All the records broken at the BMW Berlin Marathon 2024

For the sixth year, Guinness World Records teamed up with the BMW Berlin Marathon to celebrate a weekend of sporting excellence and record-breaking achievements. 

The Berlin Marathon 2024 took place between 28 and 29 September, marking the 50th anniversary of the race. 

This year's celebrations added to the excitement that always accompanies the event, as elite athletes and enthusiastic amateurs set their sights on personal and world-best performances.

A total of 13 world records were attempted throughout the weekend, and 12 records were set or broken.

"It’s been great to Adjudicate at this year’s BMW Berlin Marathon on their 50th anniversary year," said official Guinness World Records Adjudicator Lena Kuhlmann. 

"It’s always amazing to see the excitement for record-breaking from participants and spectators alike. Our runners and skaters have shown amazing commitment to their races, some of them also managing to raise thousands of pounds for their chosen charities."

Runners at the beginning of the race

Dating back to 1974, the "Berlin's People Marathon", founded by baker and hobby runner Horst Milde, grew into a prestigious yearly appointment for athletes and sports aficionados, joining Tokyo, London, New York, Chicago and Boston as one of the six Abbott World Major Marathons.

Looking back to that first run and its 286 participants, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner reflected on a history rich in successes and world records.

"Waves of enthusiasm and a firework of emotions are guaranteed parts of the Berlin experience," Wegner states as the city opens its arms to international runners.

Furthermore, on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee, a packed supporting programme enriched the usual schedule leading to the opening ceremony.

From the EXPO to a majestic Hall of Fame, the year-long preparations culminated with three days dedicated to athletic excellence and extraordinary achievements, celebrating the marathon's history and all-time stars while looking at the future of sports.

The road was long, and several Guinness World Records were set and broken through the years:

• In 2023, Ethiopian elite runner Tigst Assefa achieved the fastest time to run the Berlin marathon (female). She finished in 2 hours 11 minutes 53 seconds
• With five wins, running legend Eliud Kipchoge broke the record for most wins of the Berlin Marathon by an individual (male). The two-time Olympic champion first equalled the record, held by Ethiopian star Haile Gebrselassie, in 2022. He then surpassed it in 2023, winning the race although he didn't manage to break his best-ever time. 
• Finishing in a little over two hours, in 2022 Kipchoge also ran the fastest Berlin Marathon EVER: an outstanding 2 hours 1 minutes 9 seconds.
• Pro-runners Renata Kokowska (Poland), Uta Pippig (Germany), Aberu Kebede (Ethiopia) and Gladys Cherono (Kenya) jointly hold the record for most wins of the Berlin Marathon by an individual (female): three wins each.
• Winter Olympics superstar Bart Swings boasts the most wins of the Berlin Inline Skating Marathon (male). Counting eight wins as of 2023, his first Berlin Marathon triumph dates back to 2013: one year before Swings' first Olympic.

Fastest marathon in a school uniform (female)

Since the addition of the inline skate race in 1997, Berlin has expanded the horizons of marathon racing: the event now marks the largest inline skating marathon in the world.

The record was broken during the 42nd edition of the Berlin Marathon, in 2015, assembling 4,680 finishers.

With its fame growing exponentially each year, racking up over 5,000 finishers in 2023, the race attracts skaters from all over the world seeking to break records on wheels.

Fastest inline skating marathon in a suit (male)

Notably, development engineer Jochen Glasbrenner stood out in both categories.

With a lifelong passion for endurance sports, the Stuttgart resident achieved records both during the traditional marathon and on inline skates.

Jochen also already holds several records, too: he completed the fastest inline skating marathon dressed as a superhero in Berlin (in 2018) and crushed the competition with the fastest marathon dressed as a barrister - which was, once again, achieved in the German capital during the 2023 edition of the race.

In 2020, he also achieved the greatest distance on inline skates in 12 hours, gliding through a whopping 330.54 km (205.39 mi).

That's a little over the airline between London and Paris, which amounts to 342.76 km (212.98 mi).

"I enjoy inspiring people and showing them that you can achieve something if you believe in yourself and work hard for it," he says.

Inline Skating Marathon  

One of the most exhilarating highlights of the weekend was the inline skating marathon, the largest in the world and the final venue of the World Inline Cup.

On Saturday, many ambitious skaters slipped into their rollerblades and dashed their way to a Guinness World Records title.

That's the case of skate shop owner Simone Saeger (Germany).

A passionate skater, Simone assembled a team of 144 people to break the record for the largest team to complete the Berlin Inline Skating Marathon.

Der-Rollenshop team before the race

Simone confessed she started considering breaking a record when she "realized how many people would like to join the team."

"And, conversely, to motivate as many skaters as possible to be part of the Skate Team for the Berlin Marathon," the 36-year-old carries on.

"With the support of Der-Rollenshop, I was able to reach many skaters and motivate them to take part in the world record attempt."

Speed, endurance, and precision were on full display as participants raced to finish tin record-breaking style. 

Fastest marathon on roller skates (male) 

The three records broken during the inline skating marathon were: 

A record-breaking marathon

Recreational and elite runners gathered early on Sunday to conquer the scenic course winding through Berlin.

Spanning over 42.2 km (26.2 miles) and crossing some iconic landmarks of the capital, the route terminated at the Brandenburg Gate: there, official Guinness World Records Adjudicator Lena Kuhlmann awaited the successful runners attempting a record during the race.

Fastest marathon in an inflatable Coronavirus costume

Once again, the day served as a platform for personal expression and charitable causes.

Many runners and skaters used their record attempts to raise awareness for non-profit organizations close to their hearts.

"I would like to be the fastest person to finish a full marathon while running in a coronavirus costume," said Karen Michelsen, Canada, who completed the fastest marathon dressed in an inflatable costume (female). 

Her red-and-white inflatable costume had the shape of a Coronavirus and included a spike-shaped hat.

"During Covid, I was one of the Charge Nurses working in the Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada," Karen explains. "It was the Covid Command Center for the province of Ontario."

"This attempt at a new Guinness World Records title will show people you can take a negative experience and make it positive, fun and interesting. Personally, it does combine two of my favourite things to do: run a marathon and dress up in a costume." 

Crowning an already remarkable accomplishment, nine runners could earn the coveted Guinness World Records certificate on Sunday, ranging from marathons dressed in fun costumes to the fastest marathon by a married couple in a traditional Thai dress (aggregate).

The first athlete to cross the finish line was runner and YouTube personality Hibiki Kowada, who broke the record for the fastest marathon dressed in a martial artist suit (male).

Hibiki completed the standout achievement with a time of 2:59:49. 

"I am from Japan, and I want to spread the greatness of Japanese karate and martial arts to the world," said the runner. "In Japan, it is customary to learn martial arts from a young age."

The second runner to cross the finish was Thailand's very own Kanchanasevee "MiYu" Charinya, finishing the fastest marathon in school uniform (female).

The runner isn't new to breaking records and challenging her limits, as she already holds the record for the fastest marathon dressed in traditional Thai dress (female) achieved during the TCS London Marathon in 2023.

German runner Monika Tischbierek, who smashed the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a chef (female) in 2023, also achieved the fastest marathon in Tanzmariechen dress (female).

"As a child, I spent my time in a carnival club as a Tanzmariechen," she explained. "This is an old tradition in Germany." 

Fastest marathon wearing a dirndl (female) 

Once again, the weekend was filled with athletic triumphs, vibrant costumes, and new feats entering the Guinness World Records book:

Whether running for glory, personal bests, or charity, everyone who crossed the finish line this weekend added to the rich history of this event.

Are YOU ready to break a record during a marathon? 
Secure your spot, grab your skates, or prepare your most creative costume: we can’t wait to see you at the TCS London Marathon 2025!