BMW Berlin Marathon

What the Berlin Marathon is

The BMW Berlin Marathon is one of the large city marathons in the world and one of the fastest, because the course is flat and runs through the centre of the capital. It is part of the World Marathon Majors series, and many world records have been set on its streets. For most participants the goal is not a record but a personal best, a finish on a famous course and a day when the whole city cheers.

In our data the 2028 race is listed for a single day, Sunday 24 September 2028. Whether you run or watch, the event shapes the whole weekend in Berlin.

Date in 2028: an estimate

The marathon is usually run on the last or second-to-last Sunday of September. The date for 2028 has not been published, so 24 September, the last Sunday of the month, is an estimate. The organiser could choose 17 September instead, so do not treat the date as final.

Check bmw-berlin-marathon.com for the official date, and be aware that registration for the race has traditionally worked through a lottery with deadlines long before the event. If you plan to run, the entry rules matter more than the travel plans; if you plan to spectate, wait for the confirmed date before booking non-refundable travel.

Character of the event and what to do

The race was first run in 1974 and has grown into a weekend programme that includes a runners' expo, skating and other side events around the main race. The route leads through central Berlin and past well-known landmarks, with the Brandenburg Gate area as the finish zone in recent years. Spectators gather along the route, and the atmosphere is friendly and loud.

As a spectator, choose a spot on the route that is reachable by U-Bahn, take a thermos and plan which points you can reach by walking. The streets in the centre are closed during the race, so crossing the route can take time. Use the rest of the weekend for sights, since the city is easy to explore on foot.

Food and drink

Runners often eat pasta the evening before, and Berlin has plenty of Italian restaurants that expect this on marathon weekends. Book early, since tables fill up. After the race, the choices range from a classic currywurst or a Berliner Weisse beer to a generous brunch in Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg. Bring your own water and snacks if you watch from the course.

Getting there and where to stay

Berlin has long-distance trains to the Hauptbahnhof, the BER airport and an extensive S-Bahn and U-Bahn network. On race day some streets and bus routes are closed or changed, so check the public transport notices.

Hotels sell out on marathon weekends, as the event description in our data notes. Book a flexible rate as early as the date allows, and consider a hotel outside the very centre on a fast line if prices are high. Runners should stay close to the start area so that they can walk there on Sunday morning.

Planning around public holidays and bridge days in 2028

Sunday 24 September 2028 comes with no public holiday in Berlin around it. The next holiday is German Unity Day on Tuesday 3 October, and Monday 2 October is the bridge day. Berlin does not observe Reformation Day on 31 October, a Tuesday in 2028.

To attend the marathon you need no vacation day if you arrive on Saturday, and one day (Friday 22 September) if you want a relaxed arrival and the expo visit. If you want to run, a rest day on Monday 25 September is wise, so two vacation days give you Friday to Monday. A separate and cheaper trip is possible a week later: one vacation day on Monday 2 October gives you Saturday 30 September to Tuesday 3 October, four days. Everything depends on the real date, so wait for the official announcement.

Tips and who it suits

The marathon suits runners with serious training behind them and spectators who enjoy sports atmosphere. Wear layers for a chilly morning, check the weather forecast and plan for the closed streets. Confirm the date before you book and check the official entry rules if you want to take part.