#221 Berlin Marathon 2026: The Elite Race, the Expo, and a 2:53 That Left Me Feeling Mediocre

The Marathon Podcast is now proudly sponsored by Saysky Copenhagen. Use code TMP15 for 15% off at saysky.com.Get 20% off a Strava annual subscription with code KRISTIANSave on FlexBeam using code WARWICKRUNS or this link: https://rechargehealthas.sjv.io/55GAPbKristian is back from the Berlin Marathon with a special solo episode: a recap of the elite race, followed by an honest look at what race weekend in Berlin is really like for a runner.He starts with the elites: Tigst Assefa's course record 2:11:04 and the Achilles injury that came to light afterwards, Guye Adola's 2:02:50 personal best, and former Nordic combined athlete Jakob Lange running 2:13:57. Then Kristian walks through his own weekend, from the expo and the Puma and Saysky activations to the Run and Rave shakeout, and the mistakes and lessons he'd pass on to anyone racing Berlin. He wasn't racing it, so his own run was a 16k progression inside a marathon that ended in 2:53, followed by a candid reflection on why that still left him feeling mediocre.In this episode:- The elite race: Assefa, Adola, and a big result from Jakob Lange- Why Sabastian Sawe missed the race- Meeting the Saysky team at the Berlin expo- How the Berlin expo works and the wristband tip that gets you free public transit- The Puma activation and the Run and Rave shakeout- Race morning: when to actually show up at the start- Why the plastic cups and one sided aid stations are a problem- Running a 16k progression inside a marathon- Comparison culture and feeling mediocre after a 2:53- Would he recommend Berlin?Timestamps00:00 Welcome and what this episode covers00:50 Meeting Tony from Saysky in Berlin03:41 The elite women: Tigst Assefa's course record05:31 Assefa's Achilles injury and surgery06:05 Women's results and the fastest German woman07:15 The men's race: Adola wins in 2:02:5007:46 Sabastian Sawe out injured09:56 Jakob Lange: from Nordic combined to 2:13:5711:36 Dextro Energy and the Pfeiffers' withdrawal13:44 Kristian's own Berlin weekend begins14:43 The expo at the old airport15:38 Keep the wristband on: free public transit18:44 Big brands and the Wahoo Kickr Run21:27 The Puma activation and the sub 4 challenge22:52 Meeting the Puma Project 3 team24:15 Running with Ron Runs NYC and a bottle service tip26:03 Why he likes Berlin more this time27:39 Saturday shakeouts and marathonweekend.com30:23 The Puma Run and Rave33:14 Watching the inline skating race33:42 The mistake of forgetting throwaway clothes36:07 The plan with his coach: a 16k progression40:04 Race morning and how early to arrive45:14 A flat, fast, crowded course46:03 Aid stations and the plastic cup problem51:54 Running the progression too fast56:23 Dancing with the crowd through the last 10k57:31 Finishing through the Brandenburg Gate58:34 Feeling mediocre after a 2:531:01:57 Congratulating the Puma Project 3 winners1:02:45 Final thoughts on Berlin and what's nextStart your free Musicbed trial: https://fm.pxf.io/kristianwarwickFull episodes + the Boston 2025 documentary: https://www.youtube.com/@WarwickrunsFollow my training journey on Instagram: @warwick.runsMusic from Musicbed: MB01XPYH8ZYENVAMB0133EV2TCQFZY