Fechin McCormick
Seven Sales Harriers joined the 50,000 runners who took to the streets of Berlin for the 2025 Marathon. Famous for its fast course and iconic Brandenburg Gate finish, Berlin is always a place for big ambitions — and, despite abnormally hot temperatures with most struggling in the heat, our seven gave it everything in pursuit of PBs and milestone times.
MAX KIDD-ROSSITER came to Berlin with a 2:35 best from Valencia and another strong run in London this spring. He gave it a real go but came home in 2:40:39 — not quite what he hoped for, but still a fantastic time on one of the world’s biggest stages.
MARCUS NICHOLSON had his eye on the big sub-2:30 barrier after clocking 2:31 in London. Berlin wasn’t his day, and he finished in 2:49:53, but his determination and ambition are sure to take him under 2:30 in the future.
ANDREW CURVIS travelled to Berlin with a PB of 2:43.48 from London ’24. He battled hard to improve it but still broke the 3-hour barrier with a 2:57:37 finish.
RACHAEL ROZHDESTVENSKAYA had already broken the magic three-hour mark in Warsaw last year and set off aiming to repeat it or to improve it. She came so close, finishing with a gritty 3:02:31.
LAURA BARBER, also with a PB of 2:55.47 from the Frankfurt ’23 Marathon and 3:00.23 from April’s London Marathon, aimed to dip under 3 hours once again. The heat proved a real challenge and despite battling bravely, she finished in 3:14.34
WAYNE SHAW has been on a marathon journey like no other, taking on the Majors one by one. From 3:19 in New York, he’s steadily chipped away at his time, with incremental improvements in London, Chicago, and Tokyo, slipping slightly in Tokyo. Berlin was his best yet — a PB of 3:09:05. Though the sub-3 didn’t fall with Boston and Sydney now part of the Majors, we’re sure he’ll have another go to crack it.
BEA CORDINGLEY travelled with a 3:06 PB and the hope of joining the sub-3 club. Sadly, the marathon had other plans, and she crossed the line in 3:47:32. A tough day out, but she’s young and talented to still do it.
OLIVER BARTLETT with a 3:15:41 PB from Newport 2021, endured a day where the marathon struck back hard. His “wheels came off,” as runners say, and he battled to the line in 4:30:49 – not giving up an effort worthy of respect.
