Berlin Skate Marathon

Every single minute. Amazing vibe, amazing atmosphere and SO MUCH easier than running a marathon. I had a massive grin on my face from start to finish.

Trying to hold top speeds (approx. 40km/hour) without losing balance.

The tram lines and the foam (!!!) timing mat halfway wasn't fun.

Watching (and hearing) the epic wipeouts - it was like a Tour de France peleton crash!

Anyone and everyone. There were beginners who'd only started skating 2 months before - you don't need to be an expert skater.

The whole experience is a blast and a great way to cross train.

Get boots that fit - don't spend stacks on expensive ones, the budget ones will do - and use hard BIG wheels (which you can buy at the expo).

All first timers will start in the last pen so there's no pressure to go as fast as the pro skaters, just keep skating and you'll get to the finish.

Watch out for the cobbles at Brandenburg Gate near the finish, a falling risk especially on fatigued legs.

The roads are SUPER smooth, so on the day you will get up to the speed required to make the 2 1/2 hour cut off.

Buy the Skate to Run tickets; you can skate this year and then have guaranteed entry into Berlin (running) marathon the year after.