With its penchant for world record-breaking, the Berlin Marathon is often dubbed as the fastest marathon on the planet. Thirteen world records have been set there since its first running in 1974 and, up until last year, the previous eight men’s records were broken at this iconic marathon in the German capital.
It’s a seriously fast – and flat – 26.2-mile race. The wonderfully wide roads make overtaking possible and the weather conditions tend to be optimal for achieving a PB, with the average temperature sitting around 14°C. The race also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, making it an extra special occasion.
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have secured a lottery place for the 2024 race or are thinking of signing up for next year, here’s everything you need to know about the event.
What is the Berlin Marathon?
Sponsored by BMW since 2011, the Berlin Marathon is among the world’s most popular races – almost 48,000 runners from 156 countries took part in 2023.
It is also known as the world’s fastest marathon, hosting more world records than any other course in history. Last year, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa set the new marathon world record for women, completing the race in 2:11:53. The race also holds the world's second fastest eligible men's record, with Eliud Kipchoge running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
As ever, the route will take contestants through the scenic and historical city of Berlin, with a hefty prize pot – $50,000 for first place – to be won as the race celebrates its semicentennial.
When is the Berlin Marathon and what time does it start?
The 2024 Berlin Marathon will take place on Sunday 29 September and see runners, hand bikers and wheelchair competitors take on the course.
The race commences with the elite hand bikers at 8:50am, followed shortly by the wheelchair competitors and the rest of the hand bikers at 8:57am.
The first wave of runners will head off at 9:15am, with three subsequent waves to follow.
If you're taking part this year, you'll find your wave allocation on your race number.
What is the route of the Berlin Marathon?
The route starts at none other than the Brandenburg Gate, then passes through 10 of the city’s neighbourhoods.
Some 10K into the race, you’ll pass the Reichstag building – the seat of the German parliament – in all its grandeur. You’ll then pass the Victory Column, which, standing 61m high, boasts a bronze statue of the ancient Roman goddess of Victory atop. The column memorialises the victory of Prussia in three historical wars.
Around the 35km mark, you’ll reach the Potsdamer Platz – a modern square filled with contemporary skyscrapers, offering a different perspective on Berlin’s multifaceted architecture.
runners start the 2025 Paris Marathon.
While the first half of the route is entirely flat, the second half sees a few gentle climbs with one steeper peak, although it’s nothing too significant – the Berlin Marathon is known for its flat course for a reason.
Where is the marathon start line?
The race both starts and finishes on Straße des 17 Juni near the historical Brandenburg Gate. And, with 50,000 runners expected to be in attendance, you can’t miss it.
It’s best to get to the start line by foot or public transport. Travelling by car should be avoided due to a lack of parking facilities.
If opting for public transport, you can travel for free from Thursday 26 September to Sunday 29 September with a valid bib number, which you must carry with you.
The nearest subways are Friedrichstraße (U6), which is a 12-minute walk from the start line, and Potsdamer Platz (U2), which is just an 8-minute walk away.
runners start the 2025 Paris Marathon.
Where can I drop off my bag before the race?
If you elected to drop a bag while registering, you can leave your things at an indicated tent in the starting area until the end of the race. Don’t forget – there’s a charge of €5 (£4.31), so bring some cash.
Where and when is the race expo? When can I pick up my bib?
The Berlin Marathon expo can be found at Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin, located in Tempelhof Airport.
The 2024 expo is open on Thursday 26 September (3pm-8pm), Friday 27 September (11am-8pm) and Saturday 28 September (9am-7pm), giving you plenty of time to pick up your race bib.
Will there be nutrition and water on the course?
The organisers encourage runners to bring their own hydration bags, vests or drinking belts – see the website for specifications.
There are water-only refreshment points at the following kilometre marks: 5, 12, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5, 34.5, 38 and 40.
You can also find refreshment points offering tea and fruit, as well as water, at these kilometre marks: 9, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 36.
Finally, Maurten Fuel Drink Mix can be found at these kilometre marks: 9, 15, 20, 25, 30, 36. Maurten Hydrogel is available at the 27.5km mark only.
Is there a race cut-off time?
There is a time limit of 6:15, with a cut-off point of 3:50pm at 33km and 4:35pm at 38km.
How do I defer my place if I’m injured?
Unfortunately, the Berlin Marathon doesn’t offer refunds or allow you to defer your place. There is, however, an exception in the case of pregnancy, which permits you to defer your place for up to three years with a medical certificate.
How do I enter the 2024 Berlin Marathon?
How to perfect your marathon taper.
The good news is that you can still enter through charity partners or tour operators. If going by the charity route, your place in the marathon will be guaranteed if your charity application is successful – and with over 80 charities to choose from, it’s a great way to raise money for an issue that matters to you.
Tour operator places are available to purchase in 49 countries. The additional benefit of this route is that you can focus exclusively on running, as flight and hotel bookings are taken care of by your tour operator in question. You can find accredited tour operators on the Berlin Marathon website, Marvin Ibo Guengoer Richmond Marathon 2025: Your ultimate guide.
