Complete Guide to the Berlin Marathon

The BMW Berlin Marathon isn’t just another race – it’s one of the world’s great running events, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside Boston, New York, London, Chicago, and Tokyo. Every September, more than 45,000 runners from over 150 countries take to Berlin’s streets. Whether you’re running or cheering, here’s everything you need to know.

Join me on a private guided tour of Berlin, and check out my lists of recommended hotels, restaurants and this guide to master Berlin's public transportation!

A Short History

The first Berlin Marathon in 1974 was a modest affair: 286 runners started at Mommsenstadion in Westend and ran through the Grunewald forest to Wannsee. It was more of a local race back then. At the second marathon, a husband and wife took the men’s and women’s medals – true hashtag couple goals.

In 1981, Berlin organizers wanted the marathon to go through the city center, just like in New York and London. The police president was shocked: “Dort drüben sitzt ein Verrückter. Der will durch die Stadt rennen.” (Over there sits a madman. He wants to run through the city.) At the time, police insisted streets were only for cars – but thanks to support from the Western Allies, the marathon started for the first time in front of the Reichstag. Over 3,000 runners ran through West Berlin, past the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and even along the Berlin Wall.

The defining year was 1990, just after reunification. For the first time, runners dashed through the Brandenburg Gate, symbolizing Berlin’s new era. From then on, registration became mandatory in advance.

In 1997, inline skaters joined the fun – today Berlin hosts the world’s largest inline marathon. By 2006, Berlin was a founding member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, joining Tokyo, London, Boston, Chicago, and New York.

And thanks to its flat course and mild September weather, Berlin is where world records fall – more often than anywhere else.

Date & Registration

• The Berlin Marathon usually takes place on the last Sunday in September.

• Entry is by lottery, usually opening in October the year before.

• Charity entries and tour operator packages are also available.

  
  

Weather & What to Pack

Late September in Berlin is mild but unpredictable:

• Average highs: 19°C / 66°F

• Average lows: 11°C / 52°F

• Pack layers for before and after the race.

  
  

The Course

The race starts and finishes on Straße des 17. Juni in Tiergarten, with the Brandenburg Gate at its heart. The loop covers ten districts, past landmarks like:

• Reichstag

• Victory Column

• Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

• Potsdamer Platz

• Berlin Cathedral

• Gendarmenmarkt

• Berlin TV Tower

And of course, that unforgettable final sprint through the Brandenburg Gate.

Spectator Tips & Where to Watch

Public transport makes it easy to catch runners multiple times:

• Option 1: Start at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz (10 km), hop on the U2 to Bülowstraße (half marathon), then catch them again near 36–37 km.

• Option 2: Oranienburger Tor (8 km), then U6 to Mehringdamm (19–20 km), then north to 39–40 km.

📌 The finish area is crowded – get there early if you want a spot in the grandstands. Meeting points after the race are at Paul-Löbe-Haus (Bundestag station).

Hydration, Toilets & Pacers

• Aid stations every 2.5–3 km with water, tea, isotonic drinks, and sometimes fruit or gels.

• Portable toilets are at the start and along the route.

• Pacers (balloon carriers) run at common finish times to help with pacing.

  
  

Bag Drop & Logistics

• Bag drop is available at the start/finish area with your race kit.

• Many runners prefer using the provided disposable poncho instead.

• The finish area is runners-only – family and friends should arrange to meet you outside.

  
  

The Marathon Expo

Held at Messe Berlin, this is where you collect your bib:

• Thursday: 3 p.m.–8 p.m.

• Friday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

• Saturday: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

It’s also a giant running fair with gear, nutrition, and atmosphere worth soaking up.

What to Eat (Pasta in Berlin!)

Carb-loading is part of the tradition. Great pasta restaurants include:

• La Galleria Italiana (Mitte) – small Italian that only serves pasta.

• Pasta and Passione (Prenzlauer Berg) - Fresh pasta and bigger than the place in Mitte.

• Spaghetti Western (Kreuzberg) – casual and fun.

Transport & Free Travel

• Marathon participants get free Berlin public transport (zones ABC) from Thursday to Sunday with bib and ticket.

• Airport transfers: FEX train, S-Bahn, regional trains, taxi/Uber, or Welcome Pickups for private service.

  
  

Post-Race

• After the finish, runners exit through Tiergarten’s north side.

• Official meeting points: Paul-Löbe-Haus near Bundestag.

• Recovery stations offer water, isotonic drinks, fruit, and often alcohol-free beer.

  
  

Beyond the Marathon

Berlin is more than a racecourse:

• Explore the city with a private tour before or after the race.

• On race day, when Berlin is blocked off, supporters can enjoy a day trip to Potsdam with palaces and gardens.

  
  

Final Tips

• Arrive by Friday to collect your bib and explore.

• Book hotels and tours well in advance – September is peak season.

• Use your free transport ticket for sightseeing.

• Enjoy the atmosphere – Berlin Marathon weekend is unlike anything else.

🏁 Whether you’re running for a personal best, cheering a loved one, or simply soaking in the excitement, the Berlin Marathon is an unforgettable experience.