BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
The Lowdown
The BMW BERLIN‑MARATHON is one of the world’s premier road races and a cornerstone of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, with an open‑road mass race tradition dating back to the modern marathon’s consolidation in 1974 and roots in earlier Berlin long‑distance events. Over decades it has become synonymous with speed and records — most recently producing several world records — attracting the top international elites as well as tens of thousands of recreational runners from around the globe. The event is AIMS‑certified, a World Athletics Platinum Label race and has long been a recognized Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it both highly competitive for elites and appealing for those seeking personal bests and qualifier times. The course itself is famously flat and fast, winding through Berlin’s historic and modern landmarks: runners pass the Reichstag and Victory Column, thread through Tiergarten, sweep past Potsdamer Platz and the fashionable Kurfürstendamm area, and finish with a triumphant run down Straße des 17. Juni to the Brandenburg Gate. Spectator support is enthusiastic and cosmopolitan, with live bands, DJs and cheering crowds creating a festival atmosphere across multiple neighborhoods. Race day is expertly organized, from clearly marked pacing groups to plentiful aid stations, offering an elite-level competitive experience for pros and an unforgettable, well-supported celebration of running for mass participants.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Brandenburg Gate
Reichstag Building
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
Potsdamer Platz
Victory Column (Siegessäule)
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Berlin, Germany
DE
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Must be 18 years or older on race day.
Required Documents
- Valid ID, confirmation email
Entry Methods
- Lottery system - online
- Charity entries - contact them personally
- Tour operators - contact them personally
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds; entries are non-transferable.
In the event of pregnancy, we offer the option of postponing your starting place for up to 3 years.
Cancellation insurance available, visit official Berlin Marathon site for information and conditions
The Berlin Marathon is part of the World Marathon Majors and is renowned for its flat, fast course where multiple world records have been set, including Eliud Kipchoge's men's course record of 2:01:09 in 2022.
The race finishes on Straße des 17. Juni in front of the Brandenburg Gate, offering iconic historic and scenic views along a largely flat route through the city.
Race weekend includes a large Expo with bib pickup, a popular mini-marathon for children, and an official pasta party the day before the race; finishers receive a technical shirt and a commemorative medal.
Aid stations with water and isotonic drinks are placed roughly every 3–5 km, baggage drop and family reunion zones are provided, and organizers strongly recommend using Berlin's efficient public transport for arrival and departure.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.