“Move”: Home of the Marathon

The first Berlin people’s marathon was held in 1974 in the Grunewald region with 274 runners. Today it is among the largest running events in the world. In 2024 the BMW BERLIN MARATHON celebrated its 50th anniversary – with over 50,000 participants.

The agency die wellenmaschine was appointed at an early stage by SCC Events, the organiser of the BERLIN MARATHON, to realise a special idea: a house at Brandenburg Gate, as a thank you to the city and its people and a place that tells the history of the BERLIN MARATHON. It is not only about sport, it is interwoven with the city of Berlin itself – and therefore also with world history. The result was MOVE: a temporary building that blends architecturally with its surroundings. It is open, inviting and on two levels – crowned by a light sculpture and golden flags.

The programme that guests experienced on the open patio was spread over 50 events on 15 days. It offered interactive formats such as running meets, yoga and workouts for all age groups, alongside specialist panels on marathon and sport topics – for the urban population and the runners, whether professional or amateur. The highlights of the entertainment programme included formats such as Poetry meets MOVE, jazz bands or readings from running literature.

The exhibition on the upper floor recounted the history of the event: 50 years of BERLIN MARATHON on 200 square metres, reflected in trophies, certificates, shoes, medals, photos of the small and big moments, as well as personal interviews with witnesses and participants. This turned many little stories into a big narrative.