The Berlin Marathon is a major running and sporting event held annually in Berlin. The official marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles 385 yards) is set up as a citywide road race where professional athletes and amateur runners jointly participate. Initiated in 1974, the event traditionally takes place on the last weekend in September.
The Berlin marathon is one of the largest and most popular road races in the world. In 2016, the race had 46,950 entrants from 122 countries, and more than a million spectators. Along with seven other races, it forms the World Marathon Majors.
The most marathon world records for men and women have been set at the Berlin course, which is known for its flat profile, even surface and mild autumn temperatures. For a record six consecutive years 2011–2016 Berlin has been the site of the world leading men's time for the year (Boston 2011 with strong tailwind excluded). → more...
