2026 Berlin Marathon Guide: Schedule, Course Map, Live Stream, Prize Money & Results

The Ultimate BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Guide: Course, Schedule, Live Stream, Prize Money, Runner Tracking & Berlin Travel Tips! 

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 is almost here.

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, tens of thousands of runners from around the world will take over the streets of Berlin for one of the biggest and fastest marathons on the planet.

If there is one marathon that belongs on every serious runner's bucket list, it is the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

Fast course? ✅
World-record history? Absolutely. ✅
A spectacular finish at the Brandenburg Gate? You bet. ✅
An enormous international field? Yes. ✅
Elite stars chasing victory and astonishing times? Every year. ✅

This is the 52nd BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, organized by SCC EVENTS, and it remains one of the iconic races in the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Berlin is one of the original six races that created the modern World Marathon Majors series, although the series has since expanded.

And if you're wondering whether the 2026 edition is worth watching, the answer is a very loud yes.

The women's race features world-record holder Tigst Assefa, defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru, comeback star Amane Beriso and German standout Esther Pfeiffer.

The men's race has also attracted major names including Gabriel Geay and Guye Adola — but there has been a major late change: defending champion and men's world-record holder Sabastian Sawe withdrew from the race on August 27 because of injury.

That changes the men's race completely.

Meanwhile, Berlin's legendary fast course remains the place where marathon history happens. The current men's course record is 2:01:09, set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022, while Tigst Assefa's 2:11:53 from 2023 remains the women's course and world record.

So whether you're:

🏃 running the marathon;
👀 watching from the streets of Berlin;
📺 following the elite race on TV;
📱 tracking a friend or family member;
💰 interested in the prize money;
🗺️ studying the course;
✈️ traveling to Berlin for race weekend; or
❤️ simply a marathon fan,

this BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 Ultimate Guide has everything you need.

🏁 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 at a Glance

The organizer currently expects around 60,000 athletes from approximately 160 countries, including runners, wheelchair athletes, handbikers and inline skaters.

🌟 What Is the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON?

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is one of the world's most prestigious road races.

The event dates back to 1974, and over the decades it has developed a special reputation for one thing above all:

Speed.

Berlin is famous for its fast, relatively flat course and its extraordinary history of world-record performances.

The race has hosted numerous world records over its history, including some of the most important moments in modern marathon running.

The current men's course record is:

Eliud Kipchoge — 2:01:09
set in Berlin in 2022

The women's course record is:

Tigst Assefa — 2:11:53
set in 2023

Assefa's 2023 performance was also a women's marathon world record at the time. The official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON records confirm the current course records and the history of record-breaking performances.

📅 When Is the Berlin Marathon 2026?

The main marathon is:

Sunday, September 27, 2026

But race weekend starts several days earlier.

The 2026 schedule includes:

• Marathon EXPO

• Race-material pickup

• Elite athlete appearances

• GENERALI 5K

• Inline skating

• Youth events

• Wheelchair racing

• Handbike racing

• Supporting programs

• The main BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

For anyone traveling to Berlin, arriving on Thursday or Friday is a much better experience than flying in at the last minute.

🗓️ BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Weekend Schedule

The MARATHON EXPO by BRITA runs from September 24–26 at Tempelhof Airport.

🏃 BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Start Times

One of the most important updates for runners is that the official start schedule is now published.

The elite para-athletes and handbikers start before the main running field:

The marathon runners are divided into six waves:

Starting groups are assigned according to the runner's best or expected finish time.

So don't look only at "8:45 a.m." when planning to watch a friend.

A runner in the final wave may not cross the start line until approximately 10:27 a.m. ⏰

🗺️ BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Course Map

The official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON course is 42.195 kilometers / 26.2 miles.

The organizer provides an interactive course map and an official GPX track, making it possible for runners and spectators to examine the route in detail before race day.

👉 Official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Course Map

The course information page also provides GPX files for the marathon, GENERALI 5K, mini-MARATHON and inline-skating routes.

🏛️ Where Does the Berlin Marathon Start?

The marathon starts on:

Straße des 17. Juni

The starting area is located between the Brandenburg Gate and the Kleiner Stern / Victory Column area.

This is one of the most spectacular starting locations in world marathon racing.

You're not lining up on an anonymous highway.

You're starting in the historical heart of Berlin.

👉 Official Race Day Information

🏁 Where Does the Berlin Marathon Finish?

The finish is at one of the world's most recognizable landmarks:

The Brandenburg Gate

For many runners, this is the defining image of the entire race.

After 42.195 kilometers, you finally turn toward the Brandenburg Gate, run through the final stretch and become a Berlin Marathon finisher.

It is difficult to imagine a more dramatic marathon finish.

⚡ Why Is Berlin Such a Fast Marathon?

Berlin's reputation isn't marketing hype.

The course has repeatedly produced extraordinary times.

There are several reasons:

1. Fast course profile – The route is widely regarded as flat and fast.

2. Long, quick sections – The course allows elite runners to settle into highly consistent pacing.

3. World-class competition – Berlin attracts athletes specifically interested in fast marathon times.

4. Pacemakers – Pacemakers help groups target specific finishing times.

5. Huge crowd support – The atmosphere around the course can make a major difference during the difficult second half.

6. A record-breaking history – Berlin has produced some of the most important marathon performances in history.

Kipchoge's 2:01:09 remains the men's course record, while Assefa's 2:11:53 remains the women's record.

📊 Berlin Marathon Course Records

⚠️ One important correction from older Berlin Marathon articles:
2:01:39 is Eliud Kipchoge's 2018 Berlin world record, not the current course record.
Kipchoge returned in 2022 and lowered his Berlin record to 2:01:09.

👉 Official Records & Statistics

👑 BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Elite Women

If you love elite marathon racing, the women's field is arguably the biggest reason to watch this year's race.

🇪🇹 Tigst Assefa

The woman everyone is watching.

Tigst Assefa has already won the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON twice.

Her first Berlin victory came in 2022, when she ran 2:15:37.

One year later, she produced one of the most astonishing performances in marathon history:

2:11:53

That performance established the women's world record at the time and remains the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON women's course record.

Assefa has an even bigger goal in 2026.

She has publicly stated that she is returning to Berlin with the ambition of attacking the world record.

That's about as perfect a Berlin storyline as you can get. 🎯

🇰🇪 Rosemary Wanjiru

The defending champion is:

Rosemary Wanjiru

Wanjiru finished runner-up in her Berlin debut in 2022 with 2:18:00.

She subsequently won the Tokyo Marathon and returned to Berlin in 2025.

In difficult hot conditions, she won the 2025 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON in:

2:21:05

She now returns to defend her title.

So the women's race effectively gives us:

World-record holder vs. defending champion.

That's a fantastic matchup. 🔥

🇪🇹 Amane Beriso

Another athlete worth watching is:

Amane Beriso

Beriso produced one of the fastest marathon performances in history at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, running 2:14:58.

She later became the women's marathon world champion in 2023.

After injury problems, she is using Berlin as a major comeback opportunity.

🇩🇪 Esther Pfeiffer

German fans have another major storyline.

Esther Pfeiffer wants the German record.

Pfeiffer improved her half-marathon personal best to 67:25 at the 2026 GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON.

She has deliberately waited before returning to the marathon distance, and Berlin will be her major test.

The German marathon record currently stands at:

2:19:19
set by Irina Mikitenko in 2008

Pfeiffer has openly stated that she wants to target the record if her training and race-day weather cooperate.

That could make the women's race interesting well beyond the battle for first place.

🚨 Major 2026 Update: Sabastian Sawe Withdraws

This is the most important correction to make to any older 2026 Berlin Marathon preview.

Sabastian Sawe is OUT. ❌

The Kenyan defending champion and men's marathon world-record holder withdrew from the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON on August 27, 2026, because of injury.

This matters enormously.

Sawe won Berlin in 2025 in:

2:02:16

and subsequently became the first man to run an official competitive marathon under two hours, recording 1:59:30 in London in 2026.

Therefore, if you encounter an older article saying:

"Sabastian Sawe will defend his Berlin title in 2026"

that information is now outdated.

He will not be on the starting line.

🇹🇿 Gabriel Geay

One of the men's athletes to watch is:

Gabriel Geay

The Tanzanian marathon record holder has a personal best of:

2:03:00

He ran that time in Valencia in 2022 and also finished runner-up at the Boston Marathon in 2023.

He adds serious speed to the men's field. 💨

🇪🇹 Guye Adola

Guye Adola is another Berlin specialist.

He finished second behind Eliud Kipchoge on his Berlin debut in 2017, running 2:03:46.

He later won the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON in 2021.

After injury interruptions, Adola returned strongly in 2026 by winning the Rotterdam Marathon in 2:03:54.

That makes him a fascinating contender in a men's race suddenly missing its defending champion.

🇩🇪 German Men to Watch

The 2026 field also includes several German runners chasing breakthrough performances.

• Sebastian Hendel – Ran a personal best of 2:07:33 at Berlin in 2024 and is targeting a strong comeback.

• Aaron Bienenfeld – Made his marathon debut in Hamburg in April 2026 with 2:08:47, the fastest marathon debut ever by a German runner according to the organizer.

• Haftom Welday – Improved his personal best to 2:08:13 in Barcelona in spring 2026.

• Johannes Motschmann – Enters Berlin with a personal best of 2:10:39 and is targeting a sub-2:10 performance.

🏆 Who Won the 2025 Berlin Marathon?

The 2025 champions were:

The 2025 results also included:

• German men's winner: Hendrik Pfeiffer — 2:09:14

• German women's winner: Fabienne Königstein — 2:22:17

• Men's wheelchair winner: Marcel Hug — 1:21:46

• Women's wheelchair winner: Manuela Schär — 1:35:08

These results are listed by the official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON site.

💰 BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Prize Money

Yes, Berlin pays serious money. 💵

The current official media guide lists an open-division prize purse of:

€170,000

The men's and women's winners receive:

€30,000 each

There are also time bonuses and record bonuses.

The wheelchair prize purse is separately listed at:

€46,400

with the winners receiving approximately €7,500 each.

So the financial incentive isn't simply "win the race."

An athlete who runs an exceptional time or breaks a record can potentially add additional bonuses.

And considering Berlin's history, that possibility is very real.

👉 Official Media Guide

📺 How to Watch the BMW Berlin Marathon 2026

Now we get to the question most international fans care about:

Where can I watch the Berlin Marathon?

Broadcast rights vary by country, but the organizer has confirmed the following German coverage.

🇩🇪 Germany: RTL

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON will be broadcast live on:

RTL Free TV

The scheduled broadcast window is:

8:30 a.m. – approximately 12:15 p.m. CEST

You can also watch via:

RTL+

The official spectator information confirms both RTL Free TV and RTL+ coverage.

👉 RTL
👉 RTL+

▶️ Official BMW Berlin Marathon YouTube Coverage

After the RTL broadcast, the organizer says coverage continues through the official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON YouTube channel.

The organizer currently describes this as a "Finish Line" livestream following the main TV broadcast.

The YouTube coverage is in German for legal reasons.

👉 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Official YouTube

🌍 What About International Viewers?

International broadcast arrangements can vary by territory.

If you're watching from:

• 🇺🇸 United States

• 🇨🇦 Canada

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• 🇦🇺 Australia

• 🇯🇵 Japan

• 🇨🇳 China

• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong

• 🇸🇬 Singapore

• 🇪🇺 other European countries

check the official international broadcaster list rather than relying on a random streaming website.

As of September 1, 2026, the organizer's English press information says that an international broadcaster list will be provided, so viewers outside Germany should check the official broadcaster information rather than assuming RTL or YouTube will be available everywhere.

👉 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON International Broadcasters / Media Information

This is particularly important because sports-streaming rights are frequently geo-restricted.

⏰ Berlin Marathon 2026 Broadcast Time Around the World

Berlin will be on CEST (UTC+2) on September 27.

For the German 8:30 a.m. broadcast start, approximate times are:

For U.S. West Coast fans, yes — you'll technically be watching the Berlin Marathon on Saturday night if you stay up for the German broadcast.

Coffee is not optional. ☕😂

📱 BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Runner Tracking

If you're supporting someone in the race, download the official:

BMW BERLIN-MARATHON App

The app is designed for both participants and supporters.

Features include:

• Live runner tracking

• Live results

• Leaderboards

• Interactive course map

• Cheering points

• Route navigation

• Push notifications

• EXPO information

• Race-weekend program

• Personalized features for participants

The official app supports live tracking of up to 25 runners or inline skaters.

👉 Official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON App Information

👟 How to Track Your Friend at the Berlin Marathon

Here's the simple strategy.

Step 1 — Install the official app

Supporters can use the app without logging in.

Participants can log in with their registration information.

Step 2 — Search for your runner

The app allows participant searches using:

• surname;

• first name;

• start number;

• club name.

Depending on the runner's individual tracking settings, you may also need a personalized tracking code.

Step 3 — Add the runner to Favorites

You can track up to:

25 participants

Step 4 — Follow the live data

Use the tracking map and split times to estimate where your runner is.

Step 5 — Move to your next cheering point

This is where the app becomes really useful.

You aren't just tracking the runner.

You're using the app to plan your spectator route.

👀 Best Places to Watch the Berlin Marathon

If you're traveling to Berlin as a spectator, don't simply stand at the finish line for five hours.

A smarter strategy is to choose two or three viewing locations.

🥇 Brandenburg Gate

Best for: The finish

This is the iconic choice.

The final stretch toward the Brandenburg Gate is the moment every runner wants to experience.

There are also free standing spectator grandstands near the finish area.

The organizer says these grandstands are accessible to everyone free of charge.

The downside?

Massive crowds.

If you're meeting a runner afterward, don't simply say:

"I'll see you at the Brandenburg Gate."

That is not a plan.

That's a lottery. 😅

🥈 Victory Column

Best for: Early-race atmosphere

The Siegessäule is one of Berlin's signature landmarks and offers a great combination of sightseeing and marathon viewing.

🥉 Potsdamer Platz

Best for: City atmosphere

Potsdamer Platz gives spectators a dramatic urban setting and is useful if you want to combine marathon watching with sightseeing.

⭐ Government District

The area around the Reichstag and government district is another excellent option.

It provides a uniquely Berlin backdrop while giving supporters a chance to see runners away from the immediate finish zone.

🚇 Berlin Marathon Transportation Guide

If you're spectating:

Use public transportation.

Don't try to drive through central Berlin on marathon morning.

Road closures will make driving considerably more difficult.

For participants, the race package includes public transportation in fare zones A, B and C.

The participant transport ticket is valid from September 24 through September 27 according to the race-day information; the EXPO information also notes the broader ticket validity through the early hours of September 28 for participants.

Useful transport options include:

👉 BVG Berlin Public Transport
👉 S-Bahn Berlin

🚉 Getting to the Start

The official race information lists several nearby public-transport stops.

U-Bahn

• Unter den Linden

• Brandenburger Tor

• Bundestag

• Potsdamer Platz

S-Bahn

• Brandenburger Tor

• Berlin Hauptbahnhof

• Potsdamer Platz

Regional rail

• Berlin Hauptbahnhof

• Potsdamer Platz

The organizer strongly recommends public transportation.

🚧 Can Spectators Cross the Marathon Course?

Not wherever you want.

In the finish area, the organizer says the marathon course can only be crossed at:

Pariser Platz

and spectators must follow the instructions of event staff.

In other words:

Don't try to dash across the road because you suddenly spot your runner.

There are thousands of other runners coming behind them. 😬

👨‍👩‍👧 Where Should Families Meet After the Race?

Don't use the Brandenburg Gate as your meeting point.

The official family meeting area is:

In front of the Paul Löbe House

Meeting areas are organized by the first letter of the participant's surname.

Agree on this before race morning.

Your exhausted marathon-running friend will be very grateful. 🙏

🎪 MARATHON EXPO 2026

The MARATHON EXPO by BRITA is a major part of race weekend.

📍 Location

Tempelhof Airport
Platz der Luftbrücke 5
12101 Berlin

📅 Dates

September 24–26, 2026

🎟️ Admission

Free

Opening Hours

The official 2026 EXPO information confirms the Tempelhof location, free entry and these opening hours.

👉 Official MARATHON EXPO Information

🎽 What Happens at the Marathon EXPO?

Expect a giant running-focused event featuring:

• Running shoes

• Clothing

• Nutrition

• Sports technology

• Recovery products

• Fitness

• Wellness

• Running services

• Medical and sports-related products

• Marathon merchandise

• Sponsor activations

• Food and drinks

There are also special carb-loading food options at the EXPO.

And yes, there is a good chance you'll buy something you didn't know you needed.

That's what marathon expos do. 🛍️

🎫 Berlin Marathon Race-Material Pickup

For runners, this is critical.

Race materials are distributed only at the MARATHON EXPO by BRITA.

Participants must collect their race material in person.

You need:

• Your Start Card

• A valid photo ID

The organizer says another person cannot collect the race materials on your behalf, even with authorization.

When collecting your race materials, you'll also receive your athlete wristband.

Do not remove the wristband before the race.

It is required for access to the start/finish area.

🎟️ How to Enter the Berlin Marathon

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON uses a lottery system for regular marathon entries.

For the 2026 race, the lottery took place in late 2025.

Therefore, as of September 2026, the regular lottery is already closed.

Official alternative routes can include:

• Charity entries

• Official tour operators

• Other organizer-approved programs

The official site says tour operators in more than 50 partner countries can offer guaranteed places through official packages.

👉 Official Registration Information
👉 Official Tour Operators

💶 How Much Does It Cost to Run Berlin?

The 2026 participation fee is:

€205

The package includes:

• Race entry

• Timing

• Four-day public transportation ticket

• Pacemakers

• Official marathon app

• Course refreshments

• Finish refreshments

• Course security

• Finisher medal

• Finisher certificate

• Poncho or clothing-bag option

• Massage services

• EXPO access

• Medical care

• Shower facilities

• Changing facilities

• Sanitary facilities

• Race entertainment

The official registration information confirms the €205 participation fee and package inclusions.

🎽 Poncho vs. Clothing Bag

This is a particularly important 2026 detail.

Unless you selected the clothing-drop option during registration, finishers receive a:

Free reusable warming poncho

Alternatively, runners could book a clothing bag for:

€5

But there's a catch:

If you selected the €5 clothing-bag option, you do not receive the poncho.

The choice is binding and cannot be changed afterward.

⏱️ Berlin Marathon 2026 Time Limit

The official time limit is:

6 hours 15 minutes

The clock starts when the individual runner crosses the start line.

Walking is allowed.

Nordic walking is not permitted.

There is also a specific cut-off:

3:40 p.m. at approximately KM 33

The official finish closes at:

5:00 p.m.

Runners who miss the cut-off or exceed the time limit must leave the official route and are transported to the finish by the organizer.

💧 Berlin Marathon 2026 Water & Fuel Stations

This is another area where Berlin is extremely well organized.

Water stations

Water is available at:

5 km • 12 km • 17.5 km • 22.5 km • 27.5 km • 32.5 km • 34.5 km • 38 km • 40 km

Water + fruit + tea + Maurten Drink Mix 160

Available at:

9 km • 15 km • 20 km • 25 km • 30 km • 36 km

Maurten Gel 100

Available at:

27.5 km

The official course page confirms the current 2026 refreshment layout.

👉 Official Course Map

🥤 Can Runners Use Their Own Hydration Systems?

Yes.

The organizer says personal hydration systems can be refilled at the refreshment stations.

There are dedicated refill stations at each aid station.

This is particularly useful for runners who prefer carrying their own bottle, flask or hydration vest.

🍌 Can You Bring Your Own Race Fuel?

Yes.

Runners can arrange personal refreshments at designated stations:

5 km • 9 km • 15 km • 20 km • 25 km • 30 km • 36 km • 40 km

The container must be marked with the runner's name, bib number and refreshment point.

Glass containers are not allowed.

For 2026, the organizer says personal refreshments must be delivered between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. on race morning.

🧠 A Very Important Marathon Nutrition Rule

Don't experiment on race day.

The official Maurten guidance makes the same basic point: athletes should practice their fueling strategy during training rather than suddenly trying a new approach during the marathon.

The Berlin course provides Maurten Drink Mix 160 and Gel 100, but your body should already be familiar with them before race day.

Your stomach doesn't care that you're running Berlin.

It only cares whether you've trained it. 😅

🧳 Berlin Marathon Travel Tips

If you're coming from another city or country, I'd recommend arriving:

Thursday or Friday

This gives you enough time to:

• check into your hotel;

• visit the EXPO;

• collect your race materials;

• explore Berlin;

• buy last-minute supplies;

• adjust to the time zone;

• prepare calmly for race morning.

Arriving Saturday night and immediately going to bed might technically work.

But it's not the kind of race-weekend strategy I'd recommend. 😉

🏨 Where Should You Stay in Berlin?

For runners, location beats luxury.

Look for:

1. Easy public transportation – Being near an S-Bahn or U-Bahn station is extremely useful.

2. Reasonable access to the start – You don't want a complicated race-morning journey.

3. Quiet rooms – Sleep is worth more than a fancy hotel lobby.

4. Restaurants nearby – You want familiar food options.

5. Easy access to the EXPO – Remember that race-material pickup is mandatory.

🍝 What Should You Eat Before the Berlin Marathon?

This isn't the weekend to become a Berlin food critic.

Eat what you have practiced.

Good marathon preparation generally means:

• Familiar carbohydrate-rich foods

• Adequate hydration

• Familiar breakfast

• Moderate protein

• Avoiding foods that upset your stomach

• Avoiding excessive alcohol

• Avoiding experimental supplements

You can explore Berlin's food scene after the marathon.

Your stomach will appreciate the timing.

🗺️ Spectator Strategy: How to See Your Runner Multiple Times

If your runner is targeting around four hours or more, you can potentially see them at multiple locations.

A practical strategy:

1. Stop 1 – Watch them somewhere in the first half.

2. Stop 2 – Use public transportation to reach another section.

3. Stop 3 – Move toward the finish.

4. Stop 4 – Meet at the Paul Löbe House family meeting point.

Use the official app to estimate when your runner will reach each location.

The app's interactive map includes cheering points and route navigation.

📱 The Ultimate Berlin Marathon Fan Setup

If I were covering the race as a sports blogger, here's my setup:

And most importantly:

📶 Don't rely on only one connection.

Thousands of people will be using their phones around the course.

Download what you need before race morning.

🏆 Why the 2026 Berlin Marathon Could Be Special

There are several huge storylines.

1. Tigst Assefa wants another world record – She returns to the course where she set the women's record.

2. Rosemary Wanjiru is defending her title – The 2025 winner is back.

3. Amane Beriso is making a comeback – A former world champion with a 2:14:58 personal best adds another layer of quality.

4. Esther Pfeiffer is chasing German history – She has openly targeted the German record.

5. Sabastian Sawe is out – The men's defending champion's withdrawal dramatically changes the race.

6. Berlin remains a record-hunting course – The men's course record is 2:01:09. The women's record is 2:11:53.

And whenever the world's best marathoners gather in Berlin, the clock becomes part of the competition. ⏱️

🌍 Berlin Marathon 2026: Why International Fans Should Watch

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is unusual because it works on several levels simultaneously.

• For hardcore running fans, it's elite sport.

• For casual sports fans, it's a giant city-wide event.

• For travelers, it's an incredible way to experience Berlin.

• For runners, it's a bucket-list marathon.

• For people following a friend or family member, the official tracking system makes it much easier to follow the race in real time.

You don't need to understand every split.

You don't need to know every elite athlete.

You can simply watch the runners flood through one of Europe's most historic cities.

🔗 Official BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Links

Save these pages before race weekend.

❓ BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 FAQ

When is the BMW Berlin Marathon 2026?

The 52nd BMW BERLIN-MARATHON takes place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

How long is the Berlin Marathon?

The official marathon distance is 42.195 kilometers / 26.2 miles.

Where does the Berlin Marathon start?

The race starts on Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Kleiner Stern.

Where does the Berlin Marathon finish?

The finish is at the Brandenburg Gate.

What time does the Berlin Marathon start?

The first marathon running wave starts at 8:45 a.m. CEST. The final wave, starting group K, begins at 10:27 a.m.

What is the Berlin Marathon time limit?

The official time limit is 6 hours 15 minutes from the runner crossing the start line. There is also a KM 33 cut-off at 3:40 p.m., with the official finish closing at 5:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to run the 2026 Berlin Marathon?

The participation fee is €205.

Is the Berlin Marathon part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors?

Yes. The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and one of the original six races in the series.

Who won the 2025 Berlin Marathon?

Sabastian Sawe won the men's race in 2:02:16, while Rosemary Wanjiru won the women's race in 2:21:05.

Is Sabastian Sawe running Berlin in 2026?

No. Sawe withdrew on August 27, 2026 because of injury.

Is Tigst Assefa running Berlin in 2026?

Yes. Assefa is one of the headline women's competitors and is targeting another world-record attempt.

What is the Berlin Marathon men's course record?

2:01:09, set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022.

What is the women's course record?

2:11:53, set by Tigst Assefa in 2023.

What is the Berlin Marathon prize money?

The official open prize purse is €170,000, with €30,000 going to each men's and women's winner, plus time and record bonuses.

Can I track a runner live?

Yes. The official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON App offers live tracking, live results, leaderboards and an interactive course map.

You can mark up to 25 participants as favorites.

Where can I watch the Berlin Marathon in Germany?

The official German broadcast is on RTL Free TV, with coverage scheduled from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CEST. RTL+ also offers coverage.

Is there an official YouTube livestream?

Yes. The organizer says coverage continues on the official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON YouTube channel after the main RTL broadcast.

Where is the Marathon EXPO?

The 2026 MARATHON EXPO by BRITA takes place at Tempelhof Airport, September 24–26. Admission is free.

What time does the EXPO open?

• Thursday: 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

• Friday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

• Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Can someone else collect my race materials?

No. Participants must collect their race materials in person with their Start Card and photo ID.

What is the GENERALI 5K?

The GENERALI 5K takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. It starts at Potsdamer Platz and finishes on Straße des 17. Juni after passing through the Brandenburg Gate.

🏁 Final Verdict: Why the BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Is a Must-Watch

The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 is much more than a 42.195-kilometer road race.

It is one of the great annual sporting spectacles in Europe.

For runners, Berlin offers:

• a famously fast course;

• huge crowds;

• world-class pacemakers;

• excellent organization;

• a legendary finish;

• and the possibility of a life-changing personal best.

For spectators, it's one of the easiest major marathons to enjoy.

• You can watch for free from the streets.

• You can use public transportation to move around the city.

• You can follow friends through the official app.

• And you can finish your day watching runners charge toward the Brandenburg Gate.

For television viewers, 2026 has plenty of storylines.

• Tigst Assefa wants another world record.

• Rosemary Wanjiru wants to defend her title.

• Amane Beriso is looking for a comeback.

• Esther Pfeiffer is chasing German history.

• Gabriel Geay and Guye Adola headline a reshaped men's race.

And then there is the biggest late development:

Sabastian Sawe is out.

That means the men's race suddenly has a completely different shape.

But perhaps that's exactly why Berlin is so fascinating.

The course has a history of turning marathon races into sporting history.

Eliud Kipchoge did it in 2022.

Tigst Assefa did it in 2023.

And on September 27, 2026, another athlete could have their own Berlin moment.

Maybe it will be an elite runner.

Maybe it will be someone chasing a national record.

Maybe it will be a first-time marathoner.

Maybe it will be your friend.

Eventually, everyone reaches the same place:

The Brandenburg Gate.

And then comes the clock.

Because in Berlin, 42.195 kilometers can change everything. 🇩🇪🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

See you at the Brandenburg Gate. 👋

🔖 BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 Quick Facts

All race-day times, course details, schedules and operational information are subject to change. Always check the official BMW BERLIN-MARATHON website shortly before race day for final instructions.