11 Ways To Qualify For The Berlin Marathon
The Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious and popular marathons in the world. Known for its flat course and fast times, it’s a bucket list race for many runners.
Every September, runners from around the world run pass by many of Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Potsdamer Platz. The course symbolically reunites the formerly divided East and West Berlin.
It is one of the World Marathon Majors and often represents the pinnacle of achievement in the running world. Over 54,000 Berlin Marathon runners finish the race each year. Similar to the various qualification methods for the Boston Marathon, the Berlin Marathon has multiple entry points.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide with every way you can qualify for the Berlin Marathon including the Berlin Marathon qualifying times. So let’s explore the various ways to qualify for this iconic event.
Table of Contents
What is Special About the Berlin Marathon?
The race was first run in 1974, so 2024 is the 50th running of the Berlin Marathon. Some of the key factors that make it stand out:
- Speed: Berlin is known as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world. It’s where numerous world records have been set. The current race records are male – Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) – 2:01:09, and female – Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) 2:11:53.
- Flat course: The route is notably flat, which contributes to its speed and makes it appealing for both elite athletes and amateur runners looking for personal bests.
- Historical significance: Runners pass by many of Berlin’s iconic landmarks, including the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and Potsdamer Platz. The course symbolically reunites the formerly divided East and West Berlin.
- One of the World Marathon Majors: It’s part of the prestigious World Marathon Majors series, along with Tokyo, Boston, London, Chicago, and New York City.
- Large participation: It’s one of the largest marathons globally, typically hosting over 50,000 runners.
- Excellent organization: The event is known for its smooth operation and fantastic crowd support.
- Cultural experience: The marathon weekend includes various events and expos, making it a cultural celebration beyond just the race.
- Qualifying race: Many runners use Berlin as a qualifying race for other marathons, like the Boston Marathon, due to its fast course.
When is the Berlin Marathon?
September 21, 2025. Runners start in waves based on estimated finishing time.
The race officially begins at 8:50AM local time with the Elite Handbiker Division.
Berlin Marathon Cost to Enter
The participation fee is 200 Euros and includes a 4-day ticket for public transportation.
Every Way to Qualify For the Berlin Marathon
If you have your sights set on conquering the Berlin Marathon, you might be wondering just how you can earn your spot on that iconic starting line. Let’s go over all the ways.
Berlin Marathon Qualifying Times
The most straightforward way to enter the Berlin Marathon is by running a qualifying time at a certified marathon. The times are age- and gender-graded and offer fewer groupings than other World Marathon Majors.
The Berlin marathon qualifying times will need to have been attained within the last two years (If your result was attained in the 2023 or 2024 calendar year, you qualify for the 2025 race).
NOTE: Virtual races cannot be used for qualification.
Men & Women Time Standards
Your qualifying time must be below these benchmarks.
Age | Men | Women |
---|---|---|
18-44 | 2:45:00 | 3:10:00 |
45-59 | 2:55:00 | 3:30:00 |
60+ | 3:25:00 | 4:20:00 |
To see how your pace compares, check out our marathon pace chart.
Berlin Marathon Lottery Drawing
For those who don’t meet the qualifying times, the most common way to enter is through the lottery system. This system is designed to give everyone a fair chance at participating in the Berlin Marathon.
Lottery Timeline
- Registration for the lottery usually opens in October for the following year’s race.
- The application period typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks.
- You can enter as a single runner or as a “team”. A team is between 2 to 3 runners, and all members of a team complete the entire race (it’s not a relay).
- Results are usually announced in late November or early December.
Tips for the Lottery
- Set a reminder: Mark your calendar for when the lottery opens to ensure you don’t miss the application window.
- Enter as a team: A team entry could provide better odds for your entry. Each team member is entered into the main lottery (there’s not a separate “team” lottery drawing). If any member gets selected, his/her teammates get in as well. So a team of three people may have triple the chances of getting selected.
- Double-check your details: Ensure all information in your application is accurate to avoid any issues if you’re selected.
- Be prepared to commit: If you enter the lottery, be ready to follow through with registration if selected.
- Consider backup options: Given the random nature of the lottery, it’s wise to have alternative race plans in case you’re not selected.
Become a Member of the Media
There’s a limited amount of bibs reserved for members of the media who want to run the Berlin Marathon and report on their experiences. This is also viable if you are a journalist and did not get in via the lottery.
Interested parties have until early May to express their interest and all parties will be informed in mid-June if they are in.
NOTE – This is not a free entry and each runner must pay a full-price registration if selected.
https://www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com/en/media-section
Previous Winners of the Berlin Marathon
If you have ever won the Berlin Marathon, you will be granted an automatic entry into any future Berlin Marathon. So if your name happens to be Eliud Kipchoge, you’re in.
Sozialticket S Holders
New in 2025 – There are 50 spots open to runners that have a Socialticket S (a monthly public transportation pass for people receiving unemployment benefits). The cost of race entry is also reduced to 50 Euros.
Charity Entry
If you’re passionate about making a difference while pursuing your marathon goals, securing a spot through a charity entry can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
The Berlin Marathon partners with various organizations, offering runners the chance to support meaningful causes while participating in this world-class event.
How Charity Entries Work
- Choose a Charity: The Berlin Marathon works with over 120 charity partners. These typically include both local German charities and international organizations. Find one that resonates with you.
- Fundraising Commitment: The minimum fundraising amount can vary between charities but is typically around 2,500 Euros to 3,500 Euros before race day.
- Registration Process: Once you’ve been accepted by a charity, they will provide you with a special registration link or code to use on the official Berlin Marathon website.
Benefits of Running for Charity
- Guaranteed Entry: You bypass the lottery system and secure your spot in the race.
- Making a Difference: Your run supports a cause you care about.
- Training Motivation: Knowing you’re running for a bigger purpose can be a powerful motivator during training.
- Community Support: Many charities provide special perks like training plans, team singlets, and pre-race meetups.
Full Berlin marathon charity entry details are here.
International Tour Operators
Many international tour operators offer guaranteed entries as part of their Berlin Marathon travel packages. This option combines your race entry with accommodation and sometimes even guided tours of the city.
Many international tour operators offer guaranteed entries as part of their Berlin Marathon travel packages.
While these packages generally have a higher cost associated with them, it’s kind of like a VIP package. Someone else is doing all the travel preparation and you get the benefits (including guaranteed race entry).
Spots fill up very quickly so don’t procrastinate.
Check out the list of approved Tour Operators here.
Goodwill Offer From Last Year’s Race
If you were set to race in last year’s race but were unable to participate and took advantage of the Goodwill option for the Berlin Marathon, you’re eligible to race in this year’s marathon. This only works for the race year following your cancellation.
You cannot cancel multiple years.
Jubilee Club
The Berlin Marathon’s Jubilee Club honors runners who have completed 10 or more Berlin Marathons. Members are guaranteed entry every year.
Jubilee Club membership is free, and members get a special bib with a green background to wear. Also, each member is assigned a race number for life. That’s pretty cool.
Currently, about 6200 runners from 30 countries are in this club.
Road to the Majors – Half Marathon Journey
Have you already completed 3, 4, or 5 of the World Marathon Majors?
The Global Run club has special virtual half marathon races you can complete to earn an entry into a special lottery to get into the Berlin Marathon.
There are six virtual races, and they cost $45 each. They are in March, April, May, August, September, and October.
Get more information at https://app.abbottwmmglobalrunclub.com/en/challenges.
Bid Using Your Marriott Bonvoy Points
New for 2025 is the ability to bid on a coveted entry spot to all World Major Marathons (including Berlin) using your Marriott Bonvoy points. Bidding is open for about 30 days and they seem to be going in calendar order of races.
The package seems to include race entry, a stay in a Marriott hotel for two days, plus a VIP-level package for your guest.
See for yourself at https://moments.marriottbonvoy.com/en-us/moments/category/sports
Conclusion
Securing a spot in the Berlin Marathon may seem challenging, but with persistence and the right approach, it’s an achievable goal for runners of all levels. Remember, the journey to Berlin is as much about the preparation and anticipation as it is about race day itself.
If there are any qualification methods that we overlooked, please let us know through the contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Does Berlin Marathon Start?
The 2025 Berlin Marathon is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2025.
Can anyone participate in the Berlin Marathon?
You must be a valid entrant to the race and at least 18 years old on by race day.
Is there an age requirement for the Berlin Marathon?
You must be at least 18 years old on race day.
Is there a lottery for the Berlin Marathon?
Yes, there are many qualification methods and the general lottery is one of them.
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