Berlin Marathon charity places for 2026

History

The Berlin Marathon has earned a reputation as one of the fastest races in the world. Its famously flat, smooth roads have produced 13 marathon world records, more than any other marathon, cementing its place in running history.

But speed is only part of the story. Every year, more than 50,000 runners take to the streets of Germany’s capital, cheered on by millions of spectators and around 80 live bands along the route. The unforgettable moment comes near the end, when runners pass through the iconic Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line.

Today, the race stands as one of the world’s great running spectacles, welcoming the international running community to Berlin for a truly electric celebration of the sport.

World Marathon Major

The Abbott World Marathon Majors series launched in 2006, uniting six of the world’s biggest races: Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York. Together, they elevated the marathon’s iconic 42.195km distance to new global prominence.

In 2025, Sydney joined the series as the seventh Major and the largest marathon in Oceania. Runners who complete six of the Majors earn the coveted Six Star Medal, one of the sport’s most celebrated achievements.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The Berlin Marathon is famous for its flat, fast and record-breaking course, widely considered one of the quickest marathon routes in the world. The 42.195km course winds through the heart of the German capital, taking runners on a sightseeing tour of Berlin’s historic streets, grand boulevards and lively neighbourhoods. With minimal elevation and wide roads, it offers ideal conditions for both elite runners chasing records and participants aiming for a personal best. 

Starting near the Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten, the route flows through several districts including Charlottenburg, Moabit, Mitte, Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Along the way, runners pass iconic landmarks such as the Victory Column, Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral, while crowds line the streets, creating an electric atmosphere. The unforgettable final kilometres build towards a dramatic moment, running through the Brandenburg Gate before the final sprint to the finish.

Route highlights

• One of the flattest and fastest marathon courses in the world
• Start and finish near the Brandenburg Gate
• Wide, smooth roads ideal for personal bests
• Pass through 10 districts of Berlin
• Early landmark: Victory Column in Tiergarten
• Historic sights, including the Reichstag and Berlin Cathedral
• Huge crowds and lively street entertainment along the route
• Dramatic final kilometre through the Brandenburg Gate
• 15 refreshment stations positioned along the course

Event HQ

Brandenburg Gate
Pariser Platz
Berlin
10117
Germany

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.

Benefits of running for charity

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:

• Fundraising support

  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.

• Training support

  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.

• Branded running kit

  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.

• In-country contacts

  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.

• Exclusive social groups

  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.

What are charity places?

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?

Before the race

• Race bib with timing chip/tag for official timekeeping and starting wave identification
• Athlete wristband used to access the start area on race day
• Race pack collection at the Marathon Expo (Messe Berlin)
• Start card and confirmation details sent before the event
• Access to the Marathon Expo, with exhibitors, merchandise, food, and running brands

Optional extras

• adidas event shirt
• Bag drop
• Merchandise
• Photos

During the race

• Closed-road marathon course (42.195 km) through central Berlin
• Wave starts are based on predicted finish time
• Water and refreshment stations along the route
• Medical support teams and paramedics on course
• Timekeeping and official results

After the race

• Official finisher’s medal (normally awarded to finishers within the race time limit)
• Finish area refreshments and recovery support
• Official results and finish time