I have been a big fan of quality German products. BMW Berlin Marathon made me wonder the quality of German products. Like this event, BMW is poorly produced as well? I have run 46 different marathons prior running Berlin marathon. This is the first time I have rated a event organizer less than 3 rating. I have observed the following in Berlin marathon. 1. The expo has a chaotic environment. I have waited more than one hour in the lines simply to get the bib. And, no, your family members are not allowed to be with you while you were waiting in lines. 2. You have to wear an if-removed-you-cannot-put-it-back wrist band from the time you are identified as a Berlin Marathon runner at the expo to the time you have finished the marathon. 3. No T-shirt for runners. You have to buy the "official" T-shirt with a minimum of 30 Euro a piece. 4. Anyone can buy a 2019 Finisher T-shirt before the event started - Don't you think this is unethical? 5. This course has many all of sudden narrowing down sections. The narrowed course sections were okay for the crowd size for professional runners, not appropriate for the size of the regular runners. At those sections, you have to slow down if you don't like to step on others. 6. The head shot of their ex-boss on the 2019 medal is not appropriate, or, is it a joke? 7. In the finish area, the announcer told the runners to return their timing chip to the staff at the exit gate. I was turned away from a gate staff. I had to return the chip to the staff at some certain exit gate. Why not use the widely used timing stripes? 8. The given away ponchos, as an option of not check in bag, are made with single use disposable material. Those ponchos did not provide runners meaningful protection from the cold rain in 2019 event. If you expect the quality of Poncho you have in New York Marathon, you will be disappointed. The size of 46,000+ runners is too large to the capability of the organizer, and to the course, as the organizers arranged so. Some positive experience: Even if it rained heavily in 2019 event, many spectators were still along the way to cheer the runners. It was touching to see the bands play under the rain. The volunteers were very helpful. The free bus ride with bib number during the running day was very helpful. The warm tea supplied in a couple of the water stations were pleasant surprise. We ran the course where the world record is set. Berlin is a great city with rich history. I enjoyed my visit there.

I have done 28 marathons and this is the first time I have commented. Berlin is a great city and a this is great race destination. The marathon was surprisingly poorly organized for a lot of reasons The corrals were a mess, and tough to get into, portable bathrooms lined the entrance to corrals which means runners lining up across the path making jostling a requirement to get to the corral on time. The water station handing out plastic cups was ridiculous as many have written. Additionally many of the runners mentioned water was being taken from open bins which were also being used for sponges. The volunteers and crowds were wonderful. CHIPS on the foot remains a pain the task of pulling them off after a race is never a great experience. The course was great but crowded, PBs could be tough if you get jammed up along the route. The expo had a great atmosphere we got there just after opening the first day, it is at an old airport, I am told by others runners that closer to the race day the expo was a "gong show". Just an observation but I did not feel the runners spirit at this marathon, people pushing and shoving at the expo, on the course several people pushing and shoving to get by, I heard this from other runners as well. Merchandise was overpriced I got the jacket for 80 euros which should sell for $40. Anyways the race is one of the big 6 and Berlin is a great city, and with world records who wouldn't want to go. I have run other big races and I am sure these shortfalls could be easily fixed.

This was my 3rd grand tour race. The course is excellent, roads are in great condition and very wide. The finish through Brandenburger gate is spectacular, just keep in mind you still have about 2 tenths of a mile to go to finish! The expo was very large, plenty of international races to learn about. Getting to the expo and race is very easy using the U subway, which is free on race day. Plenty of fan support and water stops on the race . They did offer a reusable cup, but it was not practical to use in race conditions as you have to stop and go to a water spigot to use it and it takes too long. As far as small issues, one, the water was in plastic cups. Second the other fluid really had a bad taste for me, like beet juice. Also, no t-shirt, unless you buy it. They did give you a nice poster that has a spot for your bib. I did this race with my wife and we finished together, never felt rushed to beat a cut off time. We loved the whole event and would highly recommend it!