7 things you didn’t know about the mile
The Garmin BERLIN MILE makes its debut at the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON – 1,609 meters of pure fun, speed, and history. But did you know…
1. The mile is older than modern running
It comes from the British imperial system and was already run on track and road in the 19th century. Back then, the mile was the standard distance for racing.
2. The legendary “Dream Mile”
In 1954, British runner Roger Bannister made history as the first person to break the magical 4-minute barrier (3:59.4 min.). The “Dream Mile” was born. Once thought impossible, today it’s a legendary myth.
3. The mile is making a comeback
In athletics, the mile is experiencing an impressive revival. More and more road and track races are featuring this distance – fast, exciting, and a real crowd-pleaser. Now you can be part of this comeback – right in the heart of Berlin!
4. Current world records for the mile
The 4-minute barrier is long gone for men. Here are the current road world records:
- Men: 3:51.3 min – Elliot Giles (GB), 2024 in Düsseldorf
- Women: 4:20.98 min – Deribe Welteji (ETH), 2023 in Riga
5. The mile is brutally honest
The mile is the distance where sprinters and middle-distance runners suffer – just for different reasons. It forces you to stay at your limit longer than you want. Short enough for maximum speed, long enough to hurt.
6. The mile is for everyone
At the Garmin BERLIN MILE, anyone can take part: children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, experienced runners, and complete newbies. Have fun together, cheer each other on, and take on the challenge. Run it relaxed as a shakeout run or push for a new personal best.
7. Berlin – the perfect backdrop
Imagine cheering crowds, the Brandenburg Gate, and a magical finish line: the Garmin BERLIN MILE is a unique experience you can only get here.
Conclusion
Short, punchy, and full of history – the mile is a must for anyone who wants to combine speed and running experience.
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GENERALI
In recent years, Generali Deutschland has become one of the leading supporters of running in Germany. This commitment is part of Generali Deutschland’s comprehensive “Sports Ecosystem.” Through this holistic initiative, the company brings together sports, health, prevention, and social responsibility. The goal is to motivate people to adopt an active and health-conscious lifestyle, foster a sense of community, and create positive prospects for the future. In doing so, Generali is equally committed to both recreational and elite sports.
Generali in Germany is one of the leading primary insurance groups in the German market, with premium income of approximately €15.5 billion and more than 9 million customers. As part of the international Generali Group, Generali in Germany operates in the life, health, and property and casualty segments under the Generali, CosmosDirekt, and Dialog brands. Generali’s goal is to be a lifelong partner for its customers, offering innovative, customized solutions and services through an outstanding distribution network in exclusive and direct sales as well as through the broker channel.
adidas
Everything at adidas reflects the spirit of our founder, Adi Dassler. Improving the athlete’s performance was his goal; today, his legacy continues with the consumer at the heart of everything the adidas brand does.
The number of runners in Germany is constantly increasing. No matter where they come from, they all have the same goal: Improve. Better runners, better athletes and in the end a better version of themselves.
adidas Running has something for everyone – we want help each person achieve their individual goals. What counts is personal development, which goes far beyond the personal best.
Bett1.de
bett1.de is a Berlin-based company that offers high-quality mattresses online at fair prices.
Fairness, passion, and motivation are the core principles of bett1. That's why bett1 is also committed to excellence and fair competition in sports - as a sponsoring partner of regional clubs and as a host of national and international events. Bett1 promotes sports and team spirit.
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei refreshes all finishers behind the finish line. ERDINGER Alkoholfrei is the ideal beverage after sports: isotonic, rich in vitamins, and low in calories. And ERDINGER Alkoholfrei has only 125 kcl per 0.5-liter bottle! Because a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important!
YoPRO
YoPRO is Danone’s high‑protein brand that supports consumers in achieving their individual fitness and exercise goals. With a diverse range of protein-rich dairy products free from added sugar, containing little to no fat, and offering 15 to 23 grams of protein per serving, YoPRO provides the ideal solution for an active and healthy lifestyle. Enriched with magnesium and vitamin B9, YoPRO helps support the body in building muscle and reducing fatigue.*
* Proteins contribute to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass. Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function. Vitamin B9 (folate) helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Garmin
Garmin is a leading active tech company. The company develops innovative products for people who lead active lifestyles – ranging from smartwatches and dive and cycling computers to cockpits for private aircraft and radar systems for yachts. Founded in 1989 in Olathe, Kansas, by friends and engineers Gary Burrell and Dr. Min Kao, Garmin today stands for a broad and highly differentiated product portfolio across the Outdoor, Fitness, Aviation, Automotive OEM and Marine segments.
Höffner
Keep on running – with Höffner
The right amount of regeneration is as important as your training. Discover our large selection of comfortable beds and sofas. And for your running clothes and shoes you can also get practical cabinets from us. Just take a look!
More than furniture
Möbel Höffner is your full-service dealer for furniture and kitchens in Germany. We combine our artisan roots with modern retailing in 24 spacious furniture centers in Germany and, of course, online.
MAURTEN
Developed for endurance athletes, Maurten fuels the fastest to world records and gold medals. With a sports fuel range including Gels and Drink Mixes made from patented Hydrogel Technology and Solid energy bars, athletes can easily consume the carbohydrates needed to sustain performance in training and racing.
Hydrogel Technology encapsulates the carbohydrates — the currency of fueling — in a hydrogel and carries them through the stomach to be absorbed — making fueling for sports easier. Maurten is the official Hydrogel Sports Fuel Partner of the GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON — fueling runners on race day with Gel 100 and Drink Mix 160 on-course.
Titanic Hotels
TITANIC Hotels Group is an established and reputable hotel chain based in Istanbul, operating luxury hotels in various cities in Turkey and Germany, founded in 1997. The Group is known for special quality of service, its unique accommodations often with historic architecture, its attention to detail and its first-class culinary offerings. The company is committed to sustainability and environmental protection and is involved in social projects. The group has received numerous awards in recent years.
Peloton
Peloton is a global fitness company with a dedicated community of millions of members. Through world-class workouts with professional instructors - live and on demand - Peloton empowers its members to achieve their fitness goals, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. The combination of engaging classes, innovative technology, high-quality training equipment and the versatile Peloton App allows for a tailored workout - with or without equipment.










