The Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world, one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Every year, elite long-distance runners as well as amateurs from many countries participate, hoping to complete the course and maybe even set a personal best record. The flat terrain and efficient organization make it one of the best courses for runners to attempt speedy times. Whether you’re attending the 2026 event or preparing for the 2027 Berlin Marathon, you can find helpful information in this guide.
Berlin Marathon 2026 Date and Registration
The Berlin Marathon takes place annually in September. The BMW Berlin Marathon is known for its efficiency and variety of entry pathways. The lottery to enter the 2026 marathon is currently closed, but there are still several other ways to gain a place in the race!
Note that this article is concerned mainly with the running category of the marathon, but those interested in the Inline skating category can find some valuable scheduling information as well.
Find out how to apply for the Chicago Marathon!
Event Date and Schedule
The 2026 BMW Berlin-Marathon is set to be held on September 27, 2026. The weather at this time of year is usually cool and mild in Germany, making it a great time for long-distance runs. Be aware, however, that recent years have seen the temperatures soar to unusual heights; in 2025, the temperature reached 81.7℉, which contributed to over 7,000 runners dropping out of the race.
As of writing this article, there is still plenty of time to secure your place if you haven’t already, make travel arrangements, and get conditioned.
2026 Berlin Marathon
September 27, 2026 8:00 am
The Berlin Marathon begins!
The race weekend usually spans several days. Like most other marathons, runners will need to arrive in advance and attend the Marathon Expo to pick up their race materials. Racers will get their bibs, wristbands, and any other extras they’ve pre-ordered.
Official 2026 timings have not yet been released, but we can estimate the process based on the 2025 times.
- Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26, 2026: Attend the Marathon Expo
- Inline Skaters: You must pick up your materials on Thursday or Friday.
- Sunday, September 27, 2026: Race Day
- Runners begin organizing into groups around 8:30 AM. Handbikers and wheelchair athletes begin the race first; the first wave of runners takes off at 9:15 AM.
- Time Limit: Runners must finish the race within 6h 15m after crossing the start line. Runners who have not reached km 33 by 3:50 PM will be picked up and taken to the finish line.
- Official End Time: 5:15 PM
The entire race weekend usually has lots of events, from the Hall of Fame to the Marathon Party, to the post-marathon massage and medal engraving. Participants and spectators will have lots of activities to explore and make the whole race even more memorable!
Here's a detailed breakdown of the anticipated schedule of waves on race day 2026:
| Starting Time | Wave / Start Block |
|---|---|
| 8:50 AM | Handbiker Elite |
| 8:56 AM | Wheelchair Athletes |
| 8:59 AM | Handbiker |
| 9:15 AM | Run Wave 1: Group A, B, C, D |
| 9:45 AM | Run Wave 2: Group E, F |
| 10:10 AM | Run Wave 3: Group G, H |
| 10:40 AM | Run Wave 4: Group J, K |
| 12:20 PM | Inlineskating: Group A |
| 12:21 PM | Inlineskating: Group A |
| 12:23 PM | Inlineskating: Group B |
| 12:26 PM | Inlineskating: Group C |
| 1:24 PM | Inlineskating: Group D |
| 1:29 PM | Inlineskating: Group E |
| 1:33 PM | Inlineskating: Group F |
Registration Process
Like all of the major marathons, entry into the BMW Berlin Marathon is competitive. Each year, there are many more applicants than there are spaces due to field size limits. Getting into the marathon is an extensive process in itself.
Entrants should use the official Berlin Marathon website to create an account and register. Applicants must be at least 18 years old on race day to enter. There are several ways to pursue entry into the Berlin Marathon.
Find out how to get involved in the Sydney Marathon.
Lottery Entry
The lottery system is the most common way runners attempt to gain entry into the marathon. There are three subcategories in the lottery system. Runners can enter any of these categories, provided they meet the requirements, but they can only enter one, so be sure you choose the category that suits you best!
Entering the lottery is free. You will need to pay the entry fee only if you are selected.
The entry fee for the BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 is €205 (about USD $240).
The lottery for the 2026 Berlin Marathon closed on November 6, 2025. Those who want to run this year will need to use a different entry pathway.
Single Runners
The single runner category is straightforward. Individual runners register to enter their name into the lottery. It is completely random and usually gives runners a 20% chance of selection, based on last year’s numbers.
Teams
Teams of 2-3 runners can enter together for a chance to be selected in a less competitive pool. Each team member needs to create their own account and enter the lottery as individuals. The first person to register will create a team name and receive a team code that they must share with their other member(s). The other members must use the team code on their individual applications to join the team.
Each member will need to pay their own entry fee if the team is selected. Runners are treated as individuals in the race, with each member getting unique bibs and chip trackers. If a team member is unable to attend the race or run after they’ve been selected, the remaining team member(s) can still participate, but they cannot nominate a new team member.
Fast Runners
Competitive runners can enter the fast runner pool by providing a certified qualifying time from an official race. Proof must meet these requirements:
- Achieved in an official race that is part of the Abbott WMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings, certified by AIMS, or listed by USATF.
- Results cannot be more than 2 years old by the event date.
Men and women have different qualifying times they need to meet. Each age group of men and women also has a specific target time.
Here are the qualifying times for men and women as of the 2026 Marathon:
| Group | Qualifying Time |
|---|---|
| Male 18-44 | < 2:45:00 |
| Male 45-59 | < 2:55:00 |
| Male 60+ | < 3:25:00 |
| Female 18-44 | < 3:10:00 |
| Female 45-59 | < 3:30:00 |
| Female 60+ | < 4:20:00 |
The fast runner category gives runners almost a guaranteed entry, provided their proof is validated.
Once your official proof has been validated, you will almost certainly be accepted into the race. The selection process for this group is slightly unclear on the official website.
If your proof is unable to be verified, you will be entered into the general lottery.
Learn about the lottery for entering the London Marathon.
Charity
Like most other major marathons, the Berlin Marathon allows runners to secure a guaranteed entry if they commit to raising a minimum amount for a certified charity. Through the official marathon website, you can find the list of available charities and how to sign up with them.
Donation commitments vary per charity, with the average donation amount being between about €2,000 to €4,000 (about USD $2,350 to $4,700).
Some of the charities in the 2026 marathon include:
- American Cancer Society - DetermiNation
- Wildlife Defense
- Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
- Rethink Mental Illness
- Breakthrough T1D
- Against Breast Cancer
- Children with Cancer UK
- Keep a Child Alive
- And many more…
Many charities have a limited window for applications, while others may remain open until a few days before the race. Some fill up quickly, and others never run out of places.
Tour Operators
Through official sports tours, you can book a guaranteed entry spot and take care of your trip and hotel planning at the same time. A tour package will usually include help with registration and navigation once you arrive on site. Many also offer add-ons for your trip package, like tours of the city.
This entry path is perfect for those who have the means to invest in their competitive running career. It’s typically the costliest option.
Using an athletic tour company usually costs $2,000 to $3,700 per person, and the operator usually doesn’t include flights, meals, or the entry fee.
Discover how you can enter the Boston Marathon.
Registration Timeline for 2027 Berlin Marathon
The date for the 2027 Berlin Marathon has not yet been released, but if it follows tradition, it will take place at the end of September 2027.
Runners trying to enter any major marathon need to plan as far in advance as possible. Usually, athletes begin their planning at least a year before the marathon date. They must consider various application pathways, travel plans including visa applications, and training programs. Athletes who want to enter as a fast runner need to plan which events they will compete in to achieve a qualifying time.
Specific dates for entry for the 2027 BMW Berlin Marathon are not yet specified as of the writing of this article, but you can use this general timeline to begin planning your entry and trip.
September 2024 through September 2026
Window for Fast Runners to Complete a Certified Event
Athletes who want to apply for the fast runner lottery category must complete an official event in this time period.
September 2026
Charity Places Open
Each charity has its own registration window, so be sure to find out all the required details for your charity of choice in advance by visiting their website.
End of September 2026
Lottery Opens
Runners who want to enter into the single runners, teams, and fast runners categories can start sending their applications.
Beginning of November 2026
Lottery Closes
Applications for the lottery close.
End of November 2026
Lottery Announcements Made
Entrants will be notified of their selection or non-selection.
May 2027
Begin Training
Runners should start their training program if they haven’t already.
End of September 2027
Race Day!
Runners should arrive at least 2-3 days in advance to attend the Expo, get their materials, and adjust to the new time zone. Then, you’re ready to race!
One unique feature of the Berlin Marathon is the option to complete the course on skates! Those interested in registering for the Inlineskating event can find more details on the official website.
Berlin Marathon Route Overview
The BMW Berlin Marathon route is known for its flatness and, therefore, speed. Many records and personal bests are set on the Berlin racecourse.
The route runs through central Berlin on smooth, even roads. It’s easy for racers to maintain their target speeds and avoid unexpected exertion. It’s a large loop without any U-turns or switchbacks, so every step of the way brings new sights.
Athletes can look forward to a running tour of the city during the Berlin Marathon route, with landmarks that include:
- Start and finish at the Tiergarten Park, near the historic Reichstag building
- Victory Column
- Bellevue Palace
- Federal Chancellery
- Südstern
- Schöneburg Town Hall
- Platz am Wilden Eber
- Kreuzkirche
- Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church
- Philharmonie
- Potsdamer Platz
- Konzerthaus Berlin
- Berliner Dom
- Pariser Platz
- Brandenburg Gate
Throughout the course, there are plenty of hydration stations and medical tents. The organizing teams behind the marathon aim to make the race as safe and memorable as possible.
Find out how to enter the Tokyo Marathon.
History of the Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon has a storied history, spanning significant historical events. Since 2011, BMW has been the title sponsor, helping to ensure the marathon has all the funding required for logistics, payroll, and more. Runners from all over the world travel to Berlin every year to participate in this historic event.
The Start of the Berlin Marathon
The first Berlin Marathon began as a small local competition in 1974, in the nearby forested area called Grunewald. In 1981, the course was moved to the city center, near the Reichstag.
Notably, the 1990 marathon took place just days before the official reunification of Germany. Runners were able to pass through the Brandenburg Gate for the first time, allowing both East and West Germans to enjoy the same event.
After the Berlin Wall was torn down, the course was expanded to incorporate more of East Berlin.
During the 1990s and 2000s, more international athletes began to join each year. The Berlin Marathon became one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2006.
Since then, it’s become more and more popular, aligned with the increasing popularity of running and all the other major marathons as well.
Learn more about all the other major world marathons!
If you want to succeed, you have to be willing to work harder than anyone else.
Eliud Kipchoge, professional long-distance runner & marathon winner
Record-Breaking Performances
The course at the Berlin Marathon is well-known for many reasons, but one of the most exciting is because of its propensity for producing record-breaking run times.
The combination of the flat course, (usually) cool September weather, and organized structure creates the perfect environment for runners to come away with personal bests and all-time marathon-breaking records.
In 2023, Tigst Assefa, professional Ethiopian long-distance runner, set the world record as the first woman to break the 2:12:00 barrier in a marathon; her time was 2:11:53.
Ronaldo da Costa of Brazil became the first runner to pass the 40K mark in under two hours (he passed it at 1:59:55, and his finishing time was 2:06:05) in 1998.
There have been 12 official overall time records set at the Berlin Marathon. Additionally, the Guinness World Record for the First Marathon Distance Run Under Two Hours was set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2019, with a time of 1:59:40:2.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to set your personal best at an official marathon, the Berlin course might just be your best bet! To set your dream in motion, make sure you apply for the lottery or make alternative entry arrangements with lots of time to spare.
Work with a personal trainer to ensure your training routine includes all the necessary strength, cardio, and conditioning exercises required, especially if you’re new to the sport. Your trainer can also help you develop a plan for running marathons, including pacing, when to hydrate and with what, and recovery methods. With the right training program, you'll be ready to run any marathon, even the New York City Marathon!
References
- Berlin Marathon 2025: The Key Numbers Behind a Historic Edition. (n.d.). In Marathons. https://www.marathons.com/en/save-the-date/berlin-marathon-2025-the-key-numbers-behind-a-historic-edition
- BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026. (2025). In www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com. https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en
- "Event Info" (2025). Abbott World Marathon Majors, BMW Berlin Marathon, SCC Events. https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/fileadmin/media/events/berlinmarathon/Event_Info/BM25_Event_Info_EN.pdf
Summarize with AI:
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
