Dates and the 2027 edition
- 2026: Sunday 27 September. According to the published results, the winners were Adola Guye among the men (2:02:50) and Tigst Assefa among the women (2:11:04).
- 2027: Sunday 26 September. The title sponsor changes: the insurer Generali replaces BMW, which backed the race for sixteen years, and the event is now called the Generali Berlin Marathon.
- The organiser usually schedules other events around the race that weekend (a skating marathon, popular runs): check the official programme for times.
A flat, fast course
The start is in the Tiergarten, on Straße des 17. Juni, near the Reichstag. The course crosses several districts, including Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, Charlottenburg and Mitte, on a loop with almost no climb, before finishing at the Brandenburg Gate. The exact route and the aid stations are published by the organiser every year; do not rely on an old map. Several marathon world records have been set in Berlin, which explains its reputation. The Olympic Stadium, shown in the photo, has its own "Marathon Gate"; see our page on the Olympiastadion.
Getting a race number
- The ballot: most places are allocated by lottery, as for the other races of the World Marathon Majors series. For the 2027 edition, the ballot is announced for 1 October to 12 November 2026, with an answer by e-mail on 3 December. The announced entry fee is €215 for runners drawn in the ballot; check the exact amount on the official site.
- Other routes: charity places, packages sold by approved travel agencies, or qualifying times. The conditions change from year to year.
- Beware of resellers: race numbers are in the runner's name and resale is controlled. Buy nothing outside the organiser and its official partners; it is a classic trap, like those described in our guide to scams to avoid in Berlin.
- You collect your number before the race, with the documents required by the rules: read them as soon as you enter.
If you are not running: marathon weekend
On race Sunday, streets in the centre are closed to traffic during the day, especially around the Tiergarten, Mitte and the Brandenburg Gate. Buses are diverted and some lines are disrupted; check the BVG notices and read our advice on getting around Berlin. To cross the course, use the crossings set up by the city or the metro. Hotels fill up months in advance and prices rise: book early if you travel on that date.
Where to cheer the runners on
Spectators line the whole route, with music and supporter groups. The liveliest places are the central districts the course crosses, notably around Mitte, and the finish near the Brandenburg Gate, where the atmosphere is strongest late in the day. The finish grandstands are reserved; elsewhere, the roadside is open to spectators almost everywhere. Pick a spot near a U-Bahn or S-Bahn station and bring something to shelter from the weather: at the end of September it can change quickly.
Planning your stay
September is a very good month for Berlin: soft light, terraces still open and plenty of events. Our guide to what to do in Berlin in September lists the month's highlights, and the calendar of festivals and events helps you place the race in the year. If you run, plan one extra day after the race to sightsee at your own pace: the Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld are gentle walks.
