BMW Berlin Marathon 2026: All You Need to Know About the Capital’s Running Event
Berlin, September 19 – The 52nd BMW Berlin Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, 2026, with more than 56,000 participants from over 160 nations expected to take on the challenging yet fast course through the German capital. This year’s event has been exceptionally moved to the last weekend of September, a week after the elections for the new House of Representatives, deviating from its usual penultimate September weekend slot. Organizers have released comprehensive information regarding the route, TV coverage, and traffic restrictions.
The Route: A Scenic Tour Through Berlin’s Landmarks
The main race will commence at 8:45 AM on Sunday, September 27, 2026, on Straße des 17. Juni, situated between the Brandenburg Gate and the “Großer Stern.” The start will be staggered in six waves, preceded by handbikers, wheelchair users, and inline skaters. The 42.195-kilometer course will guide runners past numerous iconic Berlin landmarks, including the Gendarmenmarkt and Potsdamer Platz. The route traverses several districts, with participants running through areas such as Kurfürstendamm, Südwestkorso, Kottbusser Tor in Kreuzberg, Torstraße, and Alt-Moabit. The Berlin Marathon is renowned for its flat profile and minimal ascents, making it one of the fastest marathon courses globally. The complete route map is available on the official event website.
Live Coverage on RTL and Streaming Options
For those unable to attend in person, the BMW Berlin Marathon 2026 will be broadcast live on free-to-air television. RTL will provide live coverage of the race on Sunday, September 27, from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Additionally, the event can be followed via the paid streaming service RTL+. A free live stream will also be available on the official Berlin Marathon YouTube channel, ensuring widespread access for viewers worldwide.
Significant Traffic Restrictions Across the City
Residents and visitors to Berlin should anticipate considerable traffic disruptions around the event weekend. According to the capital’s Traffic Information Center, Straße des 17. Juni, between Großer Stern and the Brandenburg Gate, will be closed from 6:00 AM on Monday, September 21, and will not be fully reopened until 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 1. Further closures will be implemented on Saturday, September 26, for the junior races and the inline skating marathon. Affected areas will include Potsdamer Straße between Potsdamer Platz and Reichpietschufer, as well as Unter den Linden between Pariser Platz and Friedrichstraße.
On Sunday, September 27, extensive road closures will be in effect along the entire marathon route, impacting districts such as Tiergarten, Mitte, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Schöneberg, Steglitz, Wilmersdorf, and Zehlendorf. Public bus and train services will operate with diversions. Commuters and residents are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and utilize alternative transport methods where possible. Detailed information on specific road closures and public transport changes will be made available closer to the event date by local authorities.
The BMW Berlin Marathon is not only a major sporting event but also a significant logistical undertaking for the city, requiring careful planning and cooperation from all involved parties to ensure a smooth and safe experience for both participants and residents.
Source: https://www.news.de/sport/860006740/bmw-berlin-marathon-2026-im-tv-und-live-stream-bei-rtl-strecke-strassensperrungen-programm-laufevent-in-der-hauptstadt/1/
