Berlin Marathon Debrief: Stories from the Running FOMO Friends & Crew

The Berlin Marathon is more than just a race; it's a 42.195-kilometer-long party, a test of will, and an unforgettable experience. This year, the Running FOMO community was out in full force, and we were blown away by everyone's performance and spirit.

To capture the magic of the day, we asked a few of our runners—from a first-timer to a seasoned veteran—to share their stories from the course. Let's meet the crew:

• Wiebke: A true inspiration! This was Wiebke's very first marathon, and she is the perfect example of someone who trusted the process and followed her training plan.
• Alexandra: The legend! For Alexandra, Berlin wasn't just another race; it was her incredible 10th marathon.
• Fabian: The hometown hero! Fabian is an experienced runner, but this was his long-awaited marathon debut. After many things got in the way over the years, he finally did it in the city he calls home & was born in.
• Colin: Our international friend! A lovely guy from Montreal, Canada, who our crew met just one day before the race. Colin returned to Berlin after 18 years, specifically to run the marathon!
• Max: Our very own Running FOMO team member and a seriously experienced runner. We're all a bit jealous of his pace but so happy he's sharing his marathon story with us today.

Here's what they had to say:

1) Describe your ultimate carb-loading meal the night before. Was it a mountain of pasta, a pizza party, or something completely unexpected?

Wiebke: I ate ungodly amounts of dried mango, had the best vegan pizza in town (GEMELLO at Helmholzplatz), and a Brammibal’s Donut – I wouldn’t change a thing! 🥭 🍕 🍩

Alexandra: Well, they all say you have to do carbo-loading the day before the marathon. But I started carbo-loading like a week before the marathon 🤣. A lot of pasta and pizza. Since I like pasta a lot, I would say Spaghetti Bolognese or a Lasagna would be my ultimate carbo-loading meal the night before.

Colin: No mountain of pasta because I don’t want bathroom surprises on the day of! Just a simple plate of pasta with just a meat and tomato sauce, the more boring the better. And I try to drink electrolytes and a good amount of water to make sure I stay hydrated during the day.

Fabian: I kept it traditional but effective. My fuel of choice? A mountain of classic spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce, topped with creamy burrata. Lots of it. The perfect, no-nonsense fuel for a big day.

Max: The meal itself was serious business: 450g of noodles with pesto for lunch and salmon noodles for dinner. The real adventure was trying to transfer a friend's entry band. "We tried olive oil, scissors, and even heating it with a lighter! A stapler did the job in the end. The restaurant owner was so confused by us!

Alexandra - Looking Strong & Confident! - by 0liver_weber

2) The Berlin crowd was legendary. What was the absolute weirdest or funniest sign, costume, or moment you spotted among the spectators or fellow runners?

Wiebke: The people in Berlin are something else... I think I was most shocked by a guy running the marathon in jeans 👖. Also, special mentions to the several people running barefoot or in flip-flops!

Alexandra: Best sign was: “Wer jetzt aufhört, bekommt paar aufs Maul!” (Which roughly translates to: "Anyone who stops now will get a punch in the mouth!")

Colin: There was a person changing into sequins and sparkly streamers as I was entering the race area, and then I spotted them again with a parasol out on course. There was also a person dressed up in a beer bottle costume. The person dressed up as a Polizei with a speed meter on course was hilarious and also motivating!

Fabian: The legendary Berlin humor was on full display. I couldn't stop laughing at the homemade signs, but one stood out: "If you think this is hard, try dating in Berlin." A brutally honest and hilarious reality check mid-race!

Max: Only in Germany! I spotted a true cultural phenomenon: A group of Bavarians running the marathon in full Lederhosen, attempting to break the Lederhosen world record. You simply can’t make this stuff up!

Fabian & Tom Bromance Moment

3) Our name is Running FOMO for a reason. What was that one specific moment, where you thought, "I am SO glad I'm not missing this"?

Wiebke: It was running through the cheering zone at KM 36.5 – the vibes were unreal and gave me a big push! Also, the last meters when you hit that blue carpet and it felt like flying through the finish line. (It was mainly the sudden soft feeling under my feet – pure relief for my joints haha 😮‍💨)

Alexandra: I would say the special runs during prep. For example the one with Oasis with Sauna and Ice Bath or the Naruto Run. Or the runs with Lululemon at the store at KuDamm. Without you guys, I would have missed all the lululemon runs lately.

Colin: Getting off the bus to go to the Berlin Braves event, because that’s how I met Ruslan, and then got to meet Tom, and then a bunch of other new friends, and now I’m answering these fun questions! Everything happens for a reason and everything is connected 🤗

Fabian: The magic happened before the first step. It was that electric moment at the starting line, surrounded by thousands of runners. There's a different kind of excitement in the air, when so many people have gathered to prove something to themselves.

Max: For me, the FOMO moment was found in the pain cave. The last 10k. Obviously the hardest part, but also where you learn the most. It’s so important for racing to keep digging and not give up. It changes the way you feel pain.

Max, still looking cool! - by Sportograf

4) Let's be real. Now that you're a Berlin Marathon veteran, what's one piece of slightly weird but essential advice you'd give to someone running it for the first time?

Wiebke: Split up those training long runs to make them more fun! For example: on Sundays I ran 10k alone, then joined a run club or running event for 5k, and finished the last kilometers with a friend. It’s not that serious as long as you get the distance in somehow ☺️

Alexandra: If you are running your first marathon, my advice would be: Run in your own pace and finish healthy. It does not matter which pace you are running. You are already a champion since you have trained for it and made it to the start line. The most important goal now should be to finish it. No matter the finish time.

Colin: Whether it’s the Berlin Marathon or any other marathon, remember that the marathon owes you nothing. Leading up to Berlin, many of us had amazing training cycles... But when that heat hit, everything went out the window. So be prepared to adjust and remember that we’re all just lucky to do this weird hobby we all love.

Fabian: My advice is a hard-earned lesson from the course. I've just learned about salt tablets for cramps, I'll definitely have them with me next time. And more food! A simple but crucial tip for anyone battling the later stages of the race.

Max: Don't overpace in the beginning, and drink twice the amount you think you need! Simple, but it can make or break your marathon.

Wiebke, still having enough power to smile herself to the finish!

5) You've crossed the finish line, you have the medal. What was the absolute first thing you ate, drank, or did to celebrate? We want all the delicious/relaxing details!

Wiebke: A pretzel! 🥨 After all those sweet, liquid gels, I just needed some simple salty carbs and an ice-cold, alcohol-free beer. Later, I had some tasty vegan duck with rice, vegetables, and peanut sauce and a big scoop of ice cream. 🍨

Alexandra: I cried. I finished my 10th marathon and couldn’t really realize that I, and especially my body, could do that. The next thing was to get the medal and an Erdinger Alkoholfrei… well, I took two 🙂. Back home, I showered and tried to get rid of all the glitter and confetti and ordered a pizza 🍕 which I ate all by myself.

Colin: I felt nauseous when I finished, so was ready to down anything sweet in the hopes that might help. As soon as I heard “iced tea” at a station in the recovery zone, I grabbed two cups and chugged them. Dinner was at a Turkish restaurant that I was excited to try since we arrived in town.

Fabian: I’d say a masterclass in post-race rewards. It started with two well-deserved Paulaner beers at a bar, followed by the ultimate comfort combo at home: an XL pizza and an unhealthy pile of chips.

Max: I was cautious with eating right after to not throw up, but the real reward came on Monday, once my stomach settled. I rewarded myself with a nice duck curry, which I ordered, of course. Every step was painful on Monday!

Congratulations to Wiebke, Alexandra, Fabian, Colin, Max, and every single person who ran. Your stories, your effort, and your energy are what make this community so special. See you on the next run and maybe at Berlin Marathon 2026!