Successful Start to the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 Weekend
- GENERALI 5K Kick-off
- BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inline Skating
- Kids & Youth Programme
The GENERALI 5K as part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON provided an atmospheric start to the race weekend this morning in perfect running conditions, building excitement for the big marathon on Sunday. More than 13,000 runners took to the five-kilometre course, making the event a complete sell-out. Among the participants were more than 2,000 Berliners, who had the opportunity to experience their city on the run one day before the big marathon. For many of them, the GENERALI 5K as part of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON was the perfect way to kick off the race weekend – and perhaps even the first step towards longer running adventures.
Running Experience for Everyone
With this accessible event, the GENERALI 5K, organised by SCC EVENTS, offers people of different ages and with varying levels of running experience the opportunity to experience the final five kilometres of tomorrow’s 42.195-kilometre race. Among the participants was former Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen, one of the most successful winter sports athletes of all time. The fastest runners were France’s Julien Le Nedic, who finished in 15:24 minutes, and American Alexandria Scearce, who crossed the finish line in 16:37 minutes.
Opportunities for the Next Generation
Saturday was also all about running and physical activity for the younger generation. Around 10,000 young runners took part in the mini-MARATHON presented by GENERALI, covering a distance of 4.2195 kilometres. On Tempelhofer Feld, the Bambini Run presented by ADAC, covering distances of 200 to 800 metres, also provided plenty of activity and excitement. Kids Skating, held on Friday, saw young participants take on distances of 400 to 1,000 metres. With this diverse range of events, SCC EVENTS gives children and young people an early and special introduction to sport and the unique atmosphere of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. Thousands of children and young people experience community, physical activity and the joy of competition.
BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inlineskating
At exactly 12:20 p.m., the starting signal was given for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inline Skating race. The international field of participants set off along Straße des 17. Juni, with the impressive backdrop of the Victory Column. Cheering points, live music and enthusiastic spectators lining the course once again created a fantastic atmosphere and made the race a special sporting experience.
On the proven course, which has been used since the year before last, the skaters headed via Ernst-Reuter-Platz and Otto-Suhr-Allee towards Charlottenburg Palace. After turning around, they raced back towards the Victory Column at high speed. A total of five laps were completed before the athletes entered the final and particularly atmospheric section of the course.
The route then followed the Landwehr Canal, passing Potsdamer Platz and Gendarmenmarkt, before the race headed towards its spectacular finale on the magnificent Unter den Linden boulevard and at the Brandenburg Gate. The unique Berlin combination of sporting excellence, sightseeing and enthusiastic crowds along the course once again made the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Inlineskating race a special highlight of the event weekend.
Bart Swings Celebrates His Tenth Victory in Berlin
Among the approximately 2,000 skaters, Bart Swings once again demonstrated his exceptional class. The Belgian secured a confident victory, crossing the finish line first in 57:30 minutes. With this result, Swings celebrated his tenth victory in the traditional Berlin race. Behind the serial winner, Nolan Beddiaf of France and Germany’s Felix Rijhnen battled closely for the remaining podium places. Both finished in 59:41 minutes, with Beddiaf taking second place based on the race classification and Rijhnen finishing third.
The women’s race was decided by a much narrower margin. In a thrilling sprint finish, Colombia’s Keily Delgado prevailed to win in 1:12:55. Lianne van Ioon of the Netherlands and France’s Alison Bernardi crossed the finish line at the same time as Delgado to complete the podium.
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Our sponsors
BMW
BMW GERMANY - A STRONG PARTNER FOR RUNNING.
BMW has been the title sponsor of Germany's biggest marathon since 2011. At this running event, the world's elite come together to top the current best times.
Strength. Endurance. Efficiency. These are not only the most important attributes of a runner, but also apply to BMW's sustainable vehicles. BMW has been setting standards in sustainability for years and successfully demonstrates them at the BMW BERLIN MARATHON. But also before the event BMW accompanies the running community in their preparation and emphasizes the joy of running. With the perennial RUN FOR JOY campaign, BMW, supports the athletes in their preparation - together they make the impossible possible. The lead vehicle, the new BMW i5 supports the runners on the course. It has exactly the qualities needed for a successful marathon run: intelligent and responsible use of resources. And it is precisely with these skills that the all-electric vehicle guides the runners safely, purposefully and in an environmentally friendly manner through the capital.
More than 50 vehicles and around 15 scooters of the C evolution class are part of the fleet of support vehicles provided by BMW for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. In addition to the iX as a safety car, the latest i-models from the car manufacturer are also in use as shuttle and organization vehicles. With this commitment, BMW supports the sustainable development of modern technology and the sport of running.
adidas
Everything at adidas reflects the spirit of our founder, Adi Dassler. Improving the athlete’s performance was his goal; today, his legacy continues with the consumer at the heart of everything the adidas brand does.
The number of runners in Germany is constantly increasing. No matter where they come from, they all have the same goal: Improve. Better runners, better athletes and in the end a better version of themselves.
adidas Running has something for everyone – we want help each person achieve their individual goals. What counts is personal development, which goes far beyond the personal best.
Abbott
At Abbott, our 114,000 employees in more than 160 countries are devoted to advancing life-changing technologies that help people achieve their full potential. Our medical devices, diagnostic tools and nutrition products are designed to enable individuals to reach their personal best, however they define it. By sponsoring the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a series of the six largest and most renowned marathons in the world, including the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, we are not just celebrating the pinnacle of physical endurance and determination – we are reinforcing our commitment to improving lives. The Abbott World Marathon Majors are a testament to health and the human spirit at their finest, showcasing that with the right support and determination, every finish line is within reach.
More on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.
Zalando
Are you ready to take your running to the next level? As the official sponsor of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Zalando is here to help you reach your goals. Running a marathon is challenging enough - you need the right equipment to feel completely comfortable. Our functional sportswear can do much more than just look good: From marathon training to relaxed runs - find your perfect outfit at Zalando and run with us!
GENERALI
In recent years, Generali Deutschland has become one of the leading supporters of running in Germany. This commitment is part of Generali Deutschland’s comprehensive “Sports Ecosystem.” Through this holistic initiative, the company brings together sports, health, prevention, and social responsibility. The goal is to motivate people to adopt an active and health-conscious lifestyle, foster a sense of community, and create positive prospects for the future. In doing so, Generali is equally committed to both recreational and elite sports.
Generali in Germany is one of the leading primary insurance groups in the German market, with premium income of approximately €15.5 billion and more than 9 million customers. As part of the international Generali Group, Generali in Germany operates in the life, health, and property and casualty segments under the Generali, CosmosDirekt, and Dialog brands. Generali’s goal is to be a lifelong partner for its customers, offering innovative, customized solutions and services through an outstanding distribution network in exclusive and direct sales as well as through the broker channel.
BRITA
As Hydration Partner of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, BRITA helps make your race experience more sustainable. At the hydration points, you’ll find BRITA refill stations to top up your flask, running belt or hydration pack. You can also enjoy freshly filtered water for free at the MARATHON EXPO. Together with SCC, we track the volume of water dispensed to transparently measure the reduction of single-use plastic. In 2025, BRITA products helped save more than six billion single-use bottles worldwide because people chose BRITA filtered water instead of bottles – and we aim to increase that impact even further.
At the BRITA Cheering Zone we’ll be there to cheer you on, keeping you clear-headed, focused and well-hydrated all the way to the finish line.
Clif
Empowering athletes for over 30 years, CLIF Energy Bars are a delicious blend of whole oats and plant-based protein crafted to support you to thrive through every mile. Providing crucial energy for working muscles during endurance activities, our soft-baked oat bars provide the ideal pre-nutrition fuel to power you during training and on race day.
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
ERDINGER Alkoholfrei refreshes all finishers behind the finish line. ERDINGER Alkoholfrei is the ideal beverage after sports: isotonic, rich in vitamins, and low in calories. And ERDINGER Alkoholfrei has only 125 kcl per 0.5-liter bottle! Because a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important!
Revolut
Revolut is a digital bank with the mission to radically simplify finances for individuals and businesses. Founded in 2015 in the UK with the goal of making international money transfers faster and cheaper than traditional banks, Revolut today covers all key areas of finance—from everyday banking and saving to investing and international payments. Over 60 million people worldwide, including more than 2 million in Germany, trust Revolut.
Shokz
Shokz is the world’s leading consumer electronics brand focused on acoustic innovation and renowned for its groundbreaking developments in wireless open-ear headphones.
Shokz is committed to exploring new possibilities for the open-ear listening experience, embracing the principle of staying connected to your surroundings and nature, and empowering you to enjoy your music while remaining open to the world.
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory.
With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.
NORQAIN
NORQAIN – Official Timing Partner of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON
NORQAIN is once again the Official Timing Partner of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON!
Precision, endurance, and determination are not only essential to the race – they’re also part of our DNA. Together with the pacemakers, we celebrate the global running community and support thousands of runners on their journey to a new personal best, in line with our motto: My life, my way. At the heart of our presence is the Wild ONE collection – our high-performance sports watch designed for those who dare to push their limits.
We look forward to celebrating the marathon spirit with you!
Biotherm
With Skin Fitness, Biotherm offers a complete range of premium skincare designed for active women and men seeking effective solutions for a fitter skin: a skin that looks younger, stronger, healthier, in shape for longer. Combining cutting-edge biotechnology, with Biotech Plankton™* and the power of fitness supplements, Biotherm powers up skin cell metabolism. Biotherm: You Work Out, We Work In.
*Biotechnology stands for the life sciences for the production and processing of substances.
Blackroll
"BLACKROLL® is dedicated to helping people of all ages, sports levels and lifestyles take their health, well-being and performance into their own hands every day. For an optimal balance between tension & relaxation and a pain-free life full of energy, mobility and sustainable performance.
It all started in 2007 with the first fascia roller. Today, the Healthstyle Company offers a whole range of innovative products and solutions that convince experts in sports and health."
Maurten
You probably know that you burn carbohydrates when you run – both in training and during the race. And how hard it can be getting the fueling right, without GI-distress.
Our Hydrogel Technology makes sure you get enough carbohydrates without risking the session or race. But there are no shortcuts – science has shown that training your guts makes a huge difference.










