The Berlin Marathon – officially called the 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon – is considered by many to be the world's fastest course as many world records have been broken and re-broken here. And with 40,000+ participants, you won't be lonely on the course. We've got the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to help get you to the starting line…
When and where will the 2023 Berlin Marathon take place?
The 2023 Berlin Marathon is scheduled for September 24, 2023 in Berlin, Germany (see more detailed location info below).
Where can you register for the Berlin Marathon?
Registration for the Berlin Marathon can be done through the official event website here. Unfortunately, registration/selection is very competitive via a lottery and closes well in advance of the race. Keep an eye on this page to register for the marathon's lottery. That said, limited registration is available through charity partners and tour operators…so if you missed out on the lottery…check their site to see if this option may work for you.
Where is the start and finish line for the Berlin Marathon? Is a course/route map available?
The start and finish lines are located just west of the Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor) on Straße des 17. Juni (along the route to the Tiergarten/Siegessäule Victory Column traffic circle). Additional start and finish information provides details on how to get there, prohibited items, meeting family & friends after and similar topics.
The course map for the Berlin marathon can be found here and is a good reference for spectators who would like to cheer you on.
Where is the best place to stay for the Berlin Marathon?
Because the start and finish are both located near the Brandenburg Gate – we'd recommend looking for lodging near the Pariser Platz, Mitte (middle) area of Berlin. The good news is that it is also near lots of tourist sites (the Reichstag building, Holocaust Memorial, Soviet War Memorial, embassies, and more). The bad news is that rates can be a bit more costly as the area is popular for travelers – especially around Berlin Marathon weekend.
Popular Choices
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- The Mandala Hotel Just south of the start/finish line area, this beautiful hotel offers convenience to several popular Berlin areas
- Boutique Hotel Château Royal Solid, well-rated boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Berlin just 600 meters from the Brandenburg Gate
Budget
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- Motel One Berlin-Potsdamer Platz Great value in popular Potsdamer Platz, just southeast of the Tiergarten start/finish area
- B&B Hotel Berlin Potsdamer Platz Modern but affordable B&B hotel (also in Potsdamer Platz)
Upscale
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- Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin If you can afford it, the Adlon offers up a perfect location and outstanding 5 star experience
- Regent – Berlin, an IHG Hotel Just 1 km away from the Brandenburg Gate, this ritzy stay offers on-site massage services (which might come in handy!)
Pro tip: if you are budget conscious – look for lodging near public transportation (the Subway, S-bahn, or Regional Trains). On race day your race bib number is valid for public transportation between 5:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. in Zone A and B. But you must have the bib with you. Learn more here.
Race day lodging: Here are the available hotel & lodging options for the night before the race near the start/finish line.
Booking.com
Reserve a room early… lodging near this area will be at a premium around race day.
What is the course record for the Berlin Marathon?
The marathon's course records are 2:01:09 for men (by Eliud Kipchoge) and 2:15:37 for women (by Tigist Assefa). Both records were set at the 2022 race.
How do you find cheap flights, tour packages, or things to do in Berlin?
Here's a link to our Berlin Travel Deals page. You'll probably want to fly into Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER). This is Berlin's primary international airport located about 25km southeast of the downtown area.
Below, we've assembled some popular activities for visitors to Berlin via our affiliate partner Tiqets.com.
2023 Major European Marathon Calendar
19 March: Rome Marathon
2 April: Paris Marathon
23 April: London Marathon
7 May: Prague Marathon
24 September: Berlin Marathon
15 October: Amsterdam Marathon
29 October: Frankfurt Marathon
5 November: Istanbul Marathon
12 November: Athens Marathon