES A BRILLIANT ATMOSPHERE TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GIVE IT ONE LAST PUSH TO THE FINISH LINE. THIS REALLY IS A SPECTACULAR RUNNING EXPERIENCE AND A BRILLIANT WAY TO FINISH THE ROUTE.”

Joe has run a lot of Half Marathons, but he mentioned that Berlin Half’s finish line, situated just next to the Brandenburg gate, was arguably the most iconic finish in the world!

Joe finished by mentioning that the Berlin Half Marathon is like a sightseeing run across the city. Indeed, both the half and full marathon courses are compactly routed through the heat of the city so it’s a great way to see the many sights. If you are looking to compete in a world-class event in an iconic capital city, running in Berlin is as good as it gets!