- Sun 27 Sep 2026
- Ballot closes soon
09:15
Age 18 & over
€200
- 26.2 miles road running
Event overview
The BMW Berlin Marathon, aka the fastest marathon in the world, is not just a race - it's a piece of running history. As one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, Berlin (alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, New York City and Chicago) is at the pinnacle of marathon running - so if you're looking for a large, world-renowned marathon you're in the right place.
Fastest marathon in the world
Berlin's flat, fast course has attracted numerous world record attempts and currently holds both the men's and women's marathon world records. The course has great marathon PB potential yet welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.
Run for charity
Join over 45,000 runners from 130 countries as part of a charity team in this iconic race through the heart of Berlin. Secure your place at the start line with one of the charities below - simply select the cause you would like to support to start the sign up process.
Highlights
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Abbott World Marathon Major
The Berlin Marathon boasts a 51-year history with 45,000+ runners annually from across the globe.
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Fastest marathon
Follow in the footsteps of the World Record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, in an event named the 'fastest marathon in the world'.
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Iconic landmarks, historic buildings
The route tours the 'City of Freedom' and features the Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Cathedral.
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European city break
Marathon-running and sightseeing in one unforgettable weekend.
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Avoid the ballot
Save yourself the uncertainty and stress of the ballot by securing a charity place today.
Prefer to enter directly? General entry options are explained on the BMW Berlin Marathon page.
Event photos
Event video
Charity places
The charities below have places in the event. To secure your charity place, simply find a charity and click 'Get charity place'. To join a charity team with your own place, click 'Join with own place'.
What is 'Quick book'? Save time and secure your place immediately using our simple booking system.
International
WaterAid
Providing clean water and decent toilets to everyone, everywhere.
- Technical t-shirt
- Running vest
- Fundraising support
- Fundraising materials
- Supporter cheer packs
- Bespoke training plan
- Pro training advice
- Online training zone
- Dedicated contact
- Pre-event training sessions
Sign up
£45
Fundraise
£1,000
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Health and Medical
MS Society
For a world free from the effects of MS.
- Technical t-shirt
- Running vest
- Personalised running vest
- Fundraising support
- Fundraising materials
- Supporter cheer packs
- Training plan
- Training guide
- Dedicated contact
- Pre-event meet-ups
- Cheer squad on the day
- Post-race reception
- Submit fundraising up to 1 month after event
Sign up
£75
Fundraise
£1,500
Event details
- Event expo
- Event village
- Spectators
- Traders at event
- Venue accessible
- Cut off time
- Distance markers
- Entertainment
- First aid
- Flat
- Food stations
- Marshals
- No headphones
- Out and back
- PB
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Traffic free
- Water stations
- Wave start
Multi world record-breaking route.
- Changing facilities
- Secure bag storage
- Showers
- Toilets
- Urban
Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.
Benefits of running for charity
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Fundraising support
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.
Training support
Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.
Branded running kit
When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.
In-country contacts
Overseas runners may find it reassuring to join a ready-made charity team who will help secure your place in the event, advise on travel, accommodation and put you in touch with teammates.
Exclusive social groups
You may not be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
What are charity places?
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.
Marathon running and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
- Certificate
- Chip timing
- Event app
- Goody bag
- GPS tracking
- iTAB
- Massage
- Medal
Included
- Bib number
- Athlete wristband
- Participant goody bag
- Clothing bag label and clothing bag
- Chip timing
- Route refreshments including water, fruit, tea, sports drinks, gels
- High-quality Berlin Marathon medal
- ERDINGER Alkoholfrei alcohol-free beer
- Other finish lin refreshments
- Foil blanket at the finish
- Downloadable certificate and a commemorative booklet
- Massage for all finishers
Sustainability
- Plastic bottle free
- Public transport links
- Recycling
- Sustainability policy