Berlin Marathon Preview and Where To Watch

Genzebe Dibaba and Haymanot Alew are set to lead the NN Running Team’s charge at the BMW Berlin Marathon on Sunday 29 September 2024, as both athletes look to make their mark in the highly anticipated race through the streets of the German capital.

Dibaba, a world-renowned middle-distance runner who transitioned to the marathon, will attack Berlin after clocking a stellar 2:18:05 debut at the Amsterdam Marathon in 2022 to place second, followed by a sixth-place finish in Chicago last year, where she ran 2:21:47.

With a fast, flat course known for world record-breaking performances, Berlin presents the 33-year-old with the perfect stage to better her personal best and challenge for a podium finish.

On the men’s side, all eyes will be on Haymanot Alew, who has quietly emerged as one of Ethiopia’s most consistent marathoners. Alew, with a personal best of 2:05:30, has finished second at the Mumbai Marathon and at the Hamburg Marathon last year, demonstrating his strength and ability to perform at the highest level. With a deep men’s field expected in Berlin, Alew will be aiming to translate his past successes into a breakthrough performance on one of the fastest courses in the world.

Berlin’s course, known for its record-breaking reputation, has seen Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele set historical performances in recent years, making it a favorite for marathoners looking to run personal bests. For Dibaba and Alew, the 2024 edition offers a prime opportunity to add their names to the prestigious list of winners.

Race Details

The BMW Berlin Marathon is a cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and is known for its lightning-fast course. Starting and finishing near the iconic Brandenburg Gate, runners will pass landmarks such as the Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral as they wind through the city’s streets. The weather forecast for race day predicts mild, sunny conditions with temperatures ranging between 11-15°C, ideal for fast marathon times.

How and When to Watch

The race will start on Sunday 29 September at 9:15 a.m. CEST. Marathon fans can tune into live coverage across multiple international broadcasters, with more details available on bmw-berlin-marathon.com.