Berlin Marathon: Guide to the Lottery, Price and Qualifying Times
The Berlin Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors and one of the easiest to reach from the rest of Europe. From 2027 it is called the Generali Berlin-Marathon, and bibs are allocated by lottery. This guide covers what the official website says: date, lottery dates, price, what the entry includes, the fast-runner route with a qualifying time and the time limit.
Berlin Marathon key facts
According to the official Generali Berlin-Marathon registration page:
| Item | 2027 edition |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 26 September 2027 |
| Price | 215 euros, only charged if you get a place in the lottery |
| Age | Born in 2009 or earlier |
| Time limit | 6 hours 15 minutes |
| Rules | German Athletics Association (DLV) and World Athletics |
How to get a Berlin Marathon place: the lottery
Bibs are allocated by lottery so that everyone has an equal chance. For 2027:
- Lottery registration: 1 October to 12 November 2026.
- Results: 3 December 2026, by email.
- Payment: from 4 December, only for those who get a place.
You can enter in three ways, and the choice is final:
- Individual runner.
- Team of 2 or 3 people, who get in or miss out together.
- Fast runner with a qualifying time.
You need a user account on the official website. Entry is personal and cannot be transferred or cancelled.
The fast-runner route
If you have a marathon time from the last two years in an official race, you can enter as a fast runner. You must upload the certificate or a link to the official results. The required times are:
| Year of birth | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 to 2009 | 2:45 | 3:10 |
| 1968 to 1982 | 2:55 | 3:30 |
| 1967 or earlier | 3:25 | 4:20 |
Note: entering with a qualifying time does not guarantee a place either. If your proof is not valid, your entry goes into the general lottery.
What the Berlin Marathon entry includes
- A 4-day public transport pass for Berlin fare zones A, B and C.
- Pacemakers in all start waves.
- A personalised downloadable finisher certificate.
- A poncho at the finish or, if you prefer, a bag drop service for 5 euros.
- Massage along the course and at the finish.
Bib collection, changes and refunds
- Race material is collected in person at the marathon expo, with your start card and photo ID.
- Entry fees are not refunded. The organisers recommend buying cancellation insurance when you register.
- Places cannot be transferred to another person or to another year.
- In case of pregnancy, you can postpone your participation for up to three years with a medical certificate.
Other ways to run Berlin
If you do not get a place in the lottery, the official website offers charity places and places through travel agencies. And if you already have three Majors stars, you can enter the circuit’s own draws; I explain it in the guide to the World Marathon Majors.
Tips for preparing for Berlin
- It is run at the end of September, so much of your preparation falls in summer. There are guidelines in the guide to running in the heat and cold.
- Use the transport pass to reach the start without worrying.
- Start calmly and pace yourself; the strategy is in the guide to the negative split.
- Plan your trip; there are tips in the guide to travelling to a race, and the marathon training plan to prepare.
Conclusion
The 2027 Berlin Marathon is on Sunday 26 September. Places are won through the lottery, with registration from 1 October to 12 November 2026 and results on 3 December, or as a fast runner if you have a qualifying time. Entry costs 215 euros, includes public transport and pacemakers, and the time limit is 6 hours 15 minutes.
FAQ
When is the Berlin Marathon?
The 2027 edition is on Sunday 26 September.
How do I enter the Berlin Marathon lottery?
With a user account on the official website, between 1 October and 12 November 2026.
How much does the Berlin Marathon cost?
215 euros, only charged if you get a place.
What time do I need to enter as a fast runner?
For men born between 1983 and 2009, 2:45; for women of that age, 3:10. Times are relaxed with age.
Can I transfer my bib?
No. The place is personal and cannot be transferred to another person or year.
