LateRooms.com - Soak up the atmosphere at the Berlin Marathon

LateRooms.com can announce that one of the world's most popular marathon races returns to the streets of Berlin on September 26th.

Established in 1974, the event usually attracts upwards of 40,000 runners from around the world and is known for the inimitable atmosphere created by the spectators gathered along the route.

The marathon's popularity was clear to see in April, when all available places for the runners were allocated earlier than ever before, with only charity spots remaining.

Although it may be too late to secure a place in the event, people visiting Berlin hotels are still welcome to turn up, watch the action and cheer on the participants for free.

For the runners, the 26-mile marathon course makes its way past many of the German capital's most famous landmarks.

The route takes in the Victory Column, Berlin Cathedral, the Castle Bridge, the Marienkirche, the Botanical Garden and Potsdamer Platz.

However, the most famous part of the course is undoubtedly the final stretch, as the runners head down the Avenue Unter den Linden and through the Brandenburg Gate.

Several grandstands are erected alongside the last 400 metres, allowing the spectators to roar on the weary competitors as they approach the finish line.

Since 1990, the annual marathon has been an event of considerable political and social significance for Berliners.

This is because that year's race took place amid the reunification of the city and the course, which was contested by 25,000 runners, travelled through both East and West Berlin for the first time.

On the day before the main event, the marathon course is used for a race featuring approximately 8,000 inline skaters.

The marathon weekend also features a short children's race and other side events, making it a highly popular feature of the city's sporting calendar.

For more information on this event, visit the Berlin Marathon website.

LateRooms.com offers a variety of accommodation in Berlin, including the Maritim Hotel Berlin.

Editors Notes:

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