Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon is one of the fastest and most prestigious marathons in the world and is part of the World Marathon Majors. The event is organized by SCC EVENTS GmbH. Its main appeal lies in its relatively easy course and large prize money (1,000,000 euros).

History of the Berlin Marathon

The birth date of the Berlin Marathon is considered to be November 8, 1964. On that day, a mass running event was held in what was then a divided Berlin. A cross-country race started from “Teufelsberg” (Devil’s Mountain) and was open to anyone who wanted to participate. The event was initiated by a baker named Horst Milde together with some students. They received support from the British and French soldiers and the Red Cross, successfully organizing a race that grew into the Berlin Marathon within ten years.

The enthusiasm for the race led to the creation of the sports club SCC EVENTS GmbH, which still organizes all mass running events in Germany today. In 1974, participants ran the classic marathon distance for the first time, but the course was on the outskirts of West Berlin. The winners that year were Günter Hallas for men and Jutta von Haase for women. This route was used until the early 1980s because local authorities were reluctant to close city streets for runners.

After many negotiations, in 1981 the start line was moved to the city center, beginning near the Reichstag and finishing close to the Kurfürstendamm metro station. The number of participants rose to 3,486. Within four years, the number of runners surpassed 10,000. After Berlin’s reunification, the route was changed again and remains the same to this day. The number of participants continued to increase. Every year, around 60,000 people register but only 40,000 are accepted.

Since 2004, the Berlin Marathon has been led by Mark Milde, son of Horst Milde. In 2008, the marathon received “gold” status from the IAAF. This certification allows official recognition of world records set on the course.

Berlin Marathon Route

Beautiful, fast, and flat are three words that describe the Berlin Marathon course. The 42.2 km route passes through historic parts of Berlin with smooth asphalt free from patches or repairs.

The course is very flat with no significant climbs. The maximum elevation reaches about 40 meters. As a certified course, every record set here is officially recorded. There are no sharp turns or steep inclines.

Runners come to enjoy the city’s charming sights at a relaxed pace or to break records and win. Everyone has their own goal.

The start line is at the Brandenburg Gate and the finish line is on Karl-Schulz Street. Starting from kilometer 5, water stations are set every 4–7 km, offering cold and warm drinks. From kilometer 9, refreshment points appear every 6 km with sliced fruit.

The average finishing time for the top ten runners has never exceeded 2 hours 30 minutes. For non-elite runners, competing near the front is challenging due to crowd density. Running fast in the middle of the pack is often not possible.

When is the Berlin Marathon Held?

Traditionally, the Berlin Marathon takes place on the last Sunday of September. The exact date changes yearly. The event starts on Saturday with races for children and inline skating competitions. The main marathon race is held on Sunday. The event has only been canceled once, in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Autumn weather in Berlin is ideal for a marathon: cool and not too windy. Statistics show temperatures during the race rarely exceed 20°C (68°F) during the day. The chance of rain is very low. With a flat course and favorable weather, runners are encouraged to set personal bests and new records.

How to Participate in the Berlin Marathon?

There are several ways to join the Berlin Marathon:

1. Register as a “fast runner” by providing a certificate of successfully completing an AIMS-certified marathon.

2. Register through a charity partner or a tour operator listed on the official Berlin Marathon website: https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/your-registration/tour-operators/

3. Win the lottery.

Registration as a Fast Runner

The qualifying times required to register as a fast runner are:

Registration Through Charity Programs

Charity registration involves making a donation to one of the organizations listed on the website https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/your-registration/charity/. If the organization is not listed on the official portal, it will not be considered. The donation amount must be at least 900 euros.

Registration Through the Lottery

The lottery is for those who do not want to meet qualifying times or donate. Registration opens immediately after the marathon ends, and the draw takes place in December. Winners are announced in January of the following year. Registration is done via the official site https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/your-registration/lottery/.

How Much Does Registration for the Berlin Marathon Cost?

The participation fee for the Berlin Marathon is 165 euros per runner. This includes access to the after-race party, free use of toilets during and after the race, sponsor souvenirs, a medal, and space for changing and showering at the start and finish areas. Additionally, packages with massage, T-shirts, magnets, videos, and more can be purchased. The full list is available on the official website: https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/your-registration/registration-information/.

All Berlin Marathon Winners

The table presents all the winners of the Berlin Marathon since its inception. The starting date is set as October 1974, as that was when the full distance of 42.195 km was first completed.