World Marathon Major
Berlin Marathon
If you want to run a personal best, Berlin is where you do it. The pancake-flat course, mild September weather, and electric atmosphere have made this the marathon where world records go to be broken.
Photo by Oksana Demenko on Unsplash
- Distance: 42.2 km marathon.
- When: Last Sunday in September.
- Entry: Lottery-based, with roughly 45,000 runners.
- Course: Flat loop through central Berlin, finishing at the Brandenburg Gate.
- World records: More marathon world records have been set here than at any other race.
History
Where records are broken
The Berlin Marathon has been held since 1974 and earned World Marathon Major status when the series launched in 2006. The course has been the site of multiple marathon world records, including Eliud Kipchoge's 2:01:09 in 2022 and Kelvin Kiptum's 2:00:35 in Chicago — both athletes who have raced Berlin's fast streets.
The race also carries deep symbolic weight. Running through the Brandenburg Gate — once a dividing line between East and West Berlin — is a powerful moment for every finisher.
The Route
Flat, fast, and iconic
The course is a loop through central Berlin, starting and finishing near the Brandenburg Gate. Key features:
- Almost completely flat — total elevation gain is under 50 m across the entire 42.2 km.
- Brandenburg Gate finish — one of the most iconic finish lines in world sport.
- Wide roads — the course is broad and well-organised, minimising congestion.
- Excellent crowd support — especially through Kreuzberg, Mitte, and the final stretch.
Berlin's flat profile can tempt you into going out too hard. The second half of the race is where PBs are made or lost — pace yourself through the first 30 km.
Entry
How to get in
- Lottery — the main entry method. Registration opens in October for the following September's race. Demand significantly exceeds supply.
- Qualifying time — fast runners can claim guaranteed entry with a recent marathon time.
- Tour operators — travel packages with guaranteed entries are available.
- Charity entries — some charities offer guaranteed places for fundraising.
Beginner Advice
Tips for first-timers
- Do not waste the flat course. Berlin rewards smart, even pacing more than any other Major.
- Train with a target time. This is a course built for hitting goals — have one.
- Arrive early for the start. The start area is large and busy. Give yourself plenty of time.
- Enjoy the last 500 m. The run through the Brandenburg Gate is a moment you will remember for the rest of your life.
- Stay for the weekend. Berlin is one of the great cities of Europe. The marathon expo and the post-race celebrations are worth the trip alone.
Your next step
Chase a PB in Berlin
Berlin rewards good training. Build your base, get consistent, and this flat course will do the rest.