BLACKROLL® at the 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon: A Review Full of Emotions
On September 29, Berlin was a sea of color! 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 the event, and we at BLACKROLL® were there along the course as the official recovery partner. A colorful and vibrant atmosphere, bold running shoes with XXL soles, and sooo many emotions! You were so wonderful, Berlin!
BLACKROLL® Community Run & Recovery Session with Christina Hering
It all kicked off on Friday with the 6 km Community Run through Berlin led by our running partner Christina Hering, who also led the concluding roll-out session.
On Saturday, BLACKROLL® also supported numerous runners as a key recovery partner at a collaboration party with ON Running at Galerie P61, providing regenerative tools. At the EXPO, we at BLACKROLL® had our own booth in the exhibition hall where we were able to offer visitors advice and hands-on support and test our products together.
Berlin in Marathon Fever & Loud Support at the BLACKROLL® Cheering Point
On your marks, get set, go! Sunday was the big day—the official starting gun for the BMW Berlin Marathon gave the runners the signal they’d all been eagerly awaiting. Thousands of people in a colorful crowd set off.
At kilometer 35 (KM35), things really got loud! That’s because our support team was cheering the athletes on loudly at our Cheering Point by the Gedächtniskirche.
Whether with motivational messages, encouraging shouts, or hands helping to relieve cramps—together, we pushed each other to peak performance!
Speaking of peak performance: Tigist Ketema practically celebrated a start-to-finish victory. The Ethiopian middle-distance runner crossed the finish line in a breathtaking 2:16:42, the third-fastest time ever run by a woman in Berlin. In the men’s race, Milkesa Mengesha began his final sprint well before the Brandenburg Gate. The Ethiopian runner set a personal best with a time of 2:03:17.
The most important thing after the marathon: Recovery is key!
In the finish area, we were able to welcome numerous athletes to our BLACKROLL® Recovery Area, where they could relax in the AIR LOUNGER and enjoy maximum recovery with our blankets. Tired legs were revitalized with the COMPRESSION BOOTS, and targeted muscle relaxation was provided by the FASCIA GUN.
These and many other recovery tools helped participants in their recovery.
Among the runners was our colleague Daniel, who set the tone with his motto, “Nothing is impossible.”
You can read about his personal experience of the marathon in the following interview with him:
Interview with our BLACKROLL® Runner Daniel
Daniel, you’re already an experienced marathon runner and have even finished ultra-trail races. What was your experience at the 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon?
This marathon is more than just a hobby—it’s a global movement. People travel from all over the world—including Mexico, Japan, the U.S., Australia, and India—to take part in Berlin. The competitive level is incredibly high; by the time the group I was assigned to reached the 5-kilometer mark, the elite runners had already crossed the finish line.
How would you describe the field of participants at this year’s anniversary race?
There was a bit of everything: from the top favorites to the winners of the very first Berlin Marathon, all the way to athletes with disabilities. But there were also participants in costumes—I saw Spartans in loincloths carrying spears and lances, and a man carrying a tree trunk. Unbelievable.
How did you experience the atmosphere surrounding the event?
The atmosphere was incredible—both on and off the course, we athletes were cheered on loudly from all directions along the 42 km route. Fans were barbecuing on the grassy medians, gathering on balconies, or outside bars. Every few meters, another band, drum group, or DJ set up their gear. I’ve never gotten so many high-fives during a run. The course was one big party!
How did you feel during the race?
I had goosebumps the entire time—for over five hours—and my body was constantly buzzing with energy.
Starting at KM21, I was able to manage my physical pain well and mentally push myself from KM to KM all the way to the BLACKROLL® cheering zone (KM35) at the Gedächtniskirche and across the finish line.
Crossing the finish line through the Brandenburg Gate was very emotional after all. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes again. It was a truly incredible experience. At the finish line, there was no holding back, and I wasn’t the only one who broke down. I saw men crying like little kids.
What’s your personal takeaway from this year’s Berlin Marathon?
It struck me once again: Running a marathon is no walk in the park. Even if you’ve dragged yourself to the finish line, it’s not over yet.
Right after the race, it’s very important to keep replenishing your energy and to recover thoroughly.
I was so glad and happy when, with my legs completely wrecked, I was able to lie in my COMPRESSION BOOTS, wrapped in a recovery blanket, and enjoy the Berlin evening sun. After that, the stairs to the subway were my final boss (laughs).
Thank you, Daniel, for your very personal Berlin Marathon story!
Your tired but grateful faces filled our hearts, and we’d like to say thank you to all the sports enthusiasts!
The huge interest in the BMW Berlin Marathon reflects the current trend of steadily growing running clubs and the running community. In this context, sports and recovery go hand in hand.
Your trusted partner, BLACKROLL®, supports you every day with our recovery tools.