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BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

38 Times in Berlin: Sabine Fimmel and Her Special Marathon Story

Sabine celebrates with her arms raised on the course of the BERLIN-MARATHON.
Sabine Fimmel in high spirits during the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2025 © SCC EVENTS / Sportografen

How did you actually get into running?

A friend of mine was studying sports and had to prepare for an exam in the 5,000 metres. So we went running together twice a week around Krumme Lanke. The initial three kilometres soon became five around Schlachtensee, and eventually we ran around both lakes. In April 1984, I took part in the “25 km de Berlin” for the first time, a city race that was organised by the French occupying forces at the time. I enjoyed the experience so much that I subsequently signed up for my first BERLIN-MARATHON.

Looking back on your first race today, what would you say has changed the most since then?

The entry fee. In 1984, registration cost between 20 and 25 Deutsche Marks, depending on when you registered. The organisation, however, was already remarkably good back then, with refreshments, road closures, music groups and hundreds of thousands of spectators. What hasn’t changed for me, on the other hand, is the excitement before the start. I’m still just as nervous as if it were my first marathon.

What makes a good marathon for you?

Good refreshments adapted to the weather conditions. That includes drinks, food and, when it’s hot, ice cubes as well. Showers along the course and, of course, music groups to create a great atmosphere.

You probably know the course extremely well after 37 participations. Is there still a particular moment or place that you especially look forward to?

Yes, when I turn onto “Unter den Linden” and see the Brandenburg Gate. That moment is something very special every time.

Let’s take a look at your training. Approximately how many kilometres do you run in a training week?

I run around 50 to 60 kilometres per week. Compared with many other runners, that’s rather little.

Has your training changed over the years?

Over the years, I’ve reduced the number of kilometres I run each week somewhat. I try to compensate for this by mainly choosing hilly routes in the Grunewald for my training.

Sabine runs a hand through her hair as she runs. She looks strained.
Sabine Fimmel and other participants running in the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2025 © SCC EVENTS / Sportografen

Do you still have a personal best in mind when running the marathon, or is it more about enjoying the race these days?

Personal bests are a thing of the past for me. For me, it’s about being there, enjoying the special atmosphere, perhaps witnessing the next world record, and being happy when I cross the finish line exhausted but happy.

And finally: What advice would you give someone running the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON for the first time?

Don’t start too fast and pace yourself well. The first few kilometres often feel easy. But in my experience, the marathon is only decided from kilometre 35 onwards.

Related News

As announced by SCC EVENTS—the organizer of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON—in mid-May, world record holder Sabastian Sawe will take to the start line in Berlin on 27 September. In mid-June, SCC EVENTS also unveiled a star-studded women's field featuring world record holder Tigst Assefa, Rosemary Wanjiru, and Germany’s Esther Pfeiffer.

Running in the heat is a real challenge, but with the right strategies, you can stay cool and perform at your best. Here’s how to get through summer safely and stay strong for race day!

This year's BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, organized by SCC EVENTS, will take place on September 27. Around 60,000 athletes from approximately 160 countries are expected to participate in the German capital, including runners, wheelchair competitors, handbikers and inline skaters.

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