Latest News
Everything you need to know about running the Berlin marathon
October 18th 2019
By RUNNER'S WORLD
As the home of Kipchoge’s amazing world-record of 2:01:39, Berlin Marathon is known to be one of the fastest marathons in the world, with Kenenisa Bekele missing the world record by 2 seconds at this year's race. Here's what you need to know about entering the 2020 ballot.
When does the 2020 Berlin Marathon ballot open?
The 2020 Berlin marathon ballot opens on 1 October 2019 and will remain open until 31 October 2019. With a limit of 44,000 runners, Berlin marathon spots are pretty in-demand. You will receive an email confirming your entry into the ballot straight away.
When will the 2020 Berlin Marathon take place?
The 2020 Berlin Marathon will take place on Sunday 27 September 2020.
How much does it cost to run the 2020 Berlin Marathon?
If you are successful in the ballot, the registration fee for the Berlin Marathon is €125 which at the time of writing coverts to £110.13.
When will the ballot results be announced?
The results of the ballot will be released from 27 November 2019 onwards.
How does the ballot work?
The Berlin Marathon uses the same entry drawing procedure as other marathon events at the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series.
In the single runners entry, you will be required to submit all your relevant data during the registration phase, including your payment details. If you are successful in the ballot, your card will be charged and it will not be possible to transfer or cancel your race entry, so make sure you’re 100% certain before submitting your entry. If you are not successful in the ballot, your payment information will be deleted.
If you plan on running with a group of two to three runners, then you can enter as a team, although your team can be a maximum of three runners.
How can you get a guaranteed place for the 2020 Berlin Marathon?
If you’re 100% sure you want to run next year’s Berlin Marathon, you can enter under a guaranteed starting spot. This is also valid for larger groups who want to run together.
There are two options when it comes to getting a guaranteed place – entering with a tour operator, or getting a charity place. Tour operators offer race spots as part of a holiday package, which you can often pay for in instalments up to the race.
Similar to other major marathons, charity places are also available, giving you a guaranteed marathon place in exchange for fundraising for a good cause.
What are the Good for Age options at the 2020 Berlin Marathon?
Known as the ‘fast runners’ route, fast runners can secure a guaranteed place for the 2019 Berlin Marathon if they can prove they have finished an AIMS-certified marathon in the last two years (2017/2018) in a certain time. These times are as follows:
Male runners:
18-44 (DOB 2001-1975): under 2:45 hours
45-59 (DOB 1794-1960): under 2:55 hours
60 and above (DOB 1959 and older): under 3:25 hours
Female runners:
18-44 (DOB 2001-1975): under 3:00 hours
45-59 (DOB 1794-1960): under 3:20 hours
60 and above (DOB 1959 and older): under 4:10 hours
The ballot for fast runner places will also open on 1 October 2019 and close on 31 October 2019.
Where does the 2020 Berlin Marathon start, and at what time?
The Berlin Marathon starts at Straße des 17. Juni, between Brandenburg Gate and "Kleiner Stern". The race starts from 9.15am, when runners will be released in four waves. Runners should ensure they are at the start much earlier than 9.15am, especially if they have opted to drop a bag off.
What is the route of the 2020 Berlin Marathon?
The route of the 2020 Berlin Marathon has not yet been announced, but you can see the 2019 route here:
When will I get my number for the Berlin Marathon?
Similar to other marathons, you will be required to pick up your bib number at the Berlin Marathon expo, which will be open from Thursday 24 September 2019 and Saturday 26 September 2020. Group pick-ups or getting another person to get your number for you will not be permitted.
What will the weather be like for the 2020 Berlin Marathon?
It's still far too soon to predict the weather for next September's race, but we'll be updating this page nearer the time.
How can spectators track runners at the Berlin Marathon?
Whether you're heading out to Berlin to spectate, or want to keep an eye on a family member or friend from home, the best way to spectate is to use the Berlin Marathon app. You can download the app and add your runners to the tracker now.