🇩🇪Berlin, Germany
BMW Berlin Marathon
Sep 27, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
61 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
World-record territory — one of the fastest courses on the planet
Beginner friendly
Great for newcomers — manageable course, strong support
About this race
Berlin is the go-to race for anyone chasing a personal best or a qualifier. The course record (Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35) stands as the world record, and the combination of pristine September weather, a flat asphalt surface, perfectly spaced pacers, and excellent logistics makes it the fastest road marathon on the planet for the average runner too. The route threads through Brandenburg Gate, past the Berlin Wall memorial, and through several of the city's historic districts, finishing dramatically at the Tiergarten. The open entry format (for slower predicted times) makes it accessible, though fast-qualifier spots sell out within minutes of opening. The autumn timing means ideal temperatures — typically 12–18°C at the gun — and exceptional crowd support lining every major boulevard.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
12–20°C
Humidity
45–60%
Conditions
Crisp and clear, classic PB conditions
Wind
5–15 km/h variable
Who this race suits
PB-hunters above all — the fastest big-city course in the world, ideal for a personal best or a Boston qualifier.
The best mass-participation PB course on earth: pancake-flat, smooth asphalt, reliable September weather, and superb pacing. Beginner-friendly too, given the flat profile.
Overview
- Field size
- ~45,000 finishers
- Course type
- Loop, exceptionally flat
- Cut-off time
- 6 hours 15 minutes
- Reputation
- Site of multiple marathon world records
- Pace support
- Well-organised pace teams for common target times
Course intelligence
- Profile
- Flat throughout — no meaningful climbs, on wide boulevards
- Highlights
- Threads historic districts and finishes through the Brandenburg Gate
- Surface
- Smooth asphalt
Registration
- How to enter
- Lottery, or guaranteed entry via a fast recent time, charity, or a tour operator
- Registration opens
- Lottery typically opens the autumn before the race
- Note
- Guaranteed-time entries and tour packages are the reliable routes if the lottery misses
Race weekend
- Expo
- EXPO at the former Tempelhof Airport — in-person bib pickup
- Note
- The inline-skating marathon runs the day before
Travel & logistics
- Best airport
- Berlin Brandenburg (BER)
- Getting around
- U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover the city — buy a day travel pass
- Where to stay
- Mitte, near the Tiergarten for start and finish access
Runner tips
- Trust the flat profile and lock into goal pace early — there are no hills to save energy for.
- September can be warmer than expected; have a hot-weather pacing plan as backup.
- The Brandenburg Gate is under a kilometre from the finish — save something for the final straight, not the arch.
Qualifies for
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