Berlin Marathon 2025: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Marathon running has its own unique magic. Anyone who has ever stood at the starting line knows that tingling sensation when the countdown begins and the crowd around you becomes restless. The Berlin Marathon 2025 is just about that, only on a much larger scale. On 28 September 2025, the city will belong to the runners – undeniably and completely.

The streets around the Tiergarten and the Brandenburg Gate are usually full of cars, cyclists and tourist groups. But on this Sunday, there will only be runners and tens of thousands of spectators. The atmosphere here is exhilarating yet relaxed at the same time. It feels more like a huge city festival than a sporting competition.

The Berlin Marathon owes its popularity not only to the atmosphere. The course is flat – very flat. If you want to run the Berlin Marathon for a personal best, you’ll find the perfect conditions here. Even if wining is secondary, participation is worthwhile: the route passes many famous landmarks – the Victory Column, Potsdamer Platz, Alexanderplatz, Museum Island – and ends in one of the most impressive settings imaginable. Running through the Brandenburg Gate to the finish line is an experience you’ll never forget.

 

The history of the race is not that old. The first Berlin Marathon took place in Grunewald in 1974, with just a few hundred runners. Today, there are over 50,000 participants from all over the world and more than a million spectators along the route – a truly remarkable development.

Before race day, all runners must stop by the Berlin Marathon Expo. This is where race numbers are handed out, but it is much more than a pick-up point. At the expo, you’ll discover the latest running shoes, sports nutrition, expert talks and, above all, an international community that shares the same passion. Here the city enters its marathon mode.

With the flatness of Berlin working to the runners’ advantage, the weather poses a challenge. At the end of September, Berlin weather can be extremely unpredictable. Temperatures average between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius. It can be chilly in the morning and pleasantly warm later the same day. Therefore, we recommend investing in lightweight, layered functional clothing to be on the safe side.

If you’re asking yourself where to stay in Berlin for the Marathon, the answer to that is simple – the closer to the race, the better. Long commutes on race morning only add unnecessary stress. Staying close to the Berlin city centre makes everything easier. Leonardo Hotels are strategically located in Berlin and offer short commutes and a relaxed base for final preparations.

Tips for a relaxed participation in the Berlin Marathon 2025

• Arrive a few days early: This gives you time to visit the expo and adjust to the city and climate.
• Head to the start early: Expect crowds, security checks and long walks. Aim to be there at least an hour before.
• Dress in layers: It’s often cool in the morning and warmer later. Layering is the safest option.
• Embrace the atmosphere: Spectators, music and little details along the course give you a boost when your legs feel heavy.
• Plan for recovery: Allow a day without big plans after the race. A day spent in bed, at a spa, or just sitting at a nearby cafe will help your recovery.

Berlin offers more than just the marathon itself. The Berlin running calendar is full of other highlights. The Berlin Half Marathon in spring is ideal if you prefer the shorter distance. The Berlin 25 km Run and the Berlin City Marathon are also popular among running enthusiasts.

The Berlin Marathon 2025 is more than a race. It’s an encounter with a city that shows its most festive side. A mix of sport, culture and community that will stay with you for a long time.

Book your stay at Leonardo Hotels in Berlin and experience the marathon up close!