How to Register and Participate in the Berlin Marathon?

As one of the 7 marathons featured in the World Majors, the most iconic races globally, the Berlin Marathon attracts numerous participants! 🖐️ In recent years, registration requests for the World Marathon Majors 🏅 have skyrocketed, leading to bib shortages every year. Nonetheless, it's still possible to try and secure the coveted entry to the starting line, so here we explain everything you need to know to register and finally grab that much-desired bib! 🤩

1/ The lottery: the most popular, but also the least certain option! 😬

Much like many major international marathons, most participants secure their spot through a lottery draw 🎟️. This process is fiercely competitive, especially with the growing popularity of the marathon 📈. Every year, the Berlin Marathon opens a lottery system allowing runners from around the world to try their luck at securing a spot 🌍. Registration for the lottery usually opens at the end of October, a few weeks after the current edition 🗓️. You will have about three weeks to submit your application on the official race website 🖥️. However, the outcome of the draw remains entirely random 😅. The answer (positive or negative) typically arrives in early December. Every year, thousands of runners hope to be selected, but only a few lucky ones make it 🤞. This system is highly unpredictable, so don't get discouraged if you're not selected the first time. Many runners have to try for several years before hitting the jackpot 🎁.

Photo Credit: BMW Berlin Marathon

2/ Charity Programs: run and fundraise 💰

This option is perfect for runners with a generous heart who want to support a charity of their choice 🎗️, or for those not lucky in the lottery. Many bibs for the BMW Berlin Marathon are allocated through charity organizations. The idea is simple: you run to raise funds for a cause close to your heart 💝. To do this, all you need to do is join a marathon partner organization and commit to collecting a minimum amount of donations that will go entirely to the charity. The amount to be raised varies, but it generally ranges between €1,000 and €2,500. This way of registering is ideal, as it enhances the spirit of solidarity and allows charities to advance research or improve their actions for those in need 🤗. Once registered, you are entitled to personalized support, and even sports equipment and reserved access, offered by the organization! 🎽

Photo Credit: BMW Berlin Marathon

3/ Performance Qualification: "Good For Age" Bibs ⏱️

Are you a speedster with skills to match? 👟 Then direct qualification might be your fast pass to the land of the rising sun! 🎫 The rules are simple: just run fast, very fast 🚀. The BMW Berlin Marathon has established the "Good For Age" program, which sets qualifying times based on age and gender 👩. For example, for a man under 45, you must have clocked a time under 2h45 on one of your marathons completed within the last two years. For a woman in the same age group, the minimum is 3h00. These performances are not easily achieved by all runners, even more selective than for the New York Marathon or the Boston Marathon 😣. If you manage to break this speed barrier 💥, you'll see your name on the participant list ✅. But beware, this might seem like the easiest solution, yet qualification spots are limited 🤏.

4/ Sports Travel Agencies: the Complete Experience 😎

If you want to avoid the lottery and the stressful timing 🥵, this alternative may pique your interest! Designed for marathon runners 🏃‍♂️ and globetrotters 🛬 who love to arrive, settle in, and enjoy a meticulously organized experience, all-inclusive packages are highly sought after. Although more expensive than organizing your own trip 💲, travel agencies partnering with the event offer you an inclusive package: race bib, accommodation, and even city tours depending on the organization 😜. The cost of a "bib + travel" package varies by agency, but plan for at least €1,000 to €3,000 for the whole package 🤓. It’s undoubtedly the simplest and most stress-free option, but be sure to book well in advance as they sell like hotcakes! 🥐 Agencies authorized by the Berlin Marathon are usually listed on the official site.

Photo Credit: BMW Berlin Marathon

5/ For Teams and Companies: Extra Bibs! 😍

If you're running with a team or wish to represent a company, the Berlin Marathon offers bibs for those who prefer not to run solo ☝️. These spots are often used by running clubs or companies, and to attempt to secure them, simply apply via the official website 🤓. The registration fees are similar to individual draw fees, but this option allows for group participation, often with additional benefits such as reserved zones at the start and finish 🏁. It shows that your coach can offer more than just interval training sessions, and your boss more than just a heap of work! 😆

Is there a sure way to get my bib? 🤔

Securing a bib for the Berlin Marathon can be achieved through several routes: the luck of the draw 🍀, the solidarity of fundraising, the speed of a qualifying time 🏎️, or the comfort of a tourist package 💆‍♀️. Whichever method you choose, running through the streets of Berlin will be worth all the effort you put into this bib quest! 😉 Between the course's speed, the hospitality of Berliners, and the history you'll discover, mile by mile, this adventure will stay in your memory... and on your medal 🥇.

So don't hesitate any longer and try everything to secure your bib for the BMW Berlin Marathon! 🌇