As race day approaches, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know for the week, plus a full schedule of what’s on at the Runna Race Hub, your go-to spot for connection, celebration, and those final pre-race rituals.
The Berlin Marathon, first held in 1974, is renowned for its fast, flat course, which has been the site of numerous world records, including Eliud Kipchoge’s men’s world record of 2:01:09 from 2022 and Tigist Assefa’s women’s world record of 2:11:53 from 2023. The race continues to grow, with more than 54,000 finishers in 2024, making it one of the biggest marathons in the world. On September 21, 2025, runners from over 130 countries will once again flood the streets of Berlin, transforming the city into a global stage for distance running and setting the scene for another unforgettable chapter in marathon history. We can't wait to be there!
Runna is not affiliated with or endorsed by the BMW Berlin-Marathon.
🗓️ Marathon Week with Runna Berlin
We’re beyond excited to bring you the ultimate Runna Marathon lead up first-hand on the streets of Berlin! We have some exciting activations happening over the weekend and we would love to see you all there.
Celebrate Marathon Week with us all weekend long at our Berlin Runna Race Hub at Oberwallstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany! Check out below for shakeout runs, pre and post-race discussions, and more and be sure to reserve your spot to the Friday Warm-up & Saturday Shakeout Run!
💼 What Should I Pack?
Packing for race day is crucial. Not only is it important to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything vital, but also to get that pre-race buzz going. Here are some things to consider:
Running Kit
Wear your race-day outfit before you set off for the race in the morning. Berlin in late September offers crisp early autumn weather, with temperatures typically ranging from 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F).
While September brings some rain – around 8 to 10 days on average – it’s usually light and won’t derail race day, often leaving cool, comfortable conditions for runners. Keep this in mind when packing race-day fit options!
Top Tip: pin your race number onto your kit the night before, to save any last-minute stress in the morning.
Sports Nutrition
Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There may be gels, hydration/nutrition products handed out on the course, but bring your own so you know you're prepared. Remember: nothing new on race day!
A Pre-Run Layer
It is a good idea to bring an old jumper and maybe even a waterproof to the start line to keep warm and dry. Berlin mornings in September can be chilly, even if the forecast is bright later in the day. We would suggest bringing some warm clothes which you can then discard at the start line. In Berlin, these are collected for reuse or recycling.
A Post-Run Layer in the Bag Drop
Pack a warm top, spare socks, blister plasters, and a recovery snack for after the race.
Electronics
Charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before. Download any necessary playlists which will get you through those tougher moments.
🎽 How Do I Collect My Race Bib and Where is the Expo Located?
📍 Messe Berlin, South Entrance, Jafféstraße, 14055 Berlin
⏰ Thursday 18 September - Saturday 20 2025.
The Berlin Marathon Expo features an array of stalls, talks, and more – from Thursday 18 to Saturday 20 September. Be sure to check the exact opening times and give yourself plenty of opportunity to collect your bib number. Friday and Saturday are typically a lot busier, so choose the best possible day for your circumstances. Race bibs must be collected at the Expo – there is no race-day bib pickup available.
Please see more information from the official race organizers here.
🍝 What Should I Eat During the Lead Up to the Berlin Marathon?
During the week leading up to your race, keep it simple with familiar, high-carb foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes to keep energy up and your stomach happy. Carb-loading can help you feel fueled without overdoing it.
Spread your carbs throughout the day and stick with foods you’ve enjoyed in training. Avoid anything too fatty, spicy, or new – it’s not the time for surprises! Stay well-hydrated and skip alcohol for a good night’s sleep. Rest, hydrate, and feel ready to hit the ground running.
We've got some more information on race week nutrition here.
👀 Should I Run the Day Before?
Some runners find a short, easy run the day before helps shake out the legs and calm the nerves. If this has worked for you in the past, go for it! If not, consider some light foam rolling or stretching instead. Maybe a walk to keep those legs fresh could also be an option.
We'll be hosting our very own Runna shakeout run, through the streets of Berlin. Ease yourself into race weekend and loosen up for the big day ahead.
Details to be shared closer to the time – stay tuned. 📌
💪 Final Preparations
Once you're packed, fuelled, and hydrated, consider adding a light mobility session to your bedtime routine. Stretching can help release any tension and prepare you for a restful sleep before race day.
Please refer to any emails or race communications from the organizers which will contain information regarding your specific starting area, wave number and time.
Make sure to get that alarm set, and we recommend finishing any preparation the night before. The morning will be for fuelling, traveling, and managing that excited/nervous energy.
🚌 How Do I Get to the Start Line?
The start line is located on Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and the “Kleiner Stern” in the Tiergarten. Berlin’s efficient public transport system makes it easy to get there — your race bib serves as a 4-day ticket for fare zones A, B, and C, valid from September 18 to 21, 2025. The nearest stations are Berlin Hauptbahnhof (S-Bahn) and Bundestag or Brandenburger Tor (U-Bahn).
Please see more information from the official race organizers here.
🏃 Where Will I Be Running?
The BMW Berlin Marathon isn’t just a race, it’s a legendary journey through the heart of one of Europe’s most historic and vibrant cities, powered by electric crowds and the promise of fast times.
Your adventure begins on Straße des 17. Juni, where anticipation builds in the crisp autumn air. As you set off through the wide boulevards of the Tiergarten, you’ll soon find yourself running past some of Berlin’s most iconic sights, the Victory Column, the Reichstag, and the magnificent Berlin Cathedral, each step accompanied by cheers from supporters lining the course.
From there, the route winds through lively neighborhoods and long, flat stretches that have made Berlin the stage for world records. The energy builds as you approach the final miles, and then comes the moment every runner dreams of, passing through the Brandenburg Gate. With thousands roaring you on, the finish line on Straße des 17. Juni is waiting, and the realization hits: you’ve conquered 26.2 miles in one of the fastest, most unforgettable marathons on Earth.
This is Berlin. This is your marathon. Get ready for an experience like no other.
Check out the organizer’s website here for more information about the course, including a mapped route as well as details on toilets and drinks stations.
🐌 How Should I Pace Myself on Race Day?
You’ll have the opportunity to fully utilise the race day workout provided by Runna. Expect pacing alerts and audio cues similar to those during your training runs, helping you stay on track. Pacing can be tricky with the excitement of the start line. To avoid going out too fast, practice your race-day routine during your shakeout run. Download your playlists, set up Runna for pace or RPE cues, and ensure your devices are fully charged.
With a flat course, we suggest starting off at a comfortable pace with the aim of a negative split if possible once you've hit that halfway mark. The support along the route is incredible, and you'll truly enjoy the experience! Try not to worry about what other runners are doing, focus on your race, and listen to the crowds who will be rooting for you the whole way round.
Here are a few more tips on marathon pacing for you!
🛰️ Berlin Marathon: How Should I Navigate GPS Issues on the Day?
With so many runners, GPS signals can sometimes be spotty. Stick to your usual method of recording your runs on Runna, and be prepared for a possible delay in uploading your race data. If you encounter issues, save your activity and refresh your app when you have a stronger signal or Wi-Fi.
With so many runners and thousands of devices, GPS signals can sometimes be spotty early on. Don't panic, trust your innate pacing from your experiences in training and let things settle during your run!
Check out more tips on how to troubleshoot common GPS issues here too!
👪 How Do I Meet Up with Friends and Family After?
After the Berlin Marathon, you can meet your friends and family at the designated family meeting point in front of the Paul Löbe House. Look for the sign with the first letter of your last name. This area is specifically designed to help runners reconnect with their loved ones after the race. ❤️
🎖️ What's next after the race?
You did it! You ran one of the world's most iconic marathons through the streets of Berlin. Now it’s time to celebrate, recover, and relive every moment with the community that’s been with you every step of the way.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, and met with your friends and family, head straight to the Runna Race Hub (open from 11am - 6pm) for a post-race celebration like no other. Our Race Hub is located at Oberwallstraße 20, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
We’ve got the Runna marathon after party, the chance to ring the PB bell (because every finish line deserves a celebration), and professional finisher portraits to capture that hard-earned medal moment. More details to come soon! 📌
Whether you’re still buzzing or hobbling a little, we’ve got you covered. Let’s recover, reflect, and keep the marathon magic going – together.
Best of luck with your 2025 Berlin Marathon, and most importantly, have fun! You've got this!
Take in the sights and have the best time - we will be with you every step of the way.
Check out the video below for more of our coaches' top tips for race day!