BMW BERLIN-Marathon 2026

Also included with your marathon entry:

• Poncho
• Timing chip
• Finishers medal
• 4-day ticket for public transport
• 2026 BMW-BERLIN MARATHON exclusive poster
• Medical support, refreshments, changing tents & sanitary facilities

The BMW Berlin-Marathon follows a looped course that takes in 10 Berlin neighborhoods and starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate. Prepare to take in some of Europe’s most historic landmarks, from the Reichstag to the Brandenburg Gate that looms over mile 26.

Along the route you’ll see frequent refreshment and aid stations, which serve water, sports drinks, energy gels and fruit to the runners. Uniquely, the entire route is within the city center and the start and finish line are in close proximity.

Getting to Berlin:

If you’re traveling to the Berlin Marathon, you’ll arrive at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located 17 miles from the city center. Opened in October 2020, BER replaced Tegel and Schönefeld Airports.

• Taxi: Taxi ranks are located directly outside Terminals 1 and 5. A taxi to central Berlin typically costs $40–$50 and takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Train: The Airport Express (FEX) and regional trains run about four times per hour from the station under Terminal 1 to Berlin Central Station (Hauptbahnhof).

Getting around the city:

Berlin’s public transportation network is extensive and convenient, covering all corners of the city.

• S-Bahn trains: Lines S9 and S45 run from Terminals 1, 2, and 5 into the city center.
• U-Bahn trains and buses: Tickets are available at multilingual machines in all S- and U-Bahn stations. Bus fares are paid directly to the driver.
• Additional options: Taxis, rideshare services, and bicycles are widely available, offering flexible ways to explore Berlin before and after the marathon.

With Sports Tours, you never run alone. We’ll meet you at your hotel, escort you to the race expo and get you to the start line with ease. Join us for a 5 km shakeout run, meet fellow runners and celebrate together post-race.

Please make your own way into the city from Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the marathon expo to collect your race bib. Our Sports Tours reps will be available to accompany those arriving on morning flights.

For Dorint hotel guests, please join us for complimentary welcome drinks – a great opportunity to meet fellow runners and the Sports Tours International team.

For those interested in further exploring Berlin before race day, we offer an optional guided tour focusing on the city’s Third Reich and Cold War history, including:

• Visits to major historical sites across Berlin
• Insightful commentary from an expert guide on recent history
• A walk along a preserved 200-meter section of the Berlin Wall
• In-depth understanding of Berlin during the Third Reich and Cold War
• Engaging with authentic historical landmarks and artifacts

In the afternoon, all guests will be escorted to the marathon expo for race bib and official merchandise pick-up. For Westin Grand hotel guests, please join us for complimentary welcome reception – a great opportunity to meet fellow runners and the Sports Tours International team.

The BMW Berlin-Marathon official Breakfast Run starts at 9:30 am, with a short bus transfer from near the hotel to the event’s starting point. The route covers approximately 4 miles. Alternatively, runners and spectators are welcome to join our guided 5K shakeout run, departing from each hotel.

Following the run, we will be hosting a pre-race briefing session. The briefing provides valuable insights and last-minute advice to help you prepare for race day, as well as the opportunity to ask any questions.

For those who have not yet visited the marathon expo, our Sports Tours reps will accompany the group to collect their Berlin Marathon bib number and any pre-ordered items.

You may also choose to watch the Inline Skating event, which typically begins around 3.30pm near the Brandenburg Gate or at a location closer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for sightseeing.

There is also the option to join the second day of our guided Berlin Walking Tour to discover more about the city’s Third Reich and Cold War heritage.

Today you’ll take your place on the start line of the BMW Berlin-Marathon! Runners can travel for free on public transport by showing their race bib. The start and finish are located on Straße des 17 Juni, just past the Brandenburg Gate. After crossing the finish line, please remember to return your timing chip in one of the collection buckets.

Friends and family who are visiting to spectate at the Berlin Marathon will be guided to our dedicated cheer zone to support you during the race. Once you’ve finished, our Sports Tours reps will warmly welcome you back at the hotel.

This evening, we invite you and your companions to a post-race celebration with a true Bavarian experience at the Hofbräu Wirtshaus. Enjoy live traditional music including Schuhplattler dancing, yodelling, alphorn performances, plus food and drinks in a festive atmosphere.

Kindly arrange for your hotel check-out and proceed with your onward travel. Alternatively, should time allow, you may wish to explore more of Berlin before your departure.

What date is the Berlin Marathon 2026?

The BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 takes place in September 2026 in Berlin, the German capital. The event is traditionally held on a Sunday and attracts runners from across the world.

How can I register for the Berlin Marathon 2026?

The easiest and most secure way to take part is by booking one of our Sports Tours International BMW Berlin Marathon packages, which include guaranteed race entries.

By booking with us, runners avoid the public registration process and ballot system. Your race entry, bib number, and official confirmation are all handled as part of the package, removing the need for own arrangements.

What are the qualifying times for the Berlin Marathon?

There are no qualifying times required when booking through Sports Tours International, as your entry is guaranteed within our marathon packages.

For runners making own arrangements, entry is typically via a highly competitive ballot, rather than qualifying standards.

What travel and accommodation options are available?

Sports Tours International offers carefully selected hotel packages specifically designed for the BMW Berlin Marathon.

Who are the official organizations involved in the Berlin Marathon?

The BMW Berlin Marathon is organized by SCC Events and is a World Athletics certified race. It is one of the original members of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

What is the expected weather during the Berlin Marathon?

September in Berlin usually provides ideal marathon conditions, with average temperatures between 50 – 65°F.
The weather is generally cool and dry, which contributes to Berlin’s reputation as a marathon world record course.

Where is the Berlin Marathon start line?

The start line is located on Straße des 17. Juni, close to the Brandenburg Gate, in the heart of the German capital.

Where is the Berlin Marathon finish line?

Final start line access details and your assigned start corral will be provided in your official race packet closer to race day.

How much is an entry fee for the Berlin Marathon 2026?

Entry fees vary depending on how you register. When booking through Sports Tours International, your race entry is included as part of the overall package price, along with accommodation and support.

This removes the uncertainty of securing standalone race entries or organizing your own arrangements.

What is the history of the Berlin Marathon?

First held in 1974, the BMW Berlin Marathon has grown into one of the most prestigious road races in the world. It joined the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2006 and is renowned for its fast, flat marathon course, which has produced multiple marathon world records.

Runners also benefit from a well-organized event structure, including clear race pack collection, clothing bag services, and professionally managed race-day logistics.