The BMW Berlin Marathon, aka the fastest marathon in the world, is not just a race - it's a piece of running history. As one of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, Berlin (alongside Tokyo, Boston, London, New York City and Chicago) is at the pinnacle of marathon running - so if you're looking for a large, world-renowned marathon you're in the right place.
Berlin's flat, fast course has attracted numerous world record attempts and currently holds both the men's and women's marathon world records. The course has great marathon PB potential yet welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.
Join over 45,000 runners from 130 countries as part of a charity team in this iconic race through the heart of Berlin. Secure your place at the start line with one of the charities below - simply select the cause you would like to support to start the sign up process.
The Berlin Marathon boasts a 51-year history with 45,000+ runners annually from across the globe.
Follow in the footsteps of the World Record holder, Kelvin Kiptum, in an event named the 'fastest marathon in the world'.
The route tours the 'City of Freedom' and features the Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz and Berlin Cathedral.
Marathon-running and sightseeing in one unforgettable weekend.
Save yourself the uncertainty and stress of the ballot by securing a charity place today.
These charities have places in the event. To secure your place, select a charity and provide your details.
Dementia
Funding world-class scientific research to make breakthroughs possible.
Sign up
£40
Fundraise
£1,200
Free sign up
Homelessness
The only UK charity that reunites missing children and adults with their loved ones.
Sign up
FREE
Fundraise
£1,500
Armed forces
Supporting limbless veterans since WWI.
Sign up
£50
Fundraise
£1,600
Every year thousands of runners take part in this event and fundraise for charity. While this is hugely beneficial to the charities it gives the runner advantages too, from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to securing a place in this highly sought-after event and much more.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think videos for social media, branded imagery and testimonials from previous runners.
Whether this is your first run or your fifth, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation. Experts include Runningwithus, Full Potential and Olympic champs.
When you show up on the day, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to run in on the big day, and often a training top too.
Overseas runners may find it reassuring to join a ready-made charity team who will help secure your place in the event, advise on travel, accommodation and put you in touch with teammates.
You may not be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if ballot entries are closed.
Marathon running and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?