I had read the generally mixed reviews of previous races, so came into the event with a certain level of expectations. For me I flew into Berlin late on Saturday so by 4-5pm the expo was very civilized and I avoided the big queues I'd read about. My registration had been screwed up by my charity partner and with usual German efficiency I got this updated at the expo and moved into the correct pen. As I half expected all the event gear had sold out at the expo but I managed to grab some stuff at the Adidas store (on Tauentzienstraße) still at 6pm. As others have mentioned no event t-shirt included in the race fee, which I agree feels bad value and not what one would expect for a marathon major. On to the day itself. Having run NY back in November I found the logistics in Berlin actually relatively straight forward. Hotel down by the zoo and a tube and walk to the start in the morning. I didn't bother with the bag drop, and was over by the starting pens by 8.15. I'd recommend getting there early as they get busy. I ducked out for a late toilet trip and couldn't easily get back into my allocated pen, but found my way into the one ahead. On to the course itself. Its flat, and so should be fast, but Its also narrow in places, so there is a bit of dodging and looking for gaps if you are trying to hold a pace. Then there is the well documented water station issue. The plastic cups didn't bother me as much, but often the station was short or only on one side of the road which inevitably leads to hold ups. Its not like a US race where there is aid stations at every mile, so the majority of runners are using each station. I don't know Berlin that well, so there is some naivety on my part but overall I would say 75% of the course was pretty dull, and while the support was great in some places, it was also very quiet for parts as well. The finish however was spectacular, huge crowds, and the final turn towards the Brandenburg gates and the finish line (a few hundred meters on!). Post marathon athletes village had a great buzz about it, Kipchoge smashing the WR probably helped, as well as the free beer (alcohol free). I only waited 15mins for a free massage, which I think is a record at any world class run or IM event I've ever done. So overall a generally relatively positive experience for me, probably wouldn't rush back to do it again but very pleased to have ticked it off. * One final personal gripe I had. PACERS. In pen E there were four 3hr30 pacers .... but they all ran together. Whats the point in that? it just meant we had a group of about 30+ people trying to force their way through the field to keep up. I thought the point was the spread them about the pen? Needed Paul Addicott in there to sort them out! ;o)