Berlin Marathon
The world's fastest marathon course, finishing through the Brandenburg Gate.
Berlin
Last Sunday of September
42.195 km
40 m
~45,000 athletes
Course Highlights
- Start near the Reichstag
- Siegessaule (Victory Column) in the Tiergarten
- Potsdamer Platz
- Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island
- Brandenburg Gate finish line
The Course
The Berlin Marathon starts near the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate, then loops through the city in a roughly figure-eight pattern. The course is remarkably flat, with a total elevation gain of only about 40 meters, making it the fastest marathon course in the world. Runners pass through Berlin's diverse neighborhoods, including Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Charlottenburg, on wide, smooth roads.
The first half takes runners west and south through tree-lined avenues and past landmarks like the Siegessaule (Victory Column) and Potsdamer Platz. The second half heads east through former East Berlin, passing the Berlin Cathedral and Museum Island. The streets are broad and the course is well-sheltered from wind by the surrounding buildings.
The final kilometer is unforgettable. Runners pass through the Tiergarten and approach the Brandenburg Gate, which frames the finish line. Running through this iconic monument, with enormous crowds on both sides, is one of the most celebrated finishes in marathon running.
History
The first Berlin Marathon was held in 1974 with 286 runners on a forest course. It moved to the city streets in 1981 and has since become the premier destination for world-record attempts. The course has produced more marathon world records than any other, including Eliud Kipchoge's 2:01:09 in 2022.
Berlin's flat profile, cool September weather, and enthusiastic crowds make it the go-to race for elite runners chasing the fastest times. The event is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and now attracts over 45,000 participants from more than 150 countries.
How to Train for Berlin
Train for a fast, even pace
Berlin's flat course rewards metronomic pacing. Practice long runs at your exact goal marathon pace to build the discipline needed for 42 kilometers of steady effort. Negative splitting is very achievable here.
Watch for cobblestones
Some sections of the course include short stretches of cobblestone. While most of the road is smooth, practice running on varied surfaces so these brief sections do not disrupt your rhythm or cause ankle instability.
Capitalize on ideal conditions
Late September in Berlin typically offers cool temperatures in the 10-15 degrees Celsius range. Train in similar conditions to optimize your race-day performance. This course is purpose-built for personal bests, so arrive with a clear time goal.
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