At 42.195 kilometres, with a record-breaking 55,000 runners and thousands of spectators, the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON was an event of superlatives. Over 300 Johanniter volunteers provided medical support, ensuring that all participants and onlookers could rely on immediate assistance if needed.

A fully-equipped medical centre was set up at the start and finish, staffed by 30 mobile medical teams. Along the route, Johanniter set up over 40 fixed and mobile aid stations, with motorcycles and Berlin’s cycling response unit navigating the large crowds to provide rapid assistance. Many Johanniter workers were also involved in the event’s planning, command, and logistics.

“Although we’ve supported many marathons, we prepare for about ten months for this large-scale operation,” said Jörg Koch, Regional Board Member of Johanniter Berlin. Johanniter has led the marathon’s medical services since 2008 and had supported it several times before that.

The Johanniter team provided first aid at aid stations and along the route, coordinating hospital transports if necessary. “Our services were required around 900 times, mostly minor injuries and exhaustion, as runners were well-prepared and benefited from ideal weather,” noted onsite Medical Director Dirk Dommisch.

The event brought together Johanniter teams from across Germany and 13 volunteers from Austria. The event was also supported by the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) and the Malteser aid service. “We are immensely grateful for the dedication of all volunteers who made this event possible,” added Koch.