BERLIN MARATHON 2024: NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

[@markfoz7248]

45 year old man who has never met you and I shed a tear as you crossed the line. Incredible. Thank you.

[@joaoborges7768]

Same age, same reaction here 😢

[@MattdeFreitas]

Same!!

[@xxmorancxx]

Same except not a man or 45 but you know what I mean 😅 so inspired!

[@mtbalex6454]

43 years old but same reaction. Congrats Nick, you inspire me to be better person!

[@justalilbester]

Marathons are emotional at the best of times. This one, as you can imagine, was a millions more for me! Onwards and upwards

[@veganmickeymouse]

Your mom and dad watched from above and couldn’t be prouder of his son! Congratulations my friend!

[@justalilbester]

Always, especially in that last 10k of a marathon!

[@inCARnationAustralia]

Well done Nick. I ran 2:22 back in 1987 (at age 29) and it took me fifteen years of trying after that before I finally accepted I wasn't going to go faster and get that sub 2:20 I wanted. But you did. Well done. Now I'm 67 and slow but at least I'm still running.

[@justalilbester]

You’re a beast and I did this for us!! 🫶🏻🙌🏻

[@TheFODRunner]

Big respect Nick… honestly, you knuckle down with each training block… all of which led to this moment. Please savour it, soak it in… I think a load of people already respected you for your work ethic but fair play, you’ve just hit a new level 👏

[@justalilbester]

Cheers champ!! Split over content this race! Worth it and forwards we move!! Let's keep going!

[@jifford1]

How can you not get fired up by this?! Anybody who has ever worked for anything in their life. Put the time in. Suffered the failures. And came back to accomplish the goal can understand the joy of this! Congratulations Nick! Well done sir! Thanks for bringing us on the journey.

[@Rubz3211]

Sometimes getting it the seventh time is more impressive than getting it the first time! Congratulations, Nick!

[@BamainMn]

Not to be denied in that last 10k! Congratulations!

[@justalilbester]

Not this time!!! 🦁

[@RaffaRuns]

I absolutely love that you called out that bulls!tt3r on Strava!!! Amazing Nick, so pleased for you lad.

[@jasonbritton3427]

What a total c**t, obviously someone who is very jealous, and don’t appreciate the efforts nick has put in to get to this point, well 2 fingers up for you pal, there was no blowing up today, was full steam ahead Boomshakalaka 😂😂

[@edcfoz]

This is THE post Berlin marathon video I was waiting for.....that joy is what it's all about! So happy for you man, you epitomise so many of the things I love about this sport....the good vibes, community, the positivity, hard work and resilience paying off...how much you learn about yourself and how much more capable you are than you think along the way. I am in your vid crossing the line at the end and I kid you not, at one point I wondered to myself if you'd finally broken 2:20 today. So cool to see you were a few metres away and supporting others at that moment, after just achieving your dream. We don't know each other and I'm utterly chuffed for you, how great is running 😅

[@jackmellor3567]

Goosebumps throughout! 👊😎

[@kevinclark5086]

Never even met the bloke but you can't beat seeing someone achieve their long term goal. 'The harder the battle the sweeter the victory' Well done Nick.

[@ChrisD1865]

The cameraman deserves a medal - wow! What a great friend to record and cheer you on. Excellent job, Nick!

[@ctrlaltdylan]

Wow Nick, what a video. Goosebumps, tears, the works. And let it be said: everyone needs a friend like Mike - the way he supported you on the day was something special.

[@justalilbester]

Such a ledge and I couldn’t have done it without him!!!

[@wladyslawie83]

I was tracking your run via the app while my kids were having their swimming class that Sunday. I told your story to them and they instantly became superinspired. The decisive moment came when I was drying my daughters hair, so she held the phone and told me about the splits. When the clock went on ticking towards 2:19:50+ we all felt very nervous for you! But then a notification came with 2:19:45 and we all screamed in joy! Well done, Nick!

[@Andy.mikhail137]

7th attempt, 3rd time in Berlin. I like those numbers 🤙 Congrats man 🫡 Boomshakalaka !

[@justalilbester]

50th Berlin. There was just something special about this one

[@jamesknowlson2847]

Best running video ever made, it's that's simple! Congrats Nick! Well done! Shown my kids this, so many lessons, in addition to your determination, your humility and gratitude are so inspiring, and all this despite the trauma you suffered as a child. I lost my mother to a cancerous brain tumour when I was 11; it's such an incredible trauma to lose one parent but to lose both your mum and dad to such a rare illness is just cruel and shows the amazing character you have to have become the man you are today. I wish you continued success and will look forward to watching your journey progress! Thank you for the inspiration. Aiming for sub-3 in April myself and I am so motivated after this. Keep going and Boomshakalaka!

[@justalilbester]

Thanks for sharing!! Now go get that sub 3! Boom Shakalaka 💥

[@gloriab7801]

I'm 70, and thought my days of PB's had gone, however, after watching that, maybe not ! Congratulations sir, on an inspirational run🫡

[@justalilbester]

Incredible and keep going! The best is yet to come!

[@Jamieallthegearnoidea]

You didn’t just “wait” 3 years, you bloody worked your backside off for those 3 years!!!! Go you good thing!!!!!

[@katharinaschneiderr]

I ran my first marathon at 3h 31 min in may this year and I can't explain the experience. I really want to break the sub 3:25 and quality for Boston, Chicago and have the possibility to run in Tokyo too.. Watching you run had me rexpereince the rush of emotions, excitement, tears and everything in between. I got so emotionally affected by your video! Reminding med never to give up, keep going. Your achievement is incredible!!! Thank you for boosting my motivation!

[@Huntelaar13]

Unreal brother. Takes massive stones to keep putting yourself out there to millions of people online, missing your goal, picking yourself back up & SMASHING IT! Mega respect 🙌

[@AlexmacKnotty22]

This guy just became my favourite running KZbinr. As of this one race. 🎉🎉

[@justalilbester]

Appreciate the support!! Let’s go get it!!!!

[@runningwithmarc]

Some proper chills watching this, you shared the journey well, and it's amazing to see you rewarded with this well deserved achievement. Congrats man

[@Lewis714]

Matthew Bowser is hiding. Proving the haters wrong has got to be a special feeling! 🎉🎉🎉

[@coherentpanda7115]

Congrats Nick, been watching your channel for 3 years, and I shed tears when I saw you cross the finish line under 2:20. Incredible job, you are the poster boy for never giving up.

[@saljablo2767]

At work when this dropped. Walking out to my car to give this my FULL attention. I’m so happy for you. Awesome!!!!!

[@jonglanfield9446]

Haha love this! Great commitment to the content 😁

[@opeyemikene]

Commoooooon Nick. So proud of you. I was eating whilst watching this video and nearly choked because of the raw emotion after you crossed that finish line and smashed your marathon PB. I shed a little tears of joy for you. Massive congratulations. You are truly inspiring.

[@CSGOHighlights]

Man, this was one of the BEST videos I've watched on KZbin. I've been following your training, strava, videos and everything else leading up to this and I tracked your run. You're an absolute inspiration and people don't realise how much mental willpower goes into this run and the intensive training you go through. You deserve this so much. Celebrate and take it all in. Incredible achievement that you should be proud of for the rest of your life.

[@justalilbester]

Thanks so much for the support!! Let’s take this momentum forward! Onwards and upwards!!

[@deedsyt]

truly so happy for you bro, i have been watching for a min and it really just brightened up my day when i saw what you achieved😁

[@mutech333]

So glad you finally did it, nobody deserved it more! It was nice briefly meeting you at the evening party, I assume you kept partying until your legs collapsed 😅 And thanks for making me part of your race video, I am the guy in the red shirt celebrating his own PB at 18:48, also the first one since Berlin 2022 🤣

[@_Don_P]

This video really showcases how incredibly emotional the running journey is. So much hard work goes into this, both physical and mental. Nothing more rewarding than having it all come together.

[@iancollinge1614]

That vlog personifies you as a person Nick, absolutely top notch. God, if that one video alone doesn't inspire anyone nothing will. What an absolute machine you are, totally inspiring 💪

[@d3mian]

From a dad who didn´t broke the sub3 for 35 seconds and the next year could, I feel this. Thanks for this video. You're an inspiration, man. Thanks for this. I´m going for a run.

[@TheSimonvalente]

Matthew who??? FANTASTIC!!! That meant so much to you, heroically well deserved.

[@eckph]

watched one minute of your video and I already know that it‘ll be one of my favourite motivational videos of all time. You are a freaking LEGEND!

[@justalilbester]

Let’s freaking gooooo baby!!

[@308bar]

Congrats again! The support and the number of people cheering for you speaks loads and are unreal, it speaks on how you inspire and impact peoples lives. Let's go!🎉

[@justalilbester]

The support was and is unbelievable!! So grateful and it fuels me!!

[@9MRSG]

When you told us about your parents, I started crying. I am so proud of the person you have become, and I am so glad you were able to accomplish your dream.

[@lewiswhatley5997]

No one deserves this more than you mate. You are a true inspiration to so many out there! Well done 👊🏼

[@ismailgrou1667]

Congrats Nick I'm so happy for you. I ran the marathon as well and achieved my first sub3h finish with a time of 2:56. I was really looking forward to the marathon, hoping to see you there you ve been a big inspiration. I missed my first attempt at sub3h by just 20 seconds, but after seeing your determination to keep pushing for sub 2h20, I couldn’t give up. I finally made it! 🎉 By the way, if the finish line video at the end had an extra 10 seconds, you d have seen me crossing it at the end Haha Booom shakalaka!

[@crwnikeboy]

I’m not crying, you’re crying. GREAT JOB, YOU’RE A GREAT INSPIRATION!!!!!!!!!

[@christiandyer9574]

A superbly crafted video, relaying a fascinating and deeply moving story - the pinnacle of a decade of progressive running - in level, quality and quantity, conquering fears, doubts and demons evolving into a three year epic crusade to achieve a personal goal that became more entrenched with each and every brave and frustrating prior attempt and surely compounding the weight felt on the shoulders by choosing to relay the ups and downs of the enthralling journey so openly and honestly to the world. The volume and intensity of training required to have been able to run at such a fast pace; 5.03 metres / 16.5 ft - the length of a large front room - per second, for so long - 2 hrs 20 minutes - the length of an extended feature movie, for so far - 42,195m or 8.5 parkruns - in itself is tough enough to endure, both physically and mentally and was by far the most significant element to each and every attempt. But reaching this level of performance also demanded a strict diet, calculating calorie requirements and intake, a disciplined sleep routine and sacrificing time with loved ones. The cumulative physical benefit, experience and shear mental determination and resilience gained through the preceding three years of training for the seven attempts - in enduring all of this multiple times over is what undoubtedly enabled Nick to execute an optimal race strategy and finally reach the summit of the mountain and win HIS race. A classic tale of never giving up and staying the course - phenomenal achievement Nick.

[@justalilbester]

So much sacrifice goes into just giving yourself a chance. So when it comes together it's oh so sweet!! Appreciate this message! Let's keep this momentum! Onwards and upwards!

[@jamestunstead1319]

You are such an inspiration, really you are. I ruptured my quad tendon 5 years ago and it had to be re-attached with sutures and holes were drilled into my kneecap, so it’s been a long way back to get into any sort of decent shape. I was going nowhere really, times were not improving, I felt terrible and was losing motivation, but I always watch your videos and you are always so positive yet you have been through so much. You kept me going, I always think of what you say when things are tough and lo and behold I’ve had 5 PBs in a row at 3 different park runs, including a sub 25 minutes which was my post injury goal that I thought I’d never ever achieve. I had the app on and was checking your progress and it was looking dodgy at half way, but with a few KMs to go I was confident you would make it and you did. I was delighted and let out a boomshakalaka!

[@dangallagher6176]

Crazy you have such a similar story to me. I had the exact same injury in Feb 2023. 1.5 years onwards and I'm finally back running parkruns trying to beat my pre-injury pb. Not there yet but I reckon I'm not too far away. Congrats on the recovery!

[@kiltrokills5527]

Its so weird how invested I am in this. I've watched every video for 2 years, some like 20 times. I run every day and haven't improved, but you motivate the hell out of me. We ain't stopping anytime soon.

[@Fit4Life__]

I run every 4 days and run sub 3 Try run less with quality

[@hogasnicolae]

Man, I was watching your video and cried. So much effort and sacrifice and you reach your goal. You are a legend man!!! Well done Champ!

[@NoNo-x5r8m]

You give me inspiration man, from where you started, to now a sub 2:20 marathon. Honestly amazing

[@nelliel3446]

you’re honestly so inspiring nick. The way you pushed it at the end rather than giving up is so admirable! 🎉

[@Astrix321]

i dont think i have ever been happier for someone reaching their sports goal that i dont know in person, amazing work nick! huge inspiration

[@samdking]

Amazing race vid Nick. I was tearing up when you were! When that 3:14 split came in, all I could think about was your 3 x 10k workout and how much you nailed that final set. You truly put in the work and deserve this accomplishment.

[@justalilbester]

That session was key to this success! Thanks!

[@chrispotter6847]

I followed you on the app on Sunday and was showing my wife your time and tearing up telling her you did it. I would love another attempt at sub 3 but had a years worth of injuries and lost a lot of of speed and 55 years old now. You may have inspired me to give it another go! Congrats Nick I have loved following your story and am so happy for you and your family that you achieved such an amazing goal. The dedication and how humble you are genuinely inspires me and you deserve everything you achieved. #Sub 2:20 boy boomshakalaka

[@DennisSeib]

Touche! You earned it! But also love how you kept saying "We did it".....that right there speaks to your character. Amazing how your training, your past failures, your hard work, your team flowed through you to your success. Massive Congrats!

[@jjames1949]

So happy for you Nick, you’re the most down to earth guy and you’ve worked so hard for that!!

[@high-captain-BaLrog]

oh this is one of the best running videos out there and getting community to film and collate this was genius! you people are a different breed!

[@Lidburn]

just had to rewatch this. bro if it wasn't for you I would never have lost 28kg and broke sub 20 in the 5km, not kidding

[@justalilbester]

Lovely to hear! Huge gains, congrats! And thanks for sharing! Onwards and upwards!

[@JJR-Running]

Followed along on the app the entire time, and never doubted that this was the one. Huge congrats!! On another note, imagine being a running coach and posting that comment for everyone (potential clients) to see... I'd never see that and think he's the kind of coach I want to have. What a clown

[@liamcotter8512]

I've been following you from the start Nick. Sunday was your magic moment which you will treasure for the rest of your life. So so happy for you. You are inspiration for the theory "Never give up" and you WILL eventually achieve. Was a massive bonus to meet you walking down the street on Monday! Keep achieving as you are still very young in terms of marathon career. I just hope you stick with the marathon as we need you in the marathon world.

[@yonebayashi2212]

I began watching your channel 8 months ago and back then I already knew you were doing your best and putting absolutely everything in running. Sub 02:19 let's goo. Proud of you Nick 🎉🎉🎉. Perhaps it's time to update the short video of " marathon progression" 😂 boom shakalaka 🎉🎉

[@SeekEndurance]

Great story, great editing, this makes me want to start a new marathon training block

[@justalilbester]

Thanks and go get it champ!!

[@elninochin0]

If anyone ever doubts themselves and needs some inspiration before their own PB attempt - they need to watch this! Absolutely smashed it Nick - well done.

[@jb4932]

I’ve just looked up the definition of Boom Shakalaka in the dictionary - and it just says: Nick Bester!?! Good Arrows mate 🎯

[@justalilbester]

Haha love this!!!!

[@KiwiM1994]

Congrats Nick! Nothing better than proving the doubters wrong! Enjoy the celebration champ!

[@angejo5591]

I cried so much during this video 😭 well done top man. Not just congratulating the time most the congratulations go to the insane amount of hard work and belief you had to go through for the last 3 YEARS to achieve this. You are the one.

[@TiloDroid]

Cmon nick im crying watching your reaction at the finish. I was following your time online like your wife and I jumped up when I read 2:19. In all honestly, I also had some doubts, seeing as your times where declining over the years. But srcew those doubt I had about you and any doubts I might have about myself in the. I believe that with hard training any dream can be achieved no matter whee you are in your life. Seeing the sub 3 runners also motivates me, seeing the diversity of runners in that field. I thought it was quite unusual for a big guy like yourself to run so unbelievably fast but you proved my misconceptions wrong. No human is limited. Congratulations nick and BOOM SHAKALAKA!

[@justalilbester]

If you don’t believe in yourself, no one will! Let’s go get it!!

[@jamilesimplicio2163]

I'm screaming "come on Nick!!!" as I watch like if I was there on the day, you're inspiration on action, thank you!!! Cheers from Brazil!

[@samrizzo1720]

You made me cry man. Congratulations on achieving your goal. You are so inspiring to watch, Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@jodeefarah7866]

"Where there is pain, there's success". Well said Nick, that pretty much sums up your journey so far. The quality of this production was befitting of a video showing you get your sub 2:20. Bester you Biscuit 💪💪

[@justalilbester]

YES!!! We got there boetie!! Appreciate the support and the coolest part is that we have some serious momentum going forward now! Onwards and upwards!!

[@enzo-qc6oz]

this video made me cry and that doesn't happen often, congratulations Nick, no-one deserved this more than you!!

[@alison8843]

Amazing Nick, you are inspirational. I cried with you hearing your emotion when you finished ❤

[@grgr6720]

Well done man genuinely happy for you. It is always great to see people working hard and reaching their dreams.

[@20sur20edu]

Congrats all the way from Senegal! I was very invested in your sub 2:20 journey and teared up from your joy and pride. Well done sir ! Super inspiring as I train myself to break 3:30

[@glenbergman9040]

A lesson from this is watching how well you held form through the entire race, with spot-on pacing

[@scottklarquist9514]

I got emotional seeing you achieve your goal, not going to lie. So inspiring. Cheers, mate! 🎉🎉🎉

[@pintspiesandpbs3198]

Congratulations Nick! Fully deserved! The moment in your training where I thought you'd do it was the 3*10 session. You progressed so much better than last time and finished below marathon pace. The belief you got from that must have been massive. I didn't want to put in a time prediction for risk of cursing it, but to drop a 16.13 30-35k split after the pack had disintegrated is insane. One last thing, Matt Bowser is a notorious wind up (polite version) and I wouldn't worry about his opinion! Enjoy the next few weeks!

[@quiquepenarandalythe421]

Earlier on this April I said hi to you and gave you a fist bump at Battersea Park when you where 2 weeks out from Manchester Marathon, attempting another sub 2:20, and I was gutted that you didn’t get it! But to see that you have done it now… Never in doubt!! You are truly an inspiration Nick, so passionate and such a motivational guy!! You give faith to myself and to so many others that anything is possible, thank you so much for being you👊🏽❤️💪🏽🙌🏽

[@mikeleon3128]

Congratulations!! The Best!!! No Risk it No Biscuit!! Pumps me up for sub 3 attempt in exactly 30 days!! 💪💪 You painted your Masterpiece! 🎨 💥

[@debbieboothroyd2420]

I drove past you when you were training recently, and to now watch you running such an incredible time is so awesome!!! My husband just asked me why I’m crying…hard to explain!!!

[@Rogrunner]

Waaaaaa Nick you LEGEND..!! Actual tears watching this 🥹🥹 you worked SO hard and NEVER gave up, you’re honestly one of the most inspiring people I know and it was an absolute privilege to get to see your magic in action out there and cheer you on..!! You and you alone earned every single step out there… never has there been a more deserving goal SMASHED….!!! You’re a ROCK STAR..!!!! BooooooooomSHAKALAKA..!!!!

[@justalilbester]

You're a key piece to me cracking this dream of mine! So nice to have you there this weekend!! THANK YOU! Let's goooo!!

[@jecktongtan6258]

The filming of sub 3 finishers crossing the line somehow make me believe everyone can run sub 3 ! Thanks for the inspiration Nick!

[@soltour87]

I’ve been waiting for this one! Well done Nick. Really inspirational. Boom Shakalaka!

[@justalilbester]

You and me both! I’ve been waiting 3 years to make this video!! 🙌🏻 Boom Shakalaka!!

[@lqmedinajr]

Congrats Nick! It's been a rollercoaster ride on getting along with your journey to grab that elusive sub 2:20 marathon goal through your videos. Finally, you got it!

[@settlers33]

So amazing! I was in your same shoes in the late it's. Worked full time and physical work. Only went 2:23 two years in a row. Love this for you!🎉

[@settlers33]

90s

[@geoff6195]

Congratulations mate. I was cheering you on and you’ve motivated me to enter Brighton marathon next year after 5 years retirement from Ironman stuff at 56 years of age.

[@christinaclementson]

Yesssss Nick!!!! So so happy for you. You’ve worked so hard and waited a long time for this. Absolutely wonderful to see you achieve your goal! Boom shakalaka 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ImThe1stAvenger]

Men come, men see, men cry. Well done mate!

[@PatrickDoherty-kq9wm]

Legend. Never knew about your parents. They would be very very proud.

[@rundreamachieve]

GREAT work Nick. My PR is 2:19:35 so I fully understand what a difficult task and massive achievement you dropped in Berlin. Welcome to the sub 2:20 club brother and VERY well done.

[@daji6675]

I've been waiting for this video to drop! Congratulations Nick! An incredible achievement and even though I don't know you personally, I was rooting for you. Top marks for the recording and whoever put together this video too. Brilliant to watch!

[@Astrix321]

16:24 this sentence.. is what makes winners win, they recognize all the hard work and effort and pain they went through, and will go beyond to achieve the goal in the final moment, brilliant. smashed it mate

[@tomatrix7525]

BOOMSHAKALAKAAAAA! Lets go Nick we are all so happy to see you pull it off! And it was epic indeed🎉🎉🎉. Well deserved and this video really brought the emotion and race to life. Well done brother

[@rusydan1231]

Congrats!! Race executed well! Gonna attempt my first ever marathon soon. Running doesn't get easier, we just get faster~ 🤪

[@justalilbester]

And recover faster!! Can’t wait to go again. But first, some more celebrations

[@gary_runs]

Unbelievable video champ! It actually gave me goosebumps! Always an inspiration and love being part of your team! 💙🤍

[@justalilbester]

Appreciate the support 💙🤍 together we grow!! Onwards and upwards!!

[@irsko13]

Huge fan of yours Nick. I stayed up into the middle of the night following you on your race and was beyond happy for you. Now watching this video made me cry. Congrats and thank you for being so inspirational! :)

[@justalilbester]

Thanks so much!! Appreciate the support and glad I could deliver the goods!! 🤩🙌🏻

[@mundungo5586]

Huge congratulations Nick.Ive been watching your journey to sub 2hr 20m marathon and it's been a privilege to follow you.That was a pacing masterclass last Sunday.

[@DanielKendall2010]

I was thinking “why is vid taking so long 😡” but after this video, I was just fine to wait for the most beautiful video I’ve ever seen 😢

[@Fabio-Correr-eh-Viver]

Congratulations from Brazil. You are so strong! What a finish those last 12Km! You motivated me to seek my best. Thanks a lot!

[@Leeroy49]

Congratulations 🎉 as we told you. You did it. Now this barrier is out of your head and you can reach your true potential.

[@Leeroy49]

And I don't think you waited for it, you worked so hard. Be proud 🎉

[@TimPark-j2p]

Let’s go! I’ve watched many recap videos, but few have ever hit me like this one. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for sharing your heart.

[@Pappamea81]

Boom shakalaka! 👏🏻 You’re a beast, Bester! Well deserved. 👊🏻

[@michaelsteffens8787]

Such a great performance, Nick! Thx that we could be a part of your inspiring journey! 😎🚀🏃💪 Keep on Running!

[@mogosberhane264]

Man!😢😢😢. You are such a great person. I can't control my tears too. When I completed my first marathon in 3:2:45 I was so emotional. Now my second Marathon will be On 6.10 .2024 Köln Marathon!!!!. You are a great motivational!

[@ultimatewasser975]

How did it go?

[@runbyron]

You did it!!! Hard work! Never stop dreaming!!

[@blackheart5018]

You suddenly give me inspiration after few months of self doubt & lost of motivation.

[@gokuuzamaki977]

You are my inspiration brother theres nothing better then watching the true strength of the human spirit CONGRATS NICK🎉🎉🎉