50 years of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON – that’s five decades full of unforgettable moments, personal bests and moving stories. In 2024, we celebrated this extraordinary anniversary with a large festival in the heart of Berlin. “MOVE – Home of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON” brought the marathon’s history to life. The festive opening ceremony in front of the Brandenburg Gate sent a powerful message of unity, diversity and gratitude. With 54,280 finishers, we experienced the largest marathon in the world to date – a historic milestone that will never be forgotten.
MOVE – Home of the BERLIN-MARATHON
From 17 to 30 September 2024, the square by the Brandenburg Gate became the center of the anniversary celebrations. The specially built two-story pavilion “MOVE – Home of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON” opened its doors. The exhibition “50 years of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON” took visitors on a fascinating journey through time – from its beginnings in Grunewald to today’s world-class event.
Readings, concerts, panel talks and much more
The MOVE wasn’t just about exciting exhibitions – it was above all a place for connection: during panel discussions, musical evenings and readings – including one by Hajo Schumacher – memories were shared and new inspiration sparked. Sports and activity programs offered hands-on experiences. Panel talks explored the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON in all its many dimensions. A standout highlight: the evening “Poetry meets MOVE,” which blended poetry, jazz and movement into an unforgettable experience.
Reunion of the marathon pioneers
When the first Berlin people's marathon started in 1974 with 286 runners, no one could have foreseen its global success. The reunion with many original participants at the MOVE was all the more moving. In addition to the first winners, Jutta von Haase and Günter Hallas, many companions from the early days accepted the invitation of Horst Milde, the initiator of the first race. It was an afternoon full of memories, emotion and stories that brought the spirit of the early years back to life.
UNSEEN – Making diversity in running visible
A special highlight was the photo exhibition UNSEEN at MOVE. It put the spotlight on the people who shape the sport of running in their own often unseen ways. Through moving images, UNSEEN told the stories of blind and visually impaired runners, queer running communities and lived inclusion on and off the course. The message was clear: the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is more than a race – it is a place of connection, participation and diversity.
Opening ceremony in front of a historic backdrop
On 27 September 2024, Berlin experienced a moment of goosebumps: more than 10,000 spectators celebrated the grand opening ceremony at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. BERLIN LEGENDS from around the world came together, accompanied by musical highlights including Lucenzo, Joy Denalane, Londonbeat and Grammy winner Nomcebo Zikode. The evening was a ceremonial celebration – and a thank you to the city, its people and everyone who has made this marathon possible for 50 years.
Big stage for the BERLIN LEGENDS
Another emotional highlight was the joint appearance of the BERLIN LEGENDS: Tigst Assefa, Tegla Loroupe, Uta Pippig, Naoko Takahashi, Irina Mikitenko, Patrick Makau and Paul Tergat shared the stage with wheelchair racing stars Heinz Frei, Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner. Together, they created moving moments and earned standing ovations. The winners of the inaugural race in 1974 – Jutta von Haase and Günter Hallas – were also honored with special applause.
Donald Duck at the anniversary run – Duckburg in marathon fever
Even Duckburg didn’t want to miss the big anniversary celebration of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON! In a special edition of the “Lustiges Taschenbuch,” Donald Duck and Gladstone Gander plunge into the sporting adventure – right in the middle of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON action. Bad luck meets good fortune – and in the middle of it all, the world’s best runners are battling it out in a thrilling race. Who will cross the finish line with their beak in front?
