The Return of the Majors: Bryan VS Berlin

The Majors are back! After what felt like a lifetime of postponements and cancellations, the Marathon Majors returned to their full- force, mass participation glory last weekend, as thousands of runners took to the streets of the German capital, for the BMW Berlin Marathon.

As ever, we, Sports Tours International were there. We made sure our clients got the most possible out of their Berlin Marathon experience. With our expertise and guidance, the only thing they were left to worry about was the run.

It was great to get back to what we do best. And, we’re happy to report, the trip was a great success. The runners had a blast. There was the Breakfast Run to take part in, the inline skating race, and so much to see and do around the city of Berlin, before taking part in one of the greatest marathons in the world on the Sunday. It really was an unforgettable weekend.

Our incredible team of reps were delighted to be back out on the road too. While some of them, like Julie and Andy Bake and Martin and Julie McPheat, may well be familiar to you, from the many tours they have worked on in the past, for Bryan Llorente, who recently joined the Operations Team in our Manchester office, it was his first Sports Tours trip. To top it all off, he was running too!

We caught up with Bry, when he returned to Manchester, to ask about his first Sports Tours Tour experience, and what it was like to finally return to the streets of Berlin…

What it was like to be back at a World Marathon Major?

It has been an amazing experience! For me personally has given me a way to reconnect with running. I really haven’t been as active as I should have been during the last 20 months.

What were your expectations ahead of the marathon and did the experience match/ exceed those expectations?

I ran Berlin Marathon back in 2014, so I already knew the event and the city, and how special it is, so it hasn’t been a surprise. There is always an amazing atmosphere on the streets of Berlin during the event, and 2021 was no exception.

What was it like running The BMW Berlin Marathon, were there any particular highlights, or moments that stood out to you?

The day was a mixture of pain due to my lack of training, and enjoyment thanks to the support and all the spectators around the course. The highlight for me would have to be the people of Berlin. The support from the crowds, from the start to the finish line was amazing.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to run their first marathon or take on the Majors?

Just do it! I have done other events and the atmosphere in Berlin, or at any of the other Majors is completely different. They are incredible. Those 6 events are a must for every runner’s bucket list.

What’s next for you in your running/ racing journey?

For now? Unknown…

Run with Sports Tours International 

If you’ve been inspired by the recent return of mass participation events, and our looking for your next challenge, why not consider one of the Wanda Abbott Marathon Majors. The true blue ribbon series in the world of long distance running, you wont find an atmosphere quite like it at ANY other event. Sports Tours International can guarantee your place on the start line at five of the six Marathon Majors. Our friendly and experienced team of reps will take care of all the logistics, from the start to the finish of your trip, and make sure that all you have to worry about is running. Whether it’s your first marathon, or you’re seasoned over 26.2, we have the expertise to ensure you have the run of your life. Bucket-list races in unforgettable locations, with Sports Tours International.

The Majors are back! After what felt like a lifetime of postponements and cancellations, the Marathon Majors returned to their full- force, mass participation glory last weekend, as thousands of runners took to the streets of the German capital, for the BMW Berlin Marathon.

As ever, we, Sports Tours International were there. We made sure our clients got the most possible out of their Berlin Marathon experience. With our expertise and guidance, the only thing they were left to worry about was the run.

It was great to get back to what we do best. And, we’re happy to report, the trip was a great success. The runners had a blast. There was the Breakfast Run to take part in, the inline skating race, and so much to see and do around the city of Berlin, before taking part in one of the greatest marathons in the world on the Sunday. It really was an unforgettable weekend.

Our incredible team of reps were delighted to be back out on the road too. While some of them, like Julie and Andy Bake and Martin and Julie McPheat, may well be familiar to you, from the many tours they have worked on in the past, for Bryan Llorente, who recently joined the Operations Team in our Manchester office, it was his first Sports Tours trip. To top it all off, he was running too!

We caught up with Bry, when he returned to Manchester, to ask about his first Sports Tours Tour experience, and what it was like to finally return to the streets of Berlin…

What it was like to be back at a World Marathon Major?

It has been an amazing experience! For me personally has given me a way to reconnect with running. I really haven’t been as active as I should have been during the last 20 months.

What were your expectations ahead of the marathon and did the experience match/ exceed those expectations?

I ran Berlin Marathon back in 2014, so I already knew the event and the city, and how special it is, so it hasn’t been a surprise. There is always an amazing atmosphere on the streets of Berlin during the event, and 2021 was no exception.

What was it like running The BMW Berlin Marathon, were there any particular highlights, or moments that stood out to you?

The day was a mixture of pain due to my lack of training, and enjoyment thanks to the support and all the spectators around the course. The highlight for me would have to be the people of Berlin. The support from the crowds, from the start to the finish line was amazing.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to run their first marathon or take on the Majors?

Just do it! I have done other events and the atmosphere in Berlin, or at any of the other Majors is completely different. They are incredible. Those 6 events are a must for every runner’s bucket list.

What’s next for you in your running/ racing journey?

For now? Unknown…

Run with Sports Tours International 

If you’ve been inspired by the recent return of mass participation events, and our looking for your next challenge, why not consider one of the Wanda Abbott Marathon Majors. The true blue ribbon series in the world of long distance running, you wont find an atmosphere quite like it at ANY other event. Sports Tours International can guarantee your place on the start line at five of the six Marathon Majors. Our friendly and experienced team of reps will take care of all the logistics, from the start to the finish of your trip, and make sure that all you have to worry about is running. Whether it’s your first marathon, or you’re seasoned over 26.2, we have the expertise to ensure you have the run of your life. Bucket-list races in unforgettable locations, with Sports Tours International.