How to Enter the Berlin Marathon
© SCC Events/photorunThe Berlin Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the world. Its completely flat course attracts thousands of runners every year, along with the world’s top marathoners chasing the world record. It is also where Eliud Kipchoge wrote some of the finest pages of his career, with five victories and a 2:01:09 world record. As one of the World Marathon Majors, places on the streets of the German capital are fiercely sought after. And as with every major marathon, the lottery remains the main route to a place in the 2027 race.
✓ How do you enter the Berlin Marathon and secure that coveted place? We explain everything in this article.
The lottery: open to everyone
Like the London Marathon and New York marathons, the Berlin Marathon uses a lottery to allocate entries. It is open to all runners, regardless of ability, age or gender. However, the draw is down to chance and does not guarantee you a place. Applications for the 2027 lottery will be open from October 1 to November 12, 2026. Results will then be announced on December 3, 2026. Almost 56,000 runners line up for the race every year.
The application period for the 2027 Berlin Marathon lottery
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin Marathon
© Berlin MarathonCharity programmes: support a cause
Every year, the charity programme raises €7 million. Charity entries give you a slightly better chance of securing a place in the Berlin Marathon while allowing you to support a good cause. It is an appealing option for anyone looking for a charity-focused experience. You are not just running to achieve your goal over the classic distance; you are also running to support a cause. The process is fairly straightforward. Choose one of the 172 organisations represented, provided it is a Berlin Marathon partner, and commit to raising a minimum amount in donations, usually between €1,000 and €1,500. Once you have rallied your community and raised enough money, your place in the race is secured. Charity runners are often given personalised coaching and kit supplied by the organisation they support. In short, it is a slightly safer route, but above all, a unique human and sporting adventure is guaranteed.
The complete experience with a travel agency
For runners looking for the full package, combining sport and tourism, a travel agency is the option to consider. This alternative lets you bypass the lottery to secure your place. All-inclusive packages offered by agencies include the race entry, transport, accommodation and sometimes sightseeing, depending on the options selected. It is ideal for marathoners who want every detail organised while limiting the stress of logistics and the lottery. Among these agencies, Contraste Running guarantees you a place in the Berlin Marathon. No more waiting for the lottery: you can prepare with peace of mind, set your goal and focus on your training, certain that you will be on the start line of one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.
Our advice: plan your trip with the agency well in advance.
Qualify on performance with the Fast Runner programme
Like most major marathons, the Berlin Marathon allows its fastest runners to qualify directly on performance, based on age group and gender. The qualifying time must have been achieved at an official race certified by World Athletics or another national governing body. Only marathon times are accepted. This option allows you to enter the race without going through the lottery. To be valid, the qualifying time must have been run in 2025 or 2026. You must provide proof of the time along with a link to the race’s official results. Even if a runner achieves the qualifying standard, their place is not guaranteed. The number of Fast Runner entries is limited, and only the fastest applicants are selected.
Age group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
Up to 44 | Under 2:45 | Under 3:10 |
Up to 59 | Under 2:55 | Under 3:30 |
60 and over | Under 3:25 | Under 4:20 |
Good to know
Entry fee: €215 (payment is taken as soon as your place is confirmed)
Team entry: if you want to run the marathon with friends, you can enter as a team of three. If the team is drawn, all three members are guaranteed a place.
Pregnancy: if you become pregnant, you can defer your entry for three years.
Entries are non-refundable. If you are not certain you will take part, the organiser offers cancellation insurance, which can be added during registration.
Entries are personal and non-transferable.
The 53rd edition of the Berlin Marathon will take place on September 26, 2027. The best way to get in remains the lottery. But demand is so high that the odds of being selected are slim. With its lightning-fast course, often ideal weather and historic status, the Generali Berlin Marathon will keep runners around the world dreaming. Fortunately, there are other ways to take on the Berlin streets. It is up to you to choose the option that gives you the best chance of securing a place. Above all, do not miss the application window, which closes on November 12. See you beneath the Brandenburg Gate!