WHY THESE RACES MATTER – BERLIN & IRONMAN NICE

There are races — and then there are race days that redefine the landscape of endurance sport.

Two events stand tall on the global calendar for endurance athletes:

the flat-and-fast Berlin Marathon, and the gritty, mountainous IRONMAN World Championships in Nice.

One delivers personal bests and world records.

The other pushes your limits with Alpine climbs and Mediterranean conditions.

Both are iconic — but for entirely different reasons.

Let’s break them down.

BERLIN MARATHON: A FAST, FLAT, RECORD-BREAKING ICON

Berlin is synonymous with speed.

With just 73m of elevation gain and 79m descent, the course is a dream for runners chasing time goals. Whether you’re running your first marathon or your fastest, this is where legends are made. It’s no surprise world records have been broken here again and again — including Tigst Assefa’s 2:11 and Kipchoge’s sub-2:02 runs.

What makes Berlin so special?

• Flat, wide roads for uninterrupted pacing

• Cool late-September air

• Massive, energising crowds

• Iconic landmarks: Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Tiergarten

🎯 PB chasers and committed first-timers — this course is your playground.

IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPS NICE: FROM SEA TO SUMMIT

The IRONMAN World Championships in Nice are the definition of all-in effort.

Set on the French Riviera, this course begins with a 3.8 km Mediterranean sea swim, followed by a brutal but breathtaking 180 km bike leg, climbing more than 2,400 metres into the Alps via the Col de l’Ecre. The marathon? A four-lap battle along the exposed Promenade des Anglais, in full sun and full effort.

What makes Nice so epic?

• Saltwater swim with a beach run start

• High alpine climbs and fast descents

• Unrelenting heat on the run

• A field of elite, qualified athletes from around the world

🔥 This is a race for athletes who want to test every system: body, mind, fuelling, and resilience.

WHY NUTRITION IS THE GAME-CHANGER

Whether you’re racing Berlin or Nice, your nutrition strategy can make or break your race. Precision matters.

For Berlin:

• Fuel with 60–90g of carbs/hour using Veloforte Energy Gels, Chews & Bars

• Take gels before aid stations and chase with water

• Avoid fuelling just before hills or congested sections

• Use Plasmaide Preload for nitrate + sodium loading

• Post-race recovery: Pillar Performance P30 Protein + Ultra Omega

For Nice:

• Fuel early on the bike: bars and chews, then switch to gels on the run

• Drink consistently on climbs, don’t wait for thirst

• Use Plasmaide Preload before race day, then electrolyte-rich hydration during

• Recovery during taper: Triple Magnesium + Ultra Immune C

• After the finish: protein + omega + rest = gains

🏁 HISTORY, PRESTIGE, AND HOW TO GET TO THE START LINE

These races are more than just events — they’re milestones in the life of every endurance athlete.  

Berlin Marathon

• Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors

• Open entry via ballot or charity spots

• Flat course attracts both elites and amateurs

• Historic atmosphere with a modern, electric vibe

IRONMAN World Champs Nice

• Newly rotated venue for the Men’s IRONMAN World Championships

• Entry by qualification only — a true test of dedication

• Epic, diverse course with technical demands

• A spiritual successor to Kona, with its own French Riviera flavour

These aren’t “just” events. They’re how you mark a chapter in your story — and push toward what’s next.

🛒 SHOP YOUR RACE-DAY STRATEGY

At Endurance Kollective, we only stock the elite-level sports nutrition trusted by podium athletes.