In the world of long-distance running, the Berlin Marathon evokes a sense of reverence that is matched by few. The annual running event is held at the German capital on the last weekend of every September and is slated to kick off this Sunday (September 29). While the race is incredibly popular as it is, this year, things are even more exciting.

Theis year, it’s the 50th anniversary of the legendary Berlin Marathon. For obvious reasons, the occasion needs to be hailed like it deserves to be and the organizers are going all-in to make things as grand as possible. With a star-studded lineup along with a long list of the biggest brands in the world as sponsors, there will be something for everyone in Berlin this weekend. We’ve compiled everything below to get you up-to-date with what to expect.

The 2024 BMW Berline Marathon: A project beyond running

The 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon offers participants to achieve greater things beyond their personal aspirations. The official website notes that charity will be a significant part of the event. From “climate protection or children’s aid projects, in the fight against cancer or for organisations that campaign for clean water or animal welfare,” the Marathon ensures every runner finds something that resonates with their ideals and vision of a better future for the generations to come. With that in mind, several fundraisers have been set up that the participants can get involved in while also aiming to boast the feat of completing the coveted Berlin Marathon.

From Run For Children to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Deutschland, a long list of charitable causes will make the Marathon a race that goes beyond just crossing the finishing line. SCC will join hands with the City Council to collect shoes and clothing for people in need while also accepting food donations. With the motto “There is an angel in every marathon runner,” the Sunday race will also seek to build a community that can come together to give back something to society.

Things are already hopeful, too. Almost €5 million has been raised through charity efforts, and the number is only likely to grow with two more days before the event kicks off in the German metropolitan area. Keeping up with how the participants are doing their best to make the event a success, an impressive list of sponsors has also stepped up.

A confluence of emphatic sponsors

The iconic vehicle manufacturer BMW became the title sponsor of the Berlin Marathon in 2011, and this year too, they will continue to undertake the responsibility. For car enthusiasts in any corner of the world, the white-and-blue emblem commands massive respect, and its association with Germany’s biggest marathon will only increase the oomph quotient of the event. Along with making some of the most notable iconic cars in history, BMW is also a staunch supporter of environmental sustainability.

To help the participants, the sponsor will employ the all-new BMW i5 to guide “the runners safely, purposefully and in an environmentally friendly manner through the capital.” Along with the electric car, a fleet of more than 50 vehicles will also support the marathoners. The main sponsors of the Berlin Marathon are German sports merchandise giant Adidas and American multinational healthcare company Abbott.

Furthermore, the involvement of the insurance company Generali Germany, beverage brand ERDINGER Alkoholfrei, and the multi-faceted EY as co-sponsors will highlight the grand goals the BMW Berlin Marathon aims to achieve. With so many towering names being part of the event, it’s only expected that the prize money would also be as exciting.

A fat cheque awaits at the finishing line

The winning male runner at the 2024 Berlin Marathon will be given a cash prize of $22,600, while their female counterpart will receive $20,000. A total of $1 million prize purse is expected to be divided among the top-q10 male and female finishers of the race, making it incredibly lucrative for marathoners from all over the world. However, to win the ultimate prize, runners will have to first defeat a number of decorated sprinters, who are considered some of the greatest long-distance runners of all time.

The stars eyeing each other at the 2024 Berlin Marathon

For the first time in what seems forever, Eliud Kipchoge will not be running in the Berlin Marathon. A record five-time winner of the race, the Olympian phenom will instead follow the race from his home in Kenya. However, he expects some seriously inspiring moments from the marathon. “They have my spirits and my energy…I expect most runners to get the motivation and try to push their limits, push their bodies and come up with good results,” said Kipchoge to Olympics.com. However, while he or his comrade Kenenisa Bekele won’t be gracing the starting line, there are others who can make up for it.

Another Kenyan, Kibiwott Kandie, is the favorite to win this year’s Berlin Marathon in the men’s category, along with Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele. Takele’s national teammate Tigist Ketema is, on the other hand, expected to bag the winning prize in the women’s division in Berlin. “I have prepared for a personal best and plan to run the first half on Sunday in around 68 minutes,” she said about the mindset going into the marathon. But she will have to face off against the likes of Genzebe Dibaba and Yebrugal Melese, who also boast sub-2:20 PBs.

So who or what will be your most anticipated part of the 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon and why? Who would you want to win and how would you want the iconic city to deck up for the occasion? Tell us with a comment.