Berlin Marathon 2024

Every year, fans and runners visit Berlin to cheer on or take part when thousands of marathon runners of all ages, inline skaters, minis/bambinis, wheelchair users and hand bikers take over the German city for its marathon. With live music and a host of stands selling street food, the city becomes an amazing street festival with a sporting and festive atmosphere. Will there be a new world record? Run the marathon or cheer on those taking part! Hurry and book your room for the Berlin Marathon, demand is sky high!

History of the Berlin Marathon

With 286 runners, the first marathon took place in 1974, marking the 750th anniversary of the city of Berlin. Passing through a number of city locations, the iconic route was established in 1981, setting out from Berlin's centre and culminating at the Brandenburg Gate. Since then, it has grown to be one of the world's top six marathons, with elite athletes taking part and setting several world records. 

In 1990, the event heralded a truly historic moment. Previously, the marathon route had been confined to West Berlin. However, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, it expanded to encompass the entire city, marking a new era for the event and for Germany as a nation. This transition was a unique moment in the world of sport.

Why are there so many records?

Runners and professional athletes consider the Berlin Marathon route ideal for setting records. With its flat terrain, minimal changes in elevation from 38 to 53 metres above sea level, faster times can be achieved over long distances.

How to register

Each year, around 45,000 runners sign up for the marathon. As it is such a popular race, the organisers have restricted registration. TThere are several different ways to run the Berlin marathon: 

• Qualification by Time For men: The time limit is incredibly strict. Athletes must attest to having achieved a previous time in a marathon below the following times according to gender and age group: 

    o Men aged up to 44 years: under 2:45 

    o Men aged up to 59 years: under 2:55 

    o Men 60 years old and upwards: under 3:25 

    o Women aged up to 44 years: under 3:00 

    o Women aged up to 59 years: under 3:20 

    o Women 60 years old and upwards: under 4:10 

• Lottery: Most of the initial 45,000 spots are allocated through this method. Applicants must register through the official marathon website. 

• Charity Runners: To register for the Berlin Marathon when running for charity, it is necessary to donate approximately $1,750. Through a Tour Operator: Another way to register is by requesting a starting spot through a marathon travel agency. 

• Jubilee Club: All athletes who have successfully completed the Berlin Marathon at least 10 times are guaranteed a starting spot. Loyalty pays off.

The route and start of the Berlin Marathon

The starting area is in Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and "Kleiner Stern". The nearest metro stations are Friedrichstraße (U1, U6, U7), Hauptbahnhof (U55), Bundestag (U55), Brandenburger Tor (U55) and Potsdamer Platz (U2). The finish line is not far from the starting point at the Soviet Memorial by the Brandenburg Gate: the NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse is one of the hotels in the vicinity of the Berlin Marathon. You must pay attention to the fact that the finish line is 200 metres away from the gate, something that has confused a lot of runners. 

Please note that for safety reasons, only runners with a starting number and access bracelets are permitted access to the starting area. Unfortunately, onlookers, attendants and family cannot enter this zone. The starting area opens at 6:30am. The Berlin Marathon route begins on Straße des 17. Juni running through Tiergarten, Charlottenburg, Mitte, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, Steglitz as well as Wilmersdorf, and so it takes in all the main sights of the city of Berlin. Guests staying at NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie will have a privileged spot for watching the race: The hotel bar - overlooks part of the race on Leipziger Straße. 

It's important to note that specific details, such as nearby metro stations, restricted access areas, and the exact location of the finish line, may be subject to minor changes from year to year due to security reasons, construction, or other logistical factors. For instance, the exact distance from the finish line to the Brandenburg Gate may vary slightly if necessary. 

To obtain the most up-to-date information, it's always best to consult the official BMW Berlin Marathon website or contact the event organizers directly.

Hotels for the Marathon in Berlin

With 8 NH hotels in Berlin it's easy to find somewhere to stay for the Marathon and a for a successful visit. The starting area is easy to get to for participants and sports enthusiasts alike from 3 NH hotels (NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse and NH Berlin Potsdamer Platz). All other hotels can be easily reached by public transport. 

We will be happy to allow you a free late check-out on Sundays until 5 pm, and an extended breakfast until noon upon request, with our Lazy Sunday promise. That way you can come back to the hotel after the marathon and forget about the stress of an early pre-race check out. 

We also have accessible facilities and rooms in the following locations: NH Collection Berlin Mitte Friedrichstrasse, nhow Berlin, NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie, NH Berlin Potsdamer Platz, some of which are close to the starting line.

To find out more things to do during your stay in Berlin, check out our travel guides.