The Berlin marathon should be on every runners list and I was lucky enough to get a place for 2019. As one of the Abbots, demand is high for places.

Being a race in the heart of the German capital, everything, as expected, runs smoothly and efficiently, starting with the expo. Expect large crowds. Expect to queue if arriving late Friday or Saturday. But expect it to be efficient, and it is. You will move through the lines quick enough and once inside there is literally everything that a runner could want or need. Only real gripe is that you pay extra for the finishers t-shirt, which given the overall entry costs, etc., one would feel that this should be included already.

Race day itself is run like clockwork with everything marked clearly and the pens easy to navigate. Marshalls make sure that you cannot move up, but there is flexibility to drop back.

The atmosphere is amazing and local support is awesome. This event is embraced by the city and it shows as crowds followed you throughout the route, cheering and shouting all the way to the finish line. And what a finish line. Through the iconic Brandenburg gate and then a short distance to the tape, where you receive an great medal, goody bag and beer (although alcohol free, just like in Munich).

This is a very fast and very flat course so if, unlike me, you are chasing a PB, then this is a good marathon to run and the sights along the course will only spur you along to run faster.

Value for money: Good but you still need to buy your own finishers shirt.

Travel tip: Book early for hotels and do not be afraid to book away from the center. Travel is, like most big city races, free on the day, but to be fair, Berlin is an easy city to walk and navigate around.

Cannot wait to run it again.