The 50th Berlin Marathon drew over 54,000 runners from all over the world to participate in what became the largest marathon in history. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a chance to experience the magic of the marathon. But behind every step taken on race day was months of hard work, sweat, and perseverance. For those who trained with COROS Coaches, the journey to the Berlin Marathon was just as important as the finish line itself. Their experiences tell a powerful story about the ups and downs of training and that even though running is a solo effort, you are actually never alone.

Pushing Through the Hard Days

Training for a marathon is never easy. It’s not just about logging the miles but also about balancing the demands of everyday life. Many runners found themselves struggling to fit in their training alongside busy schedules, social commitments, and the realities of life.

“Training in the summer, and taking time out of other activities and invites every weekend—that was tough.”- Aditya B.

But like any runner training towards a goal, they made it work, knowing that every small effort counted toward the bigger goal. Of course, there are always going to be unexpected obstacles along the way. Injuries and illnesses forced some runners to modify their training and even potentially rethink their goals.

“The elephant in the room was the sprained ankle I got in the third week. Without the speed work or long runs, staying mentally engaged was the hardest part.” -Joshua B.

Yet despite these setbacks, runners stayed committed, finding ways to adjust and continue making progress, even when the path looked different than expected.

Sometimes the toughest part is simply staying consistent. Marathon training is a long journey, and keeping up the motivation over weeks and months isn’t easy. The sense of being part of a team and knowing others were going through the same challenges helped many runners stay focused and push through the tough days.

Finding Motivation in Community

What keeps runners going when the training gets hard? For many, it’s the sense of community—the feeling that you’re not doing this alone. Sharing the journey with friends, family, and fellow runners makes all the difference. Runners often found motivation in the little things, like seeing other runners post their workouts in the COROS Training Camp Strava group, which gave them the push they needed to lace up their shoes.

“Movement keeps me going, and recently, keeping up with peers posting their activities on Strava has really helped.” -Aditya B.

Knowing that others were working just as hard helped drive them forward, even on the days when motivation was low. Conversations with other runners and the COROS Coaches about marathon training often sparked unexpected inspiration, too.

“Letting people know I was training for THE Berlin Marathon opened up amazing conversations." -Joshua B.

These moments of connection, whether it was hearing someone else’s race story or receiving a word of encouragement, were a reminder of being part of something bigger. This wasn’t just about one person’s journey but a shared experience.

The Breakthrough Moments

Every marathoner has those moments when the hard work starts to pay off, those breakthrough moments when you realize just how far you’ve come. For some, this realization comes mid-training, during a long run that feels easier than expected or a workout that, not long ago, seemed impossible.

“I welcomed each hard workout with ‘There’s no way I can do this,’ but I finished every single one realizing I must have been ready for it.” - Dorota T.

Progress isn’t always immediately visible, but it accumulates slowly throughout a training cycle. Looking back, they can see how far they’ve come, and how each step has brought them closer to their goal.

“Putting in the work over time led to results that weren’t always visible day to day, but looking back, I could see how far I’d come.” -Clemens Z.

It’s these moments when you realize that all the early mornings, long runs, and tough workouts have made you stronger. By race day, many runners felt a quiet confidence. They had followed their training plans, done the work, and now, standing at the start line of the world’s largest marathon, they were ready to take on the challenge ahead.

Crossing the Finish Line: More Than a Medal

The moment of crossing the finish line at the 50th Berlin Marathon is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of everything that came before it. The energy of race day was electric. With thousands of spectators lining the streets and the iconic landmarks of Berlin as the backdrop, runners couldn’t help but feel the excitement building with each step.

“The whole race felt like one giant run club and I couldn’t help but give it everything I had.”

Crossing the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate was a feeling of so many different emotions. After months of preparation, pushing through injuries, balancing life’s demands, and staying motivated through it all, the finish line was the ultimate celebration.

The 50th Berlin Marathon was a day filled with personal bests, both in terms of times and in the sense of accomplishment that each runner carried with them. But more than that, it was a celebration of the journey—the weeks of training, the support from loved ones, and the personal growth that came from pushing past limits. Each runner had their own story, but together, they were part of something much bigger than themselves.