JOURNEY OF JOY – overcoming borders together
@ SCC EVENTS
The JOURNEY OF JOY is more than just a running course - it is an emotional journey that all participants in the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON experience in their own unique way. In preparation for the anniversary, we followed the journeys of three different runners. Follow our three protagonists on their way to the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.
Daniel from New York has been training in Berlin for 7 years @ SCC EVENTS / Robin Wemmers
Daniel, always looking for new challenges
“My goal is to run my fastest marathon” - and that would be very fast. Daniel is a very ambitious runner who is working hard on himself and wants to complete the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON in a new PB. Daniel, who grew up in New York, moved to Berlin seven years ago for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, has run it several times and can't stop challenging himself again and again.
Where it all began: Jenny at the Mommsenstadion @ SCC EVENTS / Robin Wemmers
Jenny on the way to her first marathon
“Arrive!” - Passionate runner and TV presenter Jenny is running her very first marathon in Berlin. At the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, she is hoping for the vociferous support of the spectators who, in her opinion, make the 42.195 km in Berlin so special. At the end of her JOURNEY OF JOY, her big goal is to cross the finish line for the very first time.
Tom at Charlottenburger Tor on the original course @ SCC EVENTS / Robin Wemmers
Tom wants to break the magic barrier
“Running a marathon with a THREE in front” - that's the audacious goal of repeat offender Tom, who completed his first BMW BERLIN-MARATHON last year and is taking part again this year. The actor and creator has been in marathon fever since last year and wants to finally break the magic four hours.
Past locations and current course
In August, Daniel, Jenny and Tom met up for training in Berlin and discovered the roots of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. They ran laps in the Mommsenstadion, where the first starting gun was fired on October 13, 1974, and explored the Grunewald forest, through which the course ran back then. In the years that followed, the run moved into the heart of the city - a course that today leads along Berlin's most famous sights. Our three protagonists love the vibe of the current course, which is lined with cheering zones. For Tom, it's the “42-kilometer party” that makes this marathon so unique.
The JOURNEY OF JOY is a journey that connects all participants of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON - from the first training step to the magical finish line. This journey is characterized by sweat and tears, unexpected setbacks and small triumphs. It is a story of perseverance and dedication, of moments when giving up seems tempting. But this is where the real joy begins: in overcoming your own limits, in finding the rhythm that carries your body, even when your head is in doubt.
On marathon day, this months-long effort turns into pure enthusiasm. Here you meet like-minded people, feel the energy of the spectators and share the indescribable moment of persevering together. It's not just about best times - it's about the process, experiencing every step, the joy of being part of something bigger. The JOURNEY OF JOY celebrates running as a ritual of life that awakens joy, connects and shines far beyond the 42.195 kilometers.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find out more about our three protagonists.
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BMW
BMW GERMANY - A STRONG PARTNER FOR RUNNING.
BMW has been the title sponsor of Germany's biggest marathon since 2011. At this running event, the world's elite come together to top the current best times.
Strength. Endurance. Efficiency. These are not only the most important attributes of a runner, but also apply to BMW's sustainable vehicles. BMW has been setting standards in sustainability for years and successfully demonstrates them at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. But also before the event BMW accompanies the running community in their preparation and emphasizes the joy of running. With the perennial RUN FOR JOY campaign, BMW, supports the athletes in their preparation - together they make the impossible possible. The lead vehicle, the new BMW i5 supports the runners on the course. It has exactly the qualities needed for a successful marathon run: intelligent and responsible use of resources. And it is precisely with these skills that the all-electric vehicle guides the runners safely, purposefully and in an environmentally friendly manner through the capital.
More than 50 vehicles and around 15 scooters of the C evolution class are part of the fleet of support vehicles provided by BMW for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. In addition to the iX as a safety car, the latest i-models from the car manufacturer are also in use as shuttle and organization vehicles. With this commitment, BMW supports the sustainable development of modern technology and the sport of running.
adidas
Everything at adidas reflects the spirit of our founder, Adi Dassler. Improving the athlete’s performance was his goal; today, his legacy continues with the consumer at the heart of everything the adidas brand does.
The number of runners in Germany is constantly increasing. No matter where they come from, they all have the same goal: Improve. Better runners, better athletes and in the end a better version of themselves.
adidas Running has something for everyone – we want help each person achieve their individual goals. What counts is personal development, which goes far beyond the personal best.
Abbott
At Abbott, our 114,000 employees in more than 160 countries are devoted to advancing life-changing technologies that help people achieve their full potential. Our medical devices, diagnostic tools and nutrition products are designed to enable individuals to reach their personal best, however they define it. By sponsoring the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world, including the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, we are not just celebrating the pinnacle of physical endurance and determination – we are reinforcing our commitment to improving lives. The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a testament to health and the human spirit at their finest, showcasing that with the right support and determination, every finish line is within reach.
More on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
Zalando
Are you ready to take your running to the next level? As the official sponsor of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Zalando is here to help you reach your goals. Running a marathon is challenging enough - you need the right equipment to feel completely comfortable. Our functional sportswear can do much more than just look good: From marathon training to relaxed runs - find your perfect outfit at Zalando and run with us!
GENERALI
Generali Germany has been our partner since 2018. The insurance group is part of the international Generali Group and thus also part of a company that is over 190 years old, its history and its heritage. In 2017, the company launched a new sponsorship strategy - “Generali moves Germany”.
The initiative aims to motivate people to lead active health and environmentally conscious lives. Taking part, not watching, is crucial here. In recent years, Generali has thus become one of the largest and most important sponsors in German running. Running promotes physical and mental health and thus has a preventive effect against numerous common diseases. Moreover, hardly any other sport can be practiced in such a resource-saving and environmentally friendly way. Together with the event organizers, Generali develops programs that make major events demonstrably sustainable: in the areas of environmental and climate protection and social commitment.
About 9 million customers are insured with the companies of Generali Germany, which include the brands Generali, CosmosDirekt and Dialog in the life, health and property/casualty segments. Generali's objective is to be a lifetime partner for its customers, offering innovative, individual solutions and services thanks to an excellent sales network in exclusive and direct sales as well as in the broker channel. Generali Germany is part of the "Germany, Austria and Switzerland" (DACH) business unit, which was newly created in 2022.
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei refreshes all finishers behind the finish line. ERDINGER Alkoholfrei is the ideal beverage after sports: isotonic, rich in vitamins, and low in calories. And ERDINGER Alkoholfrei has only 125 kcl per 0.5-liter bottle! Because a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important!
EY
As official Partner and Sustainability Consultant of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON, EY aims to further advance the sustainable transformation in sports. To this end and together with the event organizer SCC Events, EY will develop a concept to make the marathon as sustainable as possible.
Also beyond the course, we go the extra mEYle every day: EY is one of the major German professional services organizations with more than 11,000 employees at 20 locations. Working across Assurance, Consulting, Law, Tax, Strategy and Transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
This includes EY helping clients to develop and implement suitable sustainability concepts. In addition, EY has many years of experience in advising companies and organizations in sports.
NORQAIN
NORQAIN – Official Timekeeper of BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
Embrace the thrill of precision and endurance with NORQAIN at the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. As the proud Official Timekeeper, family-owned and fully independent NORQAIN exemplifies a commitment to quality watchmaking and its challenger “my life, my way” spirit.
Just as runners push their limits on the track, NORQAIN's timepieces stand strong against the test of time, making every second count in the pursuit of excellence. At the heart of our collection lies the revolutionary Wild ONE collection. Crafted to endure the most demanding challenges, this ultimate high-performance sports watch is both ultra-robust and ultra-light making it a perfect companion for athletes and watch enthusiasts alike.
We’re beyond excited to announce that as a special tribute to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic BMW BERLIN-MARATHON NORQAIN will be unveiling a limited edition Wild ONE BMW BERLIN-MARATHON timepiece in 2024.
Maurten
You probably know that you burn carbohydrates when you run – both in training and during the race. And how hard it can be getting the fueling right, without GI-distress.
Our Hydrogel Technology makes sure you get enough carbohydrates without risking the session or race. But there are no shortcuts – science has shown that training your guts makes a huge difference.
VILSA
Naturality meets sustainability
As a mineral water, VILSA accompanies you with refreshing purity and light mineralisation. But that's not all! We are committed to people, animals and the environment: as a family-owned, midsized company in its fourth generation, we see it as an obligation and the core of our company philosophy to stand up for nature and the conservation of our resources in order to preserve them for future generations.
Discover our variety of products and enjoy the natural freshness of VILSA.