Going for September 2027
Since 2003, the men's world record has been broken here eight times. It's a flat, incredibly fast course through the heart of Berlin, finishing through the Brandenburg Gate. Most runners get in through the ballot, with a fast-qualifier route for quick runners and UK charity places from about £1,200 in fundraising. Berlin is the next Major Denny is going for: he's entering the 2027 ballot, open from 1 October to 12 November 2026. With three stars he can also enter the AbbottWMM Race Draws, a second chance at a place.
Entry Requirement
Ballot or charity place
Travel Cost
£85 to £175 flights + £110 to £200 a night
More on race weekend
Kayak UK snapshots from London, 25 September 2026: estimates, not quotes.
Dates, entries and plans can change. Ballots, bookings, injuries, illness, cancellations and new races all play a part. Denny sends a voice note every week and this site follows it.
Sponsor This RaceWhat Denny's up against
How hard is the Berlin Marathon?
Time until the start
Counting down to 26 September 2027 (confirmed by the organisers), using 2026's first start, 8:20am in Berlin. Denny still needs a place: the ballot is open 1 October to 12 November 2026.
Climbing
73 m
Finishers 2025
48,020
Time limit
6 hrs 15
Hottest year
27.6°C (2025)
Berlin is one loop of the city, starting and finishing on Straße des 17. Juni and running through the Brandenburg Gate just before the line. The whole course sits between 27 and 50 metres above sea level, with only about 73 metres of climbing in total. It is the fastest course in the series: the men's world record has been broken here eight times since 2003.
Flat does not mean easy. With almost 55,000 starters, the pens are packed and the drinks stations get busy and chaotic, so the job is holding your own rhythm in a crowd. Heat has become the other test: 2025 was the hottest Berlin Marathon on record, reaching 27.6°C in the afternoon, and several elite runners dropped out. The limit is 6 hours 15, with a cut-off at 33 km.
Sources, checked September 2026: Official race-day guide · 2026 race briefing (2027 date and ballot) · 2025 in numbers · FindMyMarathon · The Running Channel
Next Major
New York
Nov 2027 · Ballot · Expected Feb 2027