On Sunday, September 27, 2026, more than 55,000 runners from 120 countries will line up on Straße des 17. Juni to take on the 52nd edition of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Crossing the finish line beneath the majestic Brandenburg Gate, to the roar of a million spectators and the sound of 70 live music groups — this is an experience that goes far beyond running.
Whether you’re a runner chasing a personal best on the world’s fastest marathon course, a supporter cheering on a friend, or simply a traveler using this colossal event as the perfect excuse to discover Berlin at its most vibrant — this complete guide was made for you.
During this exceptional weekend, Berlin transforms into the world’s running capital. Find everything you need here: registration options, course map, best spectator spots, full weekend program, neighborhoods to explore, and practical budget tips.
The BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 in Numbers
52nd Edition — September 27, 2026
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Start: 9:15 AM, Straße des 17. Juni (Tiergarten)
- Finish: Brandenburg Gate
- Distance: 42.195 km (10 districts covered)
- Participants: 55,000 registered runners
- Time limit: 6h15 (approx. 8’54 »/km pace)
- Spectators: Over one million
- Live music groups: 70 acts along the course
The BMW Berlin Marathon is one of six Abbott World Marathon Majors and, alongside London, one of only two held in Europe. Its virtually flat, wind-protected course makes it the fastest marathon in the world: the last seven world records in the discipline have all been set on this very course. Eliud Kipchoge set his legendary 2:01:09 record here in 2022.
How to Get a Race Bib: The 3 Ways In
Lottery, Charity or Tour Operator?
With 55,000 spots and global demand, securing a bib for the Berlin Marathon takes strategy. Here are the three official routes.
1. The Official Lottery (closed for 2026)
The lottery for 2026 was open from September 25 to November 6, 2025. If you missed it, this option is no longer available for this edition. Key info for 2027: no minimum qualifying time required, and the draw takes place in December. According to marathons.com, chances of being selected are estimated at around 1 in 10.
2. The Charity Programme
The charity route guarantees a bib in exchange for a commitment to raise donations — typically between €1,000 and €1,500 for a partner charity. Each edition, this programme raises €5 million for social causes. It’s often the most accessible route, even during periods of high demand.
3. Via an Authorised Tour Operator
Specialist travel operators offer packages combining a guaranteed bib, hotel, and sometimes flights. Marathon Tours & Travel offers guaranteed entry from $435 USD. Packages typically range from €1,500 to €3,000 (bib + hotel 3–4 nights).
The Marathon Expo: The Event Before the Event
Tempelhof / Messe Berlin — Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Marathon Expo takes place the day before the race, bringing together hundreds of global sports brands under one roof. This is where runners collect their bibs — in person only; no substitutes are accepted. The Expo is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on Saturday, September 26.
What to do at the Expo?
- Bib collection (mandatory; allow 45 min if arriving in the afternoon)
- Meet the Legends: elite athlete presentation
- Hall of Fame of the Berlin Marathon
- Marathon literary event: talks and book signings
- Ecumenical service and cultural activities
- Shopping: gear, sports nutrition, official merchandise
Free entry. Estimated shopping budget: €50–€200. Tip: Come Friday morning or Saturday at opening to avoid the Saturday afternoon rush. According to the official FAQ, it’s one of the world’s only expos that turns a sports event into a true running festival.
The Course: Top 5 Spectator Spots
Where to Position Yourself on September 27?
The course winds through 10 Berlin districts, offering dozens of viewing points. Here are the five strategic spots for the best experience, as recommended by Good Morning Berlin:
Siegessäule — Tiergarten
Grand atmosphere in the central park, ideal early morning.
Kurfürstendamm
Berlin’s most vibrant avenue; often the loudest section of the course.
Potsdamer Platz
Spectacular views, easy U-Bahn access. Allow 1 hour’s margin.
Jannowitzbrücke
The « wall » of the last 7 km starts here. Your cheers are priceless.
Brandenburg Gate
The legendary finish, to the roar of a million spectators. An absolute must.
Spectator budget: Free entry along the entire course. Budget €30–€50 for the day (food, drinks, public transport).
Full Weekend Programme
Much More Than One Race
The Berlin Marathon weekend is a sporting and cultural celebration spread over four days. Here’s the full schedule as published on the official website:
- Thu. Sept. 24 Expo Marathon opens — bib collection begins
- Fri. Sept. 25 Marathon Expo — Meet the Legends, entertainment and shopping
- Sat. Sept. 26 — 9 AM BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inline Skating — 5,000 skaters on the legendary course
- Sat. Sept. 26 — 3 PM Generali 5K — last 5 km of the course, open to all (~€30)
- Sat. Sept. 26 — evening Bambini Run and pre-race party
- Sun. Sept. 27 — 9:15 AM BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 — 55,000 runners, handcyclists and wheelchair racers
- Sun. Sept. 27 — evening Closing celebration for runners and supporters
Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain: Alternative Berlin
The East Side Gallery and the Underground Scene
Kreuzberg is Berlin’s cultural laboratory. A former punk stronghold in the ’70s and countercultural epicentre in the ’80s, this vibrant neighbourhood combines street art, multicultural markets, and an underground club scene. According to Vanupied, don’t miss the Turkish market on Maybachufer and the RAW-Gelände, a former industrial site transformed into an alternative cultural venue.
Just to the east, Friedrichshain is home to the legendary East Side Gallery — 1.3 km of the Berlin Wall featuring over 100 murals painted just after the Wall’s fall in 1989. Listed as the world’s largest open-air gallery, it’s unmissable. Free entry, open 24/7.
- U-Bahn Kreuzberg: Schlesisches Tor, Kottbusser Tor
- U-Bahn Friedrichshain: Warschauer Straße, Frankfurter Allee
- Budget/day: €50–€85 (hostel €20–€30, street food €8–€15, beer €3–€6)
- East Side Gallery: free entry, open 24/7
Prenzlauer Berg & Neukölln: Bohemian & Gastronomic
The Bohemian Village and the Rising Artistic Quarter
Prenzlauer Berg, in north Berlin, charms with its colourful building facades and bohemian atmosphere. On Sunday mornings, the unmissable Mauerpark flea market draws thousands; from 3 PM, it’s the Bearpit Karaoke, a unique outdoor popular culture moment. A 300-metre section of the Berlin Wall still stands in the park, serving as a canvas for street artists worldwide.
Neukölln, to the south, is Berlin’s rising artistic quarter. Multicultural and affordable, it offers a diverse food scene at pocket-friendly prices. According to Good Morning Berlin, the Comenius philosophical garden is a serene green oasis unknown to most tourists.
- Budget Prenzlauer Berg: €70–€100/day (trendier neighbourhood)
- Budget Neukölln: €45–€70/day (most affordable)
- Must-see: Mauerpark Sun. 3 PM (Bearpit Karaoke), Turkish market Maybachufer (Fri. & Sat.)
Tempelhofer Feld & Teufelsberg: Off-the-Beaten-Path Berlin
Two Spectacular Hidden Gems
Tempelhofer Feld — The Runway Park
Closed in 2008, Tempelhof Airport is now a 386-hectare public space. Its runways host cyclists, rollers, kite-flyers, and even land kite-surfers! According to VisitBerlin, an annual festival of giant kites (up to 50 m tall) takes place in September — perfectly coinciding with marathon weekend. Entirely free. Tip: Come Saturday morning to watch runners warming up on the runways, or at sunset for unforgettable golden hour vibes.
Teufelsberg — The Cold War Spy Mountain
In Grunewald forest, this 80-metre artificial mountain — built from WWII rubble — once housed an NSA listening station during the Cold War. Abandoned since the Wall fell, it’s now covered in street art and accessible by guided tour. According to Riz-Cantonais, even David Lynch once tried to buy the site to build a transcendental meditation school! Budget: ~€8/person. The walk up takes 20–30 min; bring solid shoes.
- Tempelhofer Feld: U+S-Bahn Tempelhof, entrance Tempelhofer Damm 45 — Free
- Teufelsberg: Bus 218 from U-Bahn Theodor-Heuss-Platz — ~€8
Budget & Logistics: Everything You Need to Know
How Much to Budget for the Berlin Marathon Weekend?
| Profile | Accommodation/night | Meals/day | Transport | Total/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🎒 Budget traveller | Dorm ~€22 | Street food €10–€15 | PT ~€9.50 | €41–€50 |
| 🏨 Mid-range | Hotel 2-3★ €60–€80 | Restaurants €25–€35 | PT ~€9.50 | €95–€130 |
| ✈️ Comfort | Hotel 4★ €120–€200 | Fine dining €40–€60 | Taxi/PT | €170–€270 |
Budget tips
- Berlin Welcome Card: €26.90 for 48h, €37.50 for 72h — free public transport + up to 50% off museums
- Berlin Museumspass: €32 for 3 days — access to around 30 exhibitions
- Street food: Döner kebab €5–€8, currywurst €3–€5
- Average restaurant: €10–€15 per person
Weather on September 27 in Berlin
Late September conditions are ideal for running: temperatures between 13°C at night and 19–21°C during the day, with an average of 11.3 hours of sunshine. Runners should plan a light outfit for the 9:15 AM start (~14–15°C), a mid-layer for after the race, and optionally a light waterproof. Source: Où et Quand.
Practical Info for Your Berlin Trip
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From €4.50Frequently Asked Questions about the Berlin Marathon 2026
Is the lottery for the Berlin Marathon 2026 still open?
No. The lottery for 2026 was open from September 25 to November 6, 2025. It is now closed. Remaining options for 2026 are: the charity programme (guaranteed bib in exchange for fundraising), authorised tour operators (bib + hotel packages), and the Jubilee Club programme for runners who have completed the Berlin Marathon at least 10 times. Source: BMW Berlin Marathon official website.
Is there a qualifying time to enter the Berlin Marathon?
No qualifying time is required for the lottery or charity programme. The marathon is open to all levels. Preferred start corrals exist for faster runners, but the vast majority of the 55,000 places go to the general public. The official time limit is 6h15, equating to a pace of approximately 8’54 »/km — achievable for a well-trained brisk walker. Source: marathons.com.
Can I transfer my race bib to someone else?
No. The bib is strictly personal and cannot be given or transferred. Running with another runner’s bib (banditing) is strictly forbidden and may result in a permanent ban from future SCC events. Source: Official BMW Berlin Marathon FAQ.
How can I track a runner in real time on race day?
The organisation provides the official BMW Berlin Marathon app for real-time GPS tracking of each runner via their timing chip. Download the app before the weekend, enter the bib number or runner’s name, and receive notifications at each intermediate timing point.
What are the best hotels for the marathon weekend and when should I book?
For runners, the priority is proximity to the start/finish (Tiergarten/Mitte area). The Westin Grand Berlin, 800 metres from the Brandenburg Gate, is a premium option during the event. For tighter budgets, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain hostels offer dorms at €20–€30/night. Warning: hotel rates multiply by 1.5 to 2.5 during marathon weekend. Book 6–12 months in advance without fail.
How do I get around Berlin during marathon weekend?
Registered runners receive a 4-day Berlin public transport pass (Zone ABC), valid September 24–27, 2026 — included in the registration fee. For spectators, the daily ticket costs €9.50, or €26.90 for the 48h Berlin Welcome Card. Watch out for road closures on Sunday morning; check BVG (transport network) updates before planning your route.
What other events take place in Berlin during marathon weekend?
The marathon weekend often coincides with the Lollapalooza music festival at the Berlin Olympic Stadium, and the annual giant kite festival at Tempelhofer Feld. Depending on the year, the Berlin Festival of Lights may also take place in September, illuminating historic monuments for 9 days.
Can I walk the Berlin Marathon?
Yes, but within the official 6h15 time limit (approximately 8’54 »/km pace). Participants exceeding this limit are picked up by the « sweep bus » and transported to the finish. Continuing at your own pace outside the official course is not permitted. For a well-trained brisk walker covering long distances, finishing the Berlin Marathon in 5h30 to 6h is entirely feasible.
Sources
- BMW BERLIN-MARATHON — Official website
- Registration information — BMW Berlin Marathon 2026
- Official FAQ — BMW Berlin Marathon
- VisitBerlin — Berlin Marathon 2026
- Marathon Tours & Travel — Berlin Marathon 2026
- Marathons.com — How to register
- Good Morning Berlin — Marathon guide
- Où et Quand — Berlin weather in September
- VisitBerlin — Tempelhofer Feld
- Sports Tours International — BMW Berlin Marathon
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