The world's best marathons - Telegraph Berlin September 30 The first Berlin Marathon took place in Grunewald, a forest in the western part of the city. The historic first marathon spanning the entire city was in 1990, just three days before German unification. It is currently the world's fastest ratified marathon course, with six world records having been set here since 1998. See www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com full details. Berlin city break guide Picture: © McCanner / Alamy