BERLIN MARATHON 2026
27 SEPTEMBER 2026
The Berlin Marathon is world‑renowned as the fastest marathon course on the planet, a stage where records are broken and legends are made. Held annually in late September, it is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside Boston, London, Tokyo, Chicago, New York, and Sydney. The 2025 edition welcomed nearly 50,000 finishers from over 160 nations, making it one of the most international marathons in existence. Starting on Straße des 17. Juni in the Tiergarten, the course winds through ten districts of Berlin, past landmarks such as the Victory Column, Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, and Fernsehturm, before culminating in the unforgettable finish through the Brandenburg Gate. With its flat, fast route, cool autumn weather, and the roar of over a million spectators, Berlin offers both a chance at personal bests and a cultural journey through history. Whether you’re chasing a world record, running for charity, or simply embracing the atmosphere, the Berlin Marathon delivers an unmatched experience—where every stride echoes with unity, resilience, and celebration.
Historic Significance
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In 1990, over 25,000 runners crossed Brandenburg Gate into East Berlin for the first time.
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The emotional run saw participants crying and kissing the ground.
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Since then, Berlin has become a premier marathon destination.
Race Highlights
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Guaranteed entries available through Explore Travel’s three-night package.
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Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
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Flat, fast course with minimal corners.
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Eliud Kipchoge set a world record in 2022 (2:01:09), surpassing his 2018 record.
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Naoko Takahashi achieved the first sub-2:20 women’s marathon in 2001.
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Ideal weather conditions and asphalt surface make it perfect for personal records.
Why Berlin?
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Flat, fast, spectacular course
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Consistent ideal race-day weather
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German-standard logistics and organization
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Energetic atmosphere with music and crowd support
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Runner-friendly city with iconic landmarks and pre-race running areas
Local Experiences
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Run alongside the fastest marathoners in the world.
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Enjoy the festival-like atmosphere surrounding the event.
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Celebrate your finish in a traditional German beer hall with fellow runners.
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Explore art on Berlin’s Museum Island.
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Capture panoramic city views from the German Parliament rooftop terrace.
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Visit the historic Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
| Hotel Name | Rate per runner in DBL room | Rate per runner in SGL room | Travel companion in DBL room with a runner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Radison RED Berlin Kudamm 4* | 1 050 Euro | 1 500 Euro | 650 Euro |
Inclusions
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Guaranteed BIB for Berlin Marathon 2026 (only for runners; companions’ rate excludes BIB)
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Medal for all finishers
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Poncho or Clothing Bag (choose during registration)
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3 nights accommodation with breakfast at Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm (4 stars, central location)
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96-hour Berlin public transport ticket (only for runners)
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Berlin City Tax: 7.5% added to accommodation rate
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Bavarian buffet dinner with music after the marathon at Berlin Hofbräuhaus (drinks not included)
Exclusions
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Flight tickets to Berlin
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Official Adidas T-shirt (€40)
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Official Adidas Berlin Marathon Finisher T-shirt (€40)
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Adidas Legend Jacket (€120)
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Photo Package (€40)
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BIB number magnets (€11 for 4 pieces)
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Massage at Expo (€18 for 20 minutes)
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Other meals besides breakfast and post-marathon dinner
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Travel insurance
Accommodation: Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm
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Prime location near Kurfürstendamm boulevard (shops, restaurants)
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350m from Kurfürstendamm metro station
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Bold, contemporary interior design with smart room concepts
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Rooms equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, USB-B & USB-C charging ports, multifunctional spaces
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Facilities: design-driven hotel bar, outdoor terrace, fully equipped gym
Marathon Access
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Start/finish zone at Straße des 17. Juni near Brandenburg Gate
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Hotel approx. 2.5 km from start/finish
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20 minutes by metro (3 stations) or 30–35 minutes walking
Key Benefits
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Central location with easy race-day logistics
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Athlete-friendly rooms and suites
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Reliable high-speed connectivity
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Fitness amenities including gym
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Close to shopping and lifestyle venues (KaDeWe, Bikini Berlin)
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Adidas Flagship Store only 750m away
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Vapiano Restaurant 200m away (ideal for carbo-loading)
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Metro station 350m away for city exploration
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Easy airport access via direct S9 line to Zoo Garden Station (500m from hotel)
Important Notes
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Travel period: 25–28 September 2026 (minimum stay 3 nights; amendable by request)
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Additional services (T-shirt, jacket, photo package) bookable online in advance via personal portal after registration
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For bookings, travel advice, or information: dragos@exploretravel.ro
Payment Terms
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Deposit: €600 per runner and €200 per travel companion, payable at the time of booking.
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Remaining balance: must be paid by 15 July 2025.
Deposit Conditions
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The €600 advance payment is non-refundable.
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It covers accommodation cancellation penalties and the marathon registration fee, which is also non-refundable.
Registration Transfer & Name Change
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If medical issues prevent participation, the runner may nominate a substitute and request a registration transfer by 10 August 2026.
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Marathon registration name change fees:
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€20 if processed on or before 10 August 2026
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€125 if processed between 11 August – 20 September 2026
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No name changes permitted after 20 September 2026
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Name change for the accompanying person is permitted up to 7 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
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From registration up to 60 days before departure: refund of the package value excluding the €600 non-refundable deposit.
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Less than 60 days before departure: 100% cancellation penalty (no refund).

