Every September, Berlin transforms into the fastest city on earth. Tens of thousands of runners pour through the streets, past some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks, toward a finish line that has rewritten the history of marathon running more than any other. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, it happens again. Whether you plan to run, watch, or simply soak up the electric atmosphere, this guide gives you everything you need to know.
Race Date, Start Times and Weekend Schedule
The 2026 race takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The start and finish area sits on Straße des 17. Juni, the wide boulevard that connects the Victory Column to the Brandenburg Gate in the heart of the city.
The wheelchair race starts first, at 8:50 a.m. The main running waves follow from 9:15 a.m. Organizer SCC EVENTS divides runners into four waves based on expected finish time. The first wave, covering groups A through D, sets off at 9:15 a.m. The second wave departs at 9:45 a.m., the third at 10:10 a.m., and the fourth at 10:40 a.m. The time limit is six hours and fifteen minutes from each runner’s individual start.
Race weekend begins on Thursday, September 24, when the Marathon Expo opens at Messe Berlin in Charlottenburg. The Expo runs through Saturday, September 26, and all runners must collect their bib numbers in person during this window. Bib collection is not available on race day under any circumstances, so plan your travel accordingly.
Saturday, September 26, brings two additional events. The Generali 5K lets runners and casual participants experience the final five kilometers of the marathon course, finishing through the Brandenburg Gate. On the same day, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inlineskating takes to the streets, with skaters reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour. Also on Saturday, more than 10,000 children participate in the mini-Marathon, a long-running initiative that connects young Berliners with sport from an early age.
The Course: A Route Through History
The Berlin course is not just famous for its speed. It is famous for what surrounds you as you run. Starting near the Kleiner Stern, the route passes the Reichstag building, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, the historic boulevard Unter den Linden, and the Soviet War Memorial, before delivering every finisher through the Brandenburg Gate.
The course spans ten Berlin neighborhoods and covers the full 42.195 kilometers. Thirteen world records have been set here, more than on any other marathon course in the world. The terrain is virtually flat, the roads are wide, and the city’s layout naturally supports the fastest times. Additionally, late September in Berlin typically brings cool, dry conditions with temperatures between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius, which is close to ideal for long-distance running.
Fifteen aid stations line the course. Water is available at multiple points from the five-kilometer mark onward. Sports drink, fruit, and tea appear at additional stations roughly every five kilometers from the nine-kilometer mark. In 2026, BRITA joins the event as hydration partner, bringing refill stations along the course and filtered water at the Expo, reducing single-use cups as part of the event’s sustainability commitments.
How to Secure Your Entry
Entry into this race is competitive. Demand far exceeds supply every year, and the process involves several pathways depending on your situation.
The general lottery is the most common route. The lottery for the 2026 race ran from September 25 to November 6, 2025, and has now closed. However, several alternatives remain open for runners who missed the lottery or were unsuccessful.
Charity running is one of the most meaningful alternatives. Several official charity partners offer guaranteed bib numbers in exchange for a fundraising commitment. Partners include Realbuzz, the RTL Foundation, and Children e.V., among others. Runners who choose this route secure their place while supporting causes that matter.
Official travel operators offer another guaranteed pathway. More than 50 partner operators from countries around the world offer packages that include guaranteed entry combined with hotel and travel arrangements. This option suits international runners who want to remove the stress of logistics from their preparation.
SCC EVENTS also offers preparation courses and running camps that include a guaranteed bib number. These courses help runners build toward their race goal while locking in their place at the start line.
The entry fee for the 2025 edition was 205 euros. The 2026 fee has not yet been confirmed officially, but it is expected to follow a similar level. The fee covers timing, a four-day public transport ticket valid across fare zones ABC from September 24 to 27, pacers, and on-course refreshments. In 2026, all finishers receive a warming and reusable poncho at the finish line, free of charge.
Runners who wish to qualify directly through a fast time can submit a qualifying result. However, qualifying runners still enter the draw process. All participants receive notification of their entry status by email.
Elite Field and World Record Watch
The 2026 elite men’s field is already generating exceptional interest. Sabastian Sawe, the Kenyan marathon world record holder, has confirmed his participation. Sawe made headlines at the 2026 London Marathon by becoming the first person in history to complete an official marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30. He returns to Berlin to defend his 2025 title, which he won in a time of 2:02:16 despite warm conditions that saw temperatures climb to 25 degrees Celsius.
The women’s elite field is equally impressive. Two-time Berlin winner Tigst Assefa is among the confirmed participants. The Ethiopian ran 2:11:53 at Berlin in 2023 to set the women’s marathon world record, a performance that fundamentally changed what seemed possible in women’s marathon running. German athlete Esther Pfeiffer is targeting the German record, having steadily built toward a major marathon performance over recent seasons.
The presence of two world record holders in the same field makes September 27 one of the most anticipated single days in athletics this year. Therefore, anyone with an interest in elite marathon running should find a spot on the course or watch the live broadcast closely.
Sustainability: Gold Standard Recognition
In June 2026, the race achieved Gold Level status under the international sustainability standard Athletics for a Better World, set by World Athletics, scoring 97 out of 120 points. This marks an improvement on the Silver status achieved the previous year and reflects a genuine commitment from organizer SCC EVENTS that extends well beyond race day.
Specific initiatives include the reusable finisher poncho replacing disposable foil blankets, BRITA’s filtered water refill system reducing plastic cup usage, a composting scheme for organic waste, and the four-day public transport ticket included with every entry to reduce car travel during race weekend. After the 2025 race, SCC EVENTS staff returned to the course area for a plogging session, combining running with litter collection to ensure the city was left cleaner than they found it.
For Spectators: Where to Watch
You do not need a bib number to experience the magic of race day in Berlin. Spectators line the course throughout its 42 kilometers, and several spots offer particularly powerful viewing.
The area around the Victory Column near the start sees the elite field in full flight at its sharpest pace. Ku’damm, the famous shopping boulevard, passes around the 15-kilometer mark and draws some of the largest and loudest crowds. The finish area at the Brandenburg Gate is the most iconic spot of all, where every runner, from world record holders to first-time finishers, crosses the line to the same roar from the crowd.
Live music zones, cheering sections, and a festival-like atmosphere make race day in Berlin an experience worth attending even if you never plan to run a step.
Practical Tips for Runners and Visitors
A little preparation makes a significant difference to your weekend experience.
- Arrive in Berlin by Wednesday, September 23, at the latest. This gives you a full day before the Expo opens and avoids the stress of travel delays affecting your bib collection.
- Visit the Expo on Thursday or Friday. Saturday is the busiest day and queues are longer.
- Book accommodation in the Mitte, Tiergarten, or Charlottenburg areas. These neighborhoods sit closest to the start, finish, and Expo venue.
- Use the four-day public transport ticket included with your entry. It covers all metro, bus, and regional rail travel across the city from September 24 to 27.
- Wear your usual race-day nutrition. German supermarkets near the venue can supply breakfast foods, but bring your regular pre-run fuel to avoid any last-minute uncertainty.
- Check the official website at bmw-berlin-marathon.com regularly. Wave assignments, start times, and Expo details will be confirmed closer to race day.
Conclusion
The 2026 BMW Berlin-Marathon takes place on Sunday, September 27, at the heart of the German capital, with race weekend running from Thursday, September 24, to Sunday, September 27. Around 60,000 athletes from approximately 160 countries are expected to participate, spanning runners, wheelchair competitors, handbikers, and inline skaters. The elite field features marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe alongside two-time women’s winner Tigst Assefa, making this one of the most compelling elite matchups in marathon running this year. Entry pathways include charity running, official travel operator packages, preparation courses, and qualifying time submission. The race has earned Gold Level sustainability certification from World Athletics in 2026, reflecting a commitment that goes well beyond race day. Whether you are chasing a personal best, a first finish, or simply the unforgettable experience of crossing under the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin in September 2026 is exactly where you want to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 BMW Berlin-Marathon?
The race takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026. Wheelchair competitors start at 8:50 a.m., with the first running wave departing at 9:15 a.m. The Marathon Expo, where all runners must collect their bibs, runs from Thursday, September 24, to Saturday, September 26, at Messe Berlin.
How do I enter the 2026 race?
The general lottery for the 2026 edition closed on November 6, 2025. Runners can still secure a place through charity running with an official partner, by booking a package through an authorized tour operator in over 50 countries, or through an SCC EVENTS preparation course that includes a guaranteed bib. Qualifying times also offer a pathway for fast runners.
What is the entry fee and what does it include?
The 2025 fee was 205 euros, and the 2026 fee is expected to be similar when confirmed officially. The fee includes race timing, pacers, on-course refreshments, and a four-day public transport ticket valid across Berlin fare zones ABC from September 24 to 27. All finishers in 2026 also receive a free reusable poncho at the finish line.
Who are the elite athletes confirmed for the 2026 race?
Marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe of Kenya has confirmed his participation to defend his 2025 Berlin title. On the women’s side, two-time Berlin winner Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia is among the confirmed elite field. German athlete Esther Pfeiffer is also competing, targeting the German national record.
Is the Berlin Marathon a good course for setting a personal best?
Yes, Berlin is widely regarded as the fastest marathon course in the world. Thirteen world records have been set here, more than anywhere else. The course is virtually flat, the roads are wide, and late September weather in Berlin typically delivers cool, dry conditions ideal for long-distance running.
