The Berlin Marathon 2026 is one of the most anticipated events on the global running calendar. As part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the German race is famous for its exceptionally flat course and the festive atmosphere that fills the streets of the capital. In this article, you’ll find a complete guide with everything you need: how to register, course details, training tips, and a few recommendations to make the most of your stay in Berlin.
Date and key race information
The BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The start and finish area is located on Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Kleiner Stern. According to the organisers, runners will start in four waves beginning at 9:15 AM: the first (groups A–D) at 9:15 AM, the second (E–F) at 9:45 AM, the third (G–H) at 10:10 AM, and the fourth (J–K) at 10:40 AM.
The race is open to runners aged 18 and over and has a time limit of 6 hours 15 minutes, with a cut-off at kilometre 33 at 3:50 PM. The 2025 entry fee was €205, which included a bib, timing, a public transport ticket valid for four days, pacers, and on-course refreshments. The 2026 fee has not yet been published, but it will likely be similar.
Registration process: lottery and requirements
To run the Berlin Marathon, you must apply for a spot through a lottery. The application window for 2026 is expected to run from 25 September to 6 November 2025, and successful applicants will receive confirmation by email in late November. In addition to the general lottery, there are other ways to secure a bib:
- Qualifying times: if you have recently run a marathon under 2:45 (men) or 3:00 (women), you may apply with a verified qualifying time. You must upload proof of your result when submitting your application.
- Charity and travel programmes: some charities and marathon travel agencies have reserved allocations. This option is usually more expensive than standard entry, but it guarantees a bib.
- Loyalty entry for veterans: runners who have completed Berlin 10 times or more may have access to a special quota.
Whichever route you take, once your spot is confirmed you’ll receive a digital start card in mid-September 2026. This document is required to collect your bib at the Marathon Expo, held at Messe Berlin from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September. There you will pick up your bib number and the wristband that grants access to the start area. Bib collection is not available on race day, so plan your trip to arrive in time.
Course and aid stations
The Berlin Marathon course is widely known as one of the flattest and fastest in the world. It passes iconic landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Victory Column, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, and the historic boulevard Unter den Linden, before finishing under the Brandenburg Gate.
The organisers provide 15 aid stations along the course. Water is available at kilometres 5, 12, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5, 34.5, 38, and 40. At kilometres 9, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 36 you’ll find water, fruit, tea, and Maurten Drink Mix 160. In addition, at kilometre 27.5 they hand out Maurten Gel 100.
If you prefer, you can bring your own labelled bottles and drop them off before 7:45 AM at the personal refreshments station; the organisers will place them at the points you specify.
Training tips and race strategy
For a flat marathon like Berlin, it’s best to start preparing 16–20 weeks in advance, combining long runs, threshold work, and strength training. Here are a few recommendations to arrive in peak shape:
- Practise your goal pace: because it’s a fast course, many runners start too quickly. Include tempo sessions and long runs at your intended race pace to get comfortable with the effort.
- Rehearse your fuelling: test the official products (water and Maurten gels) during long runs. If you use other gels or drinks, plan how you’ll carry them and make sure they agree with your stomach.
- Do strength and core work: a strong body lowers injury risk and helps you maintain efficient form in the final kilometres.
- Taper in the last three weeks: gradually reduce training volume to arrive fresh on race day. Keep some intensity through short intervals and easy runs.
- Manage the race in stages: break the marathon into 5 km segments. Adjust pace and fuelling along the way, and use the pacer groups provided by the organisers if you’re targeting a specific time.
Keep in mind that September in Berlin can be cool, with temperatures between 8 and 18 °C. Dress in layers and bring warm clothing for the wait in the start area. If you select the poncho option during registration, you’ll receive a thermal layer after you finish; if you prefer to use the bag drop, you’ll need to pay €5 and leave your bag at the assigned trucks.
Travel and the Berlin experience
The marathon is the perfect excuse to enjoy a weekend in the German capital. Book accommodation early near a metro station (U-Bahn or S-Bahn); your bib includes a public transport ticket valid for four days.
During your stay, visit iconic sites such as Museum Island, the Berlin Wall Memorial, or explore local food in Kreuzberg. Also, on the Saturday before the race, the Breakfast Run takes place: a 6 km untimed run that finishes at the Olympic Stadium—ideal for loosening up your legs and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you need extra inspiration or want to compare other major marathons, we recommend reading our guide to the Madrid Marathon 2026. You’ll find tips that also apply to Berlin and will help you plan your racing season.
Final thoughts and how SnapRace can help
Running the Berlin Marathon is not only a personal challenge, but also a chance to be part of athletics history, as numerous world records have been set on this course. To arrive at the start line feeling confident, the SnapRace app offers customizable training plans, real-time GPS tracking, and a community of runners to share progress and motivation. Download it on your phone and start preparing your Berlin adventure.