### The 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon: A Day of Record-Breaking Performances and Stunning Results
The 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon, one of the most prestigious marathon events in the world, lived up to its stellar reputation this year. Taking place on Sunday, September 29, 2024, the event showcased a mix of elite runners, passionate amateurs, and marathon enthusiasts from around the globe. Known for its flat, fast course, Berlin is often a prime location for record-breaking performances, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. With thousands of runners filling the streets of the German capital, the atmosphere was electric as athletes vied for personal bests and podium spots.
Among the most notable achievements were a series of blistering times that cemented the marathon’s legacy as a platform for world-class endurance performances. Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema took center stage in the men’s and women’s races, respectively, with stunning times that kept fans and spectators on the edge of their seats.
### Men’s Race: Milkesa Mengesha Triumphs in a Tight Finish
The men’s race was as thrilling as any in recent memory, with Ethiopia’s Milkesa Mengesha emerging victorious in an intense, neck-and-neck finish. Mengesha clocked an outstanding time of 2:03:17, narrowly defeating Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut, who came in just five seconds behind at 2:03:22. Ethiopia’s Haymanot Alew followed closely with a time of 2:03:31, securing third place in what became a tightly contested race until the final moments.
Mengesha’s performance was a testament to his strategic racing skills, as he managed to maintain composure despite the high pressure exerted by his closest competitors. In the final stretch, Mengesha’s strong kick gave him the edge he needed to pull away from Kotut, showcasing not only his speed but also his tactical awareness. Mengesha’s win further solidifies his position as one of the rising stars in the marathon world, adding Berlin to his list of triumphs.
The rest of the men’s top 10 featured a mixture of familiar names and exciting new talent. Kenya’s Stephen Kiprop took fourth place with a time of 2:03:37, while Ethiopia’s Hailemariyam Kiros crossed the line in fifth with 2:04:35. Japan’s Yohei Ikeda also had a standout performance, finishing in sixth with 2:05:12, marking the top Japanese placement in this year’s race.
Among the many highlights of the men’s race was Nick Bester, who finally broke the 2:20 barrier, a personal milestone that had been eluding him for years. Bester’s emotional finish was celebrated by fans on the world-famous LetsRun.com message board, where enthusiasts have been following his journey with great anticipation.
### Women’s Race: Tigist Ketema Dominates, Continuing Ethiopia’s Marathon Legacy
On the women’s side, Ethiopia’s dominance continued with Tigist Ketema taking a commanding victory in a time of 2:16:42. Ketema, who has been steadily climbing the ranks of elite marathon runners, delivered a career-defining performance in Berlin, setting a personal best and positioning herself as a serious contender for future major titles. Her time was over two minutes faster than her nearest competitor, fellow Ethiopian Mestawot Fikir, who finished in 2:18:48. Ethiopia’s Bosena Mulatie rounded out the podium with a time of 2:19:00.
Ketema’s run was marked by consistent pacing and a strong finish, allowing her to break away from the pack early and maintain her lead for the remainder of the race. While the rest of the field struggled to keep up, Ketema remained unshaken, her calm demeanor reflecting her confidence and experience. This victory adds to Ethiopia’s rich history in women’s marathon running, with icons like Tirunesh Dibaba and Meseret Defar preceding her in global stardom.
The women’s top 10 saw a mix of Ethiopian and Japanese runners. Aberu Ayana Mulisa from Ethiopia took fourth place in 2:20:20, followed closely by Japan’s Ai Hosoda, who finished in 2:20:31. Hosoda’s finish made her the top Japanese runner, continuing her streak of strong performances in international marathons.
Further down the leaderboard, there were standout performances from Great Britain’s Calli Hauger-Thackery, who placed seventh with a time of 2:21:24, and Germany’s Melat Kejeta, who finished 11th with 2:23:40, making her the fastest German woman this year.
### Race Conditions and Atmosphere
The 2024 edition of the Berlin Marathon was blessed with ideal weather conditions for racing, featuring cool temperatures and mild winds. This contributed to the fast times recorded across both the men’s and women’s fields. The streets of Berlin were packed with supporters, adding to the already exhilarating atmosphere. Spectators lined the course, cheering on the athletes and pushing them toward the finish line.
The Berlin Marathon has a long history of producing some of the fastest marathon times in history, and this year was no different. The flat, fast course offers athletes the perfect opportunity to test their limits, and this year’s event saw numerous personal bests set by runners of all levels. With the elite field pushing each other to extraordinary performances, fans were treated to a thrilling morning of marathon running.
### Splits and Strategies: A Breakdown of the Race
For those keen on analyzing race tactics, the Berlin Marathon’s 5km by 5km splits provide fascinating insights into the strategies employed by the race leaders. In the men’s race, Milkesa Mengesha and Cybrian Kotut exchanged the lead several times during the first 30 kilometers, but it was Mengesha’s ability to accelerate in the final 10 kilometers that made the difference. His splits showed a remarkable consistency, with the final 5km being his fastest of the entire race, a testament to his pacing strategy.
In the women’s race, Tigist Ketema ran a near-perfect race. Her splits revealed an even pace from start to finish, with a slight negative split in the second half of the marathon. This is a classic sign of a well-executed marathon, where runners conserve energy in the first half and finish strong. Her ability to maintain a steady rhythm while others around her faltered speaks to her strength and mental fortitude.
### Conclusion: Berlin Marathon’s Ongoing Legacy
The 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon will be remembered not just for the fast times and personal achievements, but for the rich storytelling of endurance, perseverance, and determination. Milkesa Mengesha and Tigist Ketema have added their names to the illustrious list of Berlin Marathon champions, while countless other athletes celebrated their personal victories, whether it was breaking a time barrier or simply completing the grueling 42.195-kilometer distance.
Berlin continues to be the home of fast marathons, where the world’s best come to test their limits and chase new records. As fans eagerly await next year’s race, one thing is certain: the Berlin Marathon will continue to inspire runners and fans alike, cementing its place as one of the crown jewels of the World Marathon Majors.
Whether you’re an elite competitor or an enthusiastic supporter, the Berlin Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lies within every runner.
