I've had a few people ask about the significance of Berlin, so I wanted to take a few moments to explain why Berlin is on my bucket list, especially since I am spending so much time focusing on completing the 50 states and this is a detour from that goal.
In addition to being a 50 state marathoner (I'm 28 states through that goal!), I also want to be an Abbott World Marathon Major 6 star finisher. The AWMM series is composed of 6 of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world. The purpose of the series is to bring more global awareness to the sport of marathoning, raising support for the sport’s elite athletes and bring more excitement to the races. The series began in 2006 with 5 of the world’s top marathons and a 6th was added in 2013. For the elites, the series awards prize money to the highest point getters over the course of the time. For example, you get a certain number of points for 1st - 5th place and at the conclusion of the series a certain amount of money is awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers for mens, womens and wheelchair divisions. In the creation of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, there has been more awareness of the elite athletes competing, more of a draw to these marathons, and a growing desire among the general public to be one of the special 6 star finishers.
This was after my last Chicago race. There was a team from Abbott handing out these medals to those who were completing their 6 star that day. I took a picture of it, providing a hands on experience to a running bucket list that I will accomplish one day, keeping me excited and motivated.
Elevation Course Map for each Major. Oh Boston and New York…hills, hills and more hills…
The marathons included in the series are Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. I have been fortunate to run Boston 3 times, Chicago 7 times and New York 1 time. I have loved all of my experiences that has come from my World Major races. I am a big city racer - I love the excitement, the prestige, the energy and the support that those races give. Yes, there is a draw to the small, no frills races as well. Being a 50 state marathoner, I have come across quite a few of those. I appreciate the hard work it takes to organize a race and some of my small races bring me back to the task at hand - running 26.2 miles all at one time! But if you asked me to pick, hands down, the big city races win out for me. I really thrive in the largeness that is a world major (though my actual marathon times might say differently). To see a large city come together and support the thousands that come to run their streets, it’s pretty phenomenal. Below you’ll find just a sampling of each of the US majors from my runs there in 2017. Boston was extremely hot that year, as you can tell from my picture with my mouth wide open signifying to my husband I was desperate for some fluids! Chicago brought along my three sweet kiddos, which I couldn’t have been more happy to see. New York provided such incredible joy as I had tried for 3 years unsuccessfully to get in to the race before finally getting an entry via the lottery, and is to date, my favorite race of the 38(!) marathons I have run.
Now this is where Berlin comes in and why it is a significant race for me. It will bring me my 4th star and one step closer to getting my 6 star medal. I applied for London this year and was unsuccessful (which was 1000% expected). I fully believe London will be my charity race, and I have a desire for it to be my final world major with my entire family there with me to celebrate it’s completion. While I’m not sure when London or Tokyo will happen, as this journey of mine is not a cheap endeavor in either time or cost, I’m confident it’ll happen. Hopefully not too far from now either. I have an amazingly supportive husband and 3 small kiddos that these two goals impact, and it’s sometimes a tough balance figuring it all out. (I’m also anticipating the addition of 1-3 majors in the next few years, so I’m feeling a bit of pressure to be one of the few 6 star finishers before that happens!).
At least I know, though, that Berlin will happen in September of 2019. It seems so far away from now, but I’m sure it’ll be here before I know it. If training goes well, that’ll be a goal race for me, too. Berlin is one of the flattest and the fastest major. It currently holds the world marathon, set just this year, by Eliud Kipchoge in 2:01:39. Let that sink in for a minute. That’s a pace of 4:38/mile. For 26.2 miles. Wow. Just wow. Berlin also holds 8 out of the last 10 records that were broken… so ya, it’s a fast course. And I can’t wait! Like I said, Berlin, I’m coming for ya!
