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How to register for the Berlin Marathon?
The Berlin Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the world. Its completely flat course attracts thousands of runners from all corners of the globe. Each year, a prestigious lineup of elite athletes participates in the BMW Berlin Marathon hoping to break their personal record and sometimes even attempt the world record. As part of the 7 World Marathon Majors, the bibs to participate in one of the most iconic marathons are highly coveted. Like major marathons such as New York or Boston, a lottery is necessary to register.
✓ How to register for the Berlin Marathon and secure your spot? We explain everything in this article.
| The Lottery: An Option Open to All
Just like the London Marathon or New York, the Berlin Marathon offers a lottery for registration. This option is available to all runners, regardless of skill, age, gender… However, the lottery is subject to chance and does not guarantee a bib. Registration for the lottery generally takes place the fall before the marathon. The period lasts a few weeks, and everyone can register. The organization reveals the list of lucky winners who were drawn in early December. Many runners try several times before receiving a positive response. 45,000 runners start the race each year.
| Charity Programs: Supporting a Cause
Each edition, the charity program raises 5,000,000 euros. Charity bibs offer you a better chance of securing a spot for the Berlin Marathon and allow you to support a charity. This is an appealing option for those who want to experience a solidarity experience. You’re not only running to achieve your goal over the classic distance but also to support a cause. The process is quite simple. You choose an organization (partner of the Berlin Marathon) you wish to support and commit to raising a minimum amount of donations (often between 1,000 and 1,500 euros). After mobilizing your community and obtaining sufficient donations, you secure your participation in the race. Often, charity runners receive personalized training and gear provided by the supported organization. In short, it’s a slightly more secure option, but above all, a guaranteed unique human and sporting adventure.
| Enjoy a Complete Experience with a Travel Agency
For runners seeking a full experience combining sport and tourism, a travel agency is the option to choose. This alternative allows you to bypass the lottery to obtain your bib. An all-inclusive package offered by agencies includes the bib, transportation, accommodation, and sometimes even tours depending on the options chosen. Ideal for marathoners who seek precise organization while minimizing the stress of logistics and the lottery. The budget for a bib + travel package starts at at least 1,500 euros. To avoid any surprises, you will find approved travel agencies for the Berlin Marathon on the official race website.
Our advice: Plan your trip well with the agency.
| Qualifying Through Performance with “Good For Age” Bibs
Like the Boston Marathon, the Berlin Marathon allows the fastest runners to qualify directly through performance based on their age group and gender. The qualification time must be achieved during an official race that is part of the AbbottWMM Wanda Age Group World Rankings, AIMS certified, or listed by USTAF**.** This option allows you to register for the race without going through the lottery. To be valid, the qualifying time must be achieved in the two years preceding registration. Even if a runner achieves the qualification time, their bib is not guaranteed. The number of “Good For Age” bibs is limited.
| Age Group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 44 years | Under 2h45 | Under 3h10 |
| Up to 59 years | Under 2h55 | Under 3h30 |
| 60 and over | Under 3h25 | Under 4h20 |
| When to Register for the Berlin Marathon 2026?
To have a chance at the starting line of the Berlin Marathon in 2026, you will need to go through a lottery, with registrations generally opening in October or November 2025. The registration window lasts about a month, and you will need to complete a form on the official marathon website. No qualifying time is required, but once the period is closed, a draw is held. If selected, you will receive confirmation by email, usually in December.
To secure your bib, you can go through the charity program or travel agencies. On the association side, the first opportunities appear as early as fall 2025. You will then need to apply to a partner organization by committing to raise a minimum amount for their cause. On the side of approved tour operators, some launch their offers very early, sometimes as early as summer 2025. These packages often include hotel + bib, and places are limited. So it’s better to plan in advance and regularly monitor the openings.
The 51st edition of the Berlin Marathon will take place on September 21, 2025, and the lottery registrations for 2026 will open shortly after.
