Berlin Marathon

The Berlin Marathon is an annual road running event held on the streets of Berlin, Germany, during the last weekend of September. Since 1974, it has drawn elite athletes and amateurs alike to its famously flat course, which has seen numerous world records and now includes running, inline skating, wheelchair, handcycle, and children's races.

• Held annually since 1974 on Berlin’s city streets
• Course starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate
• Includes running, inline skating, wheelchair, and handcycle races
• Over 54,000 finishers in 2024, a record for the event
• Site of multiple marathon world records

What it is

The Berlin Marathon is one of the world’s premier long-distance running events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators each year. The race covers 42.195 kilometers through Berlin’s city streets, starting and finishing near the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Known for its flat and fast course, the marathon is a magnet for elite runners aiming to set records, as well as for everyday runners seeking the thrill of completing a major city marathon. The event has grown to include not just running, but also inline skating, wheelchair, handcycle, and children’s races, making it a festival of movement and endurance.

Where it comes from

The Berlin Marathon began in 1974, founded by Horst Milde, a local baker and running enthusiast. The inaugural race saw just 244 finishers, but quickly grew in popularity, becoming the largest city road race in Germany by 1981. The course originally ran only through West Berlin due to the city’s division, but in 1990, just days before German reunification, runners crossed through the Brandenburg Gate for the first time, symbolizing a new era. Over the decades, the marathon has become renowned for record-breaking performances and its role in the global running community.

How it is celebrated

Marathon weekend in Berlin is a vibrant, city-wide celebration. On Saturday, thousands of inline skaters take to the marathon course, followed by the main running events on Sunday. The streets fill with runners, wheelchair athletes, handcyclists, power walkers, and children, all cheered on by enthusiastic crowds. The route passes many of Berlin’s landmarks, and the atmosphere is electric with music, encouragement, and the shared spirit of achievement. Elite athletes compete for top honors and world records, while many others run for personal milestones. The event is organized by SCC EVENTS and features a festive, inclusive environment for all participants.

Joining in

Visitors and newcomers can expect an energetic and welcoming atmosphere throughout Berlin during marathon weekend. The main events start and finish near the Brandenburg Gate, with the course winding through the city’s diverse neighborhoods. Whether running, skating, or spectating, participants are swept up in the excitement and camaraderie. Registration is required well in advance for runners, but spectators can enjoy the festivities from many points along the route, experiencing Berlin’s lively spirit and international community.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Berlin Marathon, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Berlin Marathon on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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