Save the date: September 29, 2024! On that day comes one of the most important races of the year: the Berlin Marathon, along with the Chicago Marathon, the fastest in the world. In fact, year after year the records keep falling. So some of the best runners on the planet will compete for glory in the streets of the German city. And how could it be otherwise, they will run to achieve that glory using the most advanced carbon platerunning shoes on the market.
Don't forget that we are facing one of the most exciting sporting events in the international racing calendar, because the Berlin Marathon 2024 celebrates a special edition for its 50th anniversary. All these reasons lead us at RUNNEA to put the spotlight on the running shoes that could be key to achieving the fastest times in this iconic berlinMarathon. At the same time we analyze the main favorites in the men's and women's categories.
Which carbon plate shoes will make the difference at the Berlin Marathon 2024?
Taking as a reference the recentmen's and women's general classification of the Paris Olympic Marathon, which crowned athletes Tamirat Tola (02:06:26) and Sifan Hassan (02:22:55), respectively, we can establish that the final podium as far as flying shoes are concerned may be a matter of three, although, clearly, the rest should not be excluded:
Nike Alphafly 3
The Nike Alphafly 3 has been one of the most covetedshoes for elite runners. Especially after the late Kelvin Kiptum signed the world record for the distance at the 2023 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2 hours 0 minutes and 35 seconds, and wearing the Oregon brand's fastest model to date on his feet.
With its Flyplate carbon plate technology and a full-length ZoomX cushioning system and two Air Zoom units, the design of this Nike Running Alphafly 3 is optimized for maximum propulsion and efficiency without sacrificing a comfortable, stable ride.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 flyers have earned a great reputation for their ability to offer a perfect combination of lightness and energy return. But also because Ethiopian athlete Tigist Assefa set the world marathon record at the Berlin Marathon 2022 itself with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. Assefa is wearing these innovative Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 running shoes for this sporting achievement.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 can be said to be one of the most advanced models on the market, because it features all of the German brand's cutting-edge technologies, in pursuit of presenting a unique design that helps the elite athlete make the run of his life.
Moreover, appearances are deceiving because despite its great midsole height, the behavior of the shoe is really light, and it is able to offer a more efficient response in every kilometer run.
ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris is the Japanese brand's commitment to present a high performance and competition shoe for elite athletes, offering a high degree of efficiency, lightness and protection over long distances. The focus is on maximizing stride length and energy efficiency.
The key to this ASICSrunning shoe is that all that energy return is directed in the vertical plane to improve that stride length.
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Go to the Shoe FinderOther running shoes that could surprise in Berlin
Based on results to date, here are some other running shoes that could surprise at the upcoming Berlin Marathon 2024. All of them have the potential to surprise, because they bring with them that winning combination of carbon fiber plate and ultralight materials, thinking about offering the highest level of performance.
On Cloudboom Strike LS
The On Cloudboom Strike LS is a running shoes for runners looking for speed, sustainability and an impeccable fit. Designed to maximize propulsion and responsiveness, these shoes offer an extremely dynamic running experience, ideal for both demanding workouts and competitions. Thanks to their focus on performance, the Cloudboom Strike LS ensure Cloudboom Strike LS only speed, but also a sense of efficiency in every stride, making them the perfect choice for those looking to take their performance to the next level without compromising sustainability or comfort.
New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a carbon plate racing shoe designed to maximize performance in marathons and half marathons. With exceptional cushioning, this model is designed for those looking for speed and comfort over long distances, offering a perfect combination of support and reactivity. We are talking about a model that is able to offer you a superior running experience, thanks to its explosive and powerful cushioning capacity.
PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3
The PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is designed to deliver superior performance on race day. These shoes stand out for their versatility, adapting to different stride types and stride patterns. The midsole has been updated with an increased amount of NITRO Elite foam, optimized to provide even more powerful energy return and improved cushioning, all at a lighter weight than its previous version. The PWRPLATE carbon plate, also improved, ensures greater propulsion without adding extra weight, resulting in a faster, more efficient and explosive stride.
Models that could make a splash at the Berlin 42k
While some running shoes already have a track record of success, other brands could surprise this year in Berlin. Models like the HOKA Cielo X1, the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4, and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are options that could have an unexpected impact on the final standings in both the men's and women's categories.
The favorites to win the Berlin Marathon 2024
Having analyzed the running shoes that can make the difference in the Berlin Marathon 2024, now it's the turn of the names of the race. Who will be the big favorites to win the race in men and women?
Top 5 favorites in the men's category: a duel between giants
Pending official confirmation, in the men's category, this new 2024 edition of the Berlin Marathon will bring together some of the fastest and most experienced runners in the world. Although a surprise is not out of the question, the favorites to climb the podium could be those listed below. All of them have the potential to set impressive marks on this record-breaking course.
Kibiwott Kandie
Kenya' s Kibiwott Kandie is a name that resonates with the world's running elite. A former half marathon world record holder, Kandie arrives in Berlin with a marathon best time of 2:04:48, a respectable time, but one that still leaves room for improvement. Berlin, with its flat and fast course, may be the ideal stage for Kandie to look for a new personal best and, who knows, even storm the world record.
Tadese Takele
Ethiopia' s Tadese Takele is set to be the great alternative to dethrone the reign of the Kenyan athletes. Takele arrives as one of the main contenders after his outstanding performance at Berlin 2023, where he stood on the podium with a time of 2:03:24. The Ethiopian has proven himself capable of being among the best, and his third place finish last year puts him as one of the men to beat. Takele is in exceptional form and Berlin could be the race where he reaches his peak performance.
Ronald Korir
With a personal best of 2:04:22 and a fourth place finish at Berlin 2023, Ronald Korir is another name to watch. The Kenyan's experience in this marathon makes him a constant threat. Although his time is not the fastest of the participants, his consistency and ability to stay in the lead group make him a strong candidate to surprise.
Cybrian Kotut
Cybrian Kotut arrives in Berlin coming off an impressive second place finish at the Amsterdam Marathon with a time of 2:04:34. This will be his Berlin Marathon debut, but given his recent performance, Kotut will be one of the men to watch very closely.
Samwel Mailu
Kenyan athlete Samwel Mailu, winner of the Vienna Marathon with a time of 2:05:08, is also among the favorites. Although his time is not the fastest, his victoria in Vienna shows that he has the ability to prevail in high-level races. Mailu arrives with confidence and, although he may not be the most talked about name, he could be among the frontrunners.
Top 5 favorites in the women's category: Ethiopia and Kenya dominant
Compared to the men, the competition in the women's category is not far behind. So from RUNNEA we recommend that you do not lose detail. With world-renowned elite athletes, Berlin will witness a titanic battle between runners who have proven to be up to the great challenges.
Tigist Ketema
With an impressive time of 2:16:07, Tigist Ketema is one of the undisputed favorites. Her recent victoria in Dubai catapulted her to ninth place on the list of the fastest female marathoners in history. With this background, Berlin is the ideal scenario for Ketema to consolidate her position as one of the great figures of the women's marathon.
Genzebe Dibaba
Ethiopia's Genzebe Dibaba, known worldwide for her track records, made her marathon debut with an impressive time of 2:18:05. In Berlin, Dibaba will be looking to improve on this record even further. If she can manage the pace well, she has all the tools to fight for the top places and set a new personal best.
Rosemary Wanjiru
With a time of 2:16:14, Rosemary Wanjiru has proven to be in excellent form after finishing second in Berlin in 2022 and repeating the position in Tokyo this year. The Kenyan has a great chance to take gold in Berlin 2024 and improve her personal best on this fast course.
Yebrgual Melese
With a personal best time of 2:19:36, Yebrgual Melese has what it takes to compete for the top spots. Although her time is higher compared to some of the favorites, Melese has the experience and potential to deliver an upset at Berlin 2024.
Ababel Yeshaneh
Ababel Yeshaneh (2:20:51) is a formidable competitor with experience in high-level marathons. Although she does not have the fastest time of the favorites, her consistency and ability in long races make her a runner not to be underestimated.
Will it be possible to see her longing to run a 42k in less than 2 hours?
It is another question that could be resolved on the berlinasphalt next Sunday, September 29. But at RUNNEA, we think that this desire to see a historic event will not happen this year 2024, and neither will it happen in Berlin, unless there is a major surprise.
The best time of the current 2024 marathon season is 2 hours 2 minutes and 16 seconds, and is held by the Kenyan Benson Kipruto, absent in this German event. So from the trio of favorites who will be at the start of the Berlin Marathon, Tadese Takele is the one who is presented with the best time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 24 seconds. A time that seems to be quite far from the world record of 2 hours 0 minutes and 35 seconds of Kelvin Kiptum; and therefore from breaking that barrier of the 2 hours in running the 42,195 meters distance. But who knows, anything is possible!
If you're following this event closely, don't miss a single detail, as every runner, with the help of their state-of-the-art running shoes, will be looking to leave their mark on the history of the marathon.
Photos: Berlin Marathon (Facebook)
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