The best marathon in Berlin

🥇 51st BMW Berlin Marathon
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Distances: Full marathon (42.195 km) plus side events – wheelchair, handbike, inline skating (Saturday), mini-marathon, kids’ runs
Highlights: One of the World Marathon Majors, flat and fast course that’s seen many world records

Start/Finish: Straße des 17. Juni & Brandenburger Tor
Participation: ~40,000+ runners; entry by lottery (oct–nov 2024; winners informed by December)


🏃 Generali Berlin Half Marathon
Date: Sunday, April 6, 2025
Distance: Half marathon (21.097 km); races for skaters, wheelchair, handbike included
Course: Through central Berlin – Siegessäule, Schloss Charlottenburg, Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburger Tor
Participants: ~39,000 in 2024; 2025 notable for German record by Amanal Petros at 59:31 (~1 min)
Registration: Open now for 2026 via lottery (Apr 10–May 22, results June 2)


🏃 S 25 Berlin (25 km)
Date: Early May 2025
Distance: 25 km road race & inline skate options; finishes inside the Olympic Stadium
Atmosphere: More intimate than marathon; includes both recreational and elite runners


🏅 BERLINATHON (Cultural Running Series)
Dates: Last Sunday each month, April–September 2025
Format: Themed runs exploring Berlin’s culture and hidden gems—art, theater, culinary—with curated routes and podcasts
Vibe: Social and exploratory, ideal for community runners looking for a cultural twist

📅 2025 Running Calendar Overview
Month Event Distance
April Generali Berlin Half Marathon 21 km
Early May S 25 Berlin 25 km
Monthly Apr–Sep BERLINATHON themes ~Varies
September BMW Berlin Marathon 42.2 km + ancillary races

✅ Which One Should You Run?
Want a world-class marathon (42 km)? Go for the BMW Berlin Marathon – fast, iconic, big crowd.

Prefer a half marathon? Generali Berlin Half is scenic, fast, and saw history-making performances in 2025.

Looking for a less crowded long run? Try the S 25 Berlin — 25 km with a rewarding finish inside the Olympic Stadium.

Craving something social and cultural? BERLINATHON is great for themed group runs and exploring Berlin in a community.

🔍 Tips & Next Steps
Entries:

BMW Marathon: Lottery was in late 2024 — if not in, look for charity/start package options.

Generali Half: For 2026 race; 2025 already happened.

S 25 & BERLINATHON: Usually open spring; check online now.

Training:

Tailor build-up based on distance—half marathon ~12 weeks, full ~16–20 weeks.

Prepare for cool spring or mild autumn conditions.

Stay Informed:

Track shutdowns, logistics, and transport updates via official race websites and SCC Events.

Our Top 1 Best marathon