BMW Berlin Marathon 2024

Berlin Marathon is one of The World Marathon Majors (WMM), the top six marathons in the world, a series with a $1 million prize fund to be divided equally between the top male and female marathoners. Berlin Marathon is the only WMM marathon in continental Europe. This prestigious and high-profile race, which attracts the best athletes from all over the world, takes place on the last weekend of September every fall.

Marathon Course

The traditional marathon course of 26.2 miles (42.2 km) runs through the entire city of Berlin. The marathon starts and finishes at the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Runners also pass many city landmarks, including the Reichstag, the Siegessäule, Berliner Dom, Brandenburg, and Potsdamer Platz.

The Berlin Marathon course is the flattest of all the World Marathon Majors. The total elevation gain is just 241 feet (73 m), so runners who wish to reach their best result and qualify for the Boston Marathon have a good chance at the Berlin Marathon. Additionally, you can enjoy beautiful mellow fall weather and beautiful fall foliage at Berlin parks.

Marathon Schedule

The marathon always begins on Sunday at 8:50 am with elite athletes' start. Next, wheelchair participants and hand bikers start at 8:57 am. Regular runners take off at 9:15 am in four waves. The time limit to complete the marathon course is 6:15 hours. Runners who have not reached one of the time measuring mat points by a certain time must leave the course and continue on the sidewalk. The finishers can change clothes and even take a shower in the finish area. They get a medal, a poncho for warmth, and an alcohol-free beer to celebrate their achievement.

Registration for the Marathon

Anyone over the age of 18 can register for the Berlin Marathon. Runners are selected through a lottery. Registration for the lottery usually runs from late September through mid-November. The registration fee is €205. Participants are notified about the lottery results by e-mail.

Marathon History

The Berlin Marathon was Initiated in 1974. The popularity of this marathon can be easily proven by the number of entrants. In 2023, the race had 47,912 participants and over a million spectators. 13 times world records have been set during the Berlin Marathon. In particular, when in 2022 Eliud Kipchoge won the men's race in 2:01:09. In 2023, Tigist Assefa set a new women's world record with 2:11:53.