The Berlin Marathon is one of the most iconic road races in the world and forms part of the elite World Marathon Majors series. With a famously flat course and a reputation for fast times, it’s a favourite among professional athletes and amateurs. The 2025 edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, and is expected to attract over 50,000 runners from across the globe.
Entry Details and Fees
Due to high demand, registration for the Berlin Marathon is conducted via a lottery system. Entries for the 2025 race closed in late 2024, although charity and international tour operator partners still had spots available into the new year.
Standard entry fee: The entry fee for the Berlin Marathon in 2025 is €200.00.
Time limit: 6 hours and 15 minutes after the last wave starts.
Each entry includes a timing chip, bib number, race support, a finisher’s medal, and refreshments along the course.
Course Overview
Berlin’s course is world-famous for its flat terrain and record-breaking potential. It starts and finishes near the Brandenburg Gate, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
The route winds through the heart of Berlin, passing sights like:
The Victory Column
Charlottenburg Palace
Berlin Cathedral
Potsdamer Platz
The Reichstag
With cheering crowds, live bands, and over eighty aid stations, the atmosphere is electric from start to finish. The latest sports betting odds suggest another world record attempt could be on the cards, given the track’s record and the favourable conditions.
Berlin is easily accessible via Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which offers direct links to major global cities. From the airport, public transport makes getting around the city stress-free. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses are all punctual and well-connected.
Where to Stay
Hotels close to the start/finish line fill up quickly, so booking early is essential. Here are several good options:
Hotel Adlon Kempinski – A five-star stay right next to the Brandenburg Gate.
Melia Berlin – Modern comfort near Friedrichstrasse Station.
Motel One Berlin-Hauptbahnhof – Budget-friendly and walkable to the starting line.
There are plenty of affordable hostels and apartments across Mitte and Tiergarten.
Things to Do in Berlin
Whether you’re extending your trip or just squeezing in some sightseeing, Berlin offers a rich cultural mix:
East Side Gallery – A stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals.
Museum Island – Home to five renowned museums.
Checkpoint Charlie – A historic Cold War site.
Tiergarten Park – Ideal spot for a recovery stroll or picnic.
Food lovers will enjoy Berlin’s famous currywurst, schnitzel, and world-class beer, perfect for a post-race celebration.
Final Thoughts
The Berlin Marathon offers a unique blend of fast racing, vibrant culture, and truly historic scenery. Whether the aim is to secure a personal best or to soak up the atmosphere, it’s a race experience unlike most others. With top runners eyeing records and tens of thousands pounding the streets, Berlin 2025 promises to be another great event on the running calendar this year.
