BMW BERLIN-MARATHON expects almost 80,000 participants from 160 nations

At this year’s BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, almost 80,000 participants from 160 nations are expected – including runners, wheelchair athletes, handcyclists and skaters. Among runners alone, 55,146 people will take part. Participants are getting younger: in 2025 their average age will range between 41 and 45 years. About 64% of the runners are male, 35% female and 0.1% non-binary. Today, at a round table with invited guests, the organizers from SCC EVENTS shared these figures, the event’s international scope and further highlights.

^{Jürgen Lock beim Interview im Rahmen des Round Table zum BMW BERLIN-MARATHON © SCC EVENTS / Petko Beier}

Year after year, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON attracts runners from all over the world to the German capital. Jürgen Lock, Managing Director of SCC EVENTS, the event’s organizer, explains: “Internationality is very important to us, but just as important is inspiring the local community. We are very proud that more than 10,000 Berliners are running the full marathon distance.”Looking at the participants, one can also observe they are increasingly younger. “Many sports have the problem that younger generations are not coming through, leading to gradual ageing,” says Lock. “It’s different at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON – the largest group of runners is between 28 and 38 years old.” Motivations for running have also shifted over the years. Whereas in the 2000s the focus was, for example, on health, today lifestyle and community aspects are far more pronounced.

Organization and Quality
Staging an event of this scale with such high quality standards is only possible with reliable partners. SCC EVENTS has been working for years with trusted partners such as Berlin Police, the Berlin Fire Department, Johanniter Accident Aid and more than 6,000 volunteers.

Sustainability
Sustainability is also part of the quality philosophy. In connection with ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management, a comprehensive sustainability report has been prepared for the 50th BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. It transparently records and analyzes the ecological and social impacts of the event – as a basis for concrete improvements and as a contribution to social responsibility.

GENERALI 5K as part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
Another aspect of the sustainability approach is inspiring people to lead an active lifestyle. Since last year, the organizers have offered the GENERALI 5K as part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON – a run over the final five kilometers of the marathon course, making the marathon atmosphere accessible to everyone. The race is sold out: 10,500 participants are registered. “We are delighted that around 2,000 Berliners have signed up for the GENERALI 5K as part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, demonstrating their enthusiasm for the event,” says Jürgen Lock.

Kids and Youth
Also on Saturday, the mini-MARATHON presented by GENERALI takes place, with 10,000 schoolchildren at the start. Jürgen Lock: “Promoting children and youth is an integral part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. The mini-MARATHON and the Bambini-Run offer a first contact with major sporting events and provide low-threshold success experiences.” Another example of SCC EVENTS’ commitment to young talent is the R5K Tour, which also holds its tour finale in Berlin on Saturday with around 40 up-and-coming athletes aged 15 to 20.

Bambini Run at Mommsenstadion
This year, the Bambini-Run for the youngest participants will be held at a new location. Starting at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Mommsenstadion, about 1,500 children are expected to take part.

Inline Skating
Top speeds of up to 50 km/h will be reached by the fastest skaters on Saturday afternoon at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inlineskating event. A total of 2,191 participants have registered for the race, which also features prominent professionals. The junior skaters will start at 12:30 p.m. on the starting straight.

World-Record Course and Strong Elite Field
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is world-famous for its fast course: 13 world records have been set here. This year’s conditions on the flat circuit are again promising, with virtually no construction sites. Race Director Mark Milde has been able to attract very strong elite fields for Berlin despite the current World Athletics Championships in Tokyo – including Sebastian Sawe, currently considered the fastest marathon runner. The top athletes will be presented in full at upcoming press conferences (see below). More information you will find here.

MARATHON EXPO at Messe Berlin
Before the competitions begin, the MARATHON EXPO will open on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at Messe Berlin for race material pickup. With a record number of 162 exhibitors from 28 countries, the Sports Community Convention on 30,000 square meters is the central meeting point for all participants and sports enthusiasts. From Thursday to Saturday, about 120,000 visitors are expected.

Social Engagement at the EXPO
Starting Thursday at the MARATHON EXPO, the Berliner Stadtmission (Berlin City Mission) will again be collecting well-preserved running shoes for people in need. Up to 500 pairs of shoes are distributed weekly at their clothing center – a valuable support, since many of the mostly homeless people walk 15 to 20 kilometers a day in Berlin. On marathon day, the Stadtmission will also collect clothing worn by runners to keep warm before the start.

Live Broadcast on RTL
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is not only a highlight on the streets of the capital, but also a major television event. RTL has secured the broadcasting rights through 2026. On Sunday, the channel will broadcast the race live from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., after that the race can be followed on YouTube (@berlin-marathon ) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. This year, the RTL charity relay led by Wolfram Kons will again be at the start. The partnership between the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON and the RTL “Spendenmarathon” foundation has existed since 2009. All proceeds go to the “RTL – We Help Children” foundation, directly supporting projects for disadvantaged children in Berlin. Among those taking part are Hans Sarpei, Anna Kraft, Laura Ludwig, Britta Steffen, Kostja Ullmann, Hannes Wegener, Frank Robens, Uta Pippig, Joana Zimmer, Stephan Schmitter and Inga Leschek.

Invitation to Media Dates

Thursday, September 18, 2025
Press Conference – Elite Presentation Part 1
Time: 11:00 AM
Participants: Elite runners: Rosemary Wanjiru, Dera Dida, Karoline Bjerkeli Grovdal, Domenika Mayer, Deborah Schöneborn, Fabienne Königstein; elite skaters; Jürgen Lock (Managing Director SCC EVENTS), Mark Milde (Race Director)
Topics: Presentation of elite female runners and elite skaters, opening of the EXPO, outlook on the event weekend, general topics
Location: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Panel 1:
Women in Running – From the Starting Line to Visibility
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 PM (doors open at 3:45 PM)
Participants: Kathrine Switzer (first official woman at the 1967 Boston Marathon), Viola Cheptoo (Kenyan elite runner and founder of a foundation against gender-based violence), Inga Hofmann (Head of Sports Editorial, Tagesspiegel), as well as successful influencers (e. g. PrincessMaikelea) and athletes. Other guests include Uta Pippig, 3-time BMW BERLIN-MARATHON winner, and Fabienne Königstein, top runner and board member of Athletes Germany e.V.
Topics: Do female runners today need more space or more reach? We discuss visibility, achievements, barriers, and perspectives for women in running – from pioneers to influencers.
Accreditation: Exclusive event by invitation only, while spots last via gerte.buchheit@scc-events.com

Panel 2 and 3:
- Ready to Run, Ready to Rescue: Emergency Medicine at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
- See. Understand. Act: Rethinking Diabetes Management
Time: 6:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
Participants: Ingalena Schömburg-Heuck (top runner), Ulrike Thurm (diabetes expert), Dr. Sandra Pfaffenbach (Medical Board SCC EVENTS), Chris Miller (DVP Global Brand Strategy and Innovation, Abbott)
Topics: How the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON medical team ensures runner safety: preparation, emergency medicine, and rapid diagnostics with Abbott i-STAT Alinity.
Plus: Understanding diabetes management – Abbott technology makes blood glucose visible, shows the impact of exercise and nutrition, and supports informed decisions for healthy training.
Location: Baret Restaurant at Humboldt Forum – rooftop with panoramic views of Berlin, Schlossplatz (Museum Island), 10178 Berlin
Accreditation: Participation only possible upon prior registration.

Panel 4:
Running for All – From Accessibility to Adaptive Equipment
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Participants: Verena Bentele, Tina Deeken, Ali Lacin; moderation by Max Bankewitz, General Manager of Zalando DACH
Topics: The importance of accessibility and inclusion at major sporting events such as marathons – with opportunities and challenges as well as the use of adaptive sports equipment and apparel. Followed by a training session with members of Achilles International Germany Running Club.
Location: Zalando Outlet, Tauentzienstr. 18, 10789 Berlin
Accreditation: Participation only possible upon prior registration via julia.zweigle@zalando.de

Friday, September 19, 2025
Press Conference – Elite Presentation Part 2
Time: 11:00 AM
Participants: Elite runners: Sabastian Sawe, Milkesa Mengesha, Gabriel Gerald Geay, Hendrik Pfeiffer, Sebastian Hendel, Haftom Welday; elite wheelchair racers: Manuela Schär, Tatyana McFadden, Marcel Hug; elite handbikers: Julia Dierkesmann, Vico Merklein, Heinz Frei; Jürgen Lock (Managing Director SCC EVENTS), Mark Milde (Race Director)
Topics: Presentation of elite male runners, wheelchair racers, and handbikers, EXPO, outlook on the event weekend, general topics, running weather
Location: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Saturday, September 20, 2025
Press Conference – Inline Skating Results
Time: 3:30 PM
Participants: Inline skating winners
Location: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Sunday, September 21, 2025
Press Conference – Running Results
Time: 12:30 PM
Participants: Winners in wheelchair racing, handbike, and running
Location: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Media Guide and Accreditation

A comprehensive media guide for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON with detailed information on national and international elite athletes can be found in the press section of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON website. In the same section, you will also find the opening hours of the Media Center for collecting media accreditations at Hotel Berlin, Berlin (Lützowplatz 17, 10785 Berlin).