The Berlin Half Marathon

Sapphire Running Team
Jul 20, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jan 19

The Berlin Half Marathon is a German classic

If you're not able to get a spot in the full marathon in Berlin then you should try this one. A great flat course in one of Europe's coolest cities, the half could be the perfect reason to hit Berlin for a great long weekend getaway, with 35,000 other runners every April. Be cheered on by tens of thousands of supporters, listen to some great bands and finish at the Brandenburg Gate, it's a good one. It's also now one of the SuperHalf series.

Berlin

Berlin, the capital of Germany and its largest city, has a population of just under 4 million. Renowned for its historical buildings that stand alongside modern architecture as the past and present seamlessly intermingle. From the Brandenburg gate, that's such a feature of this and the full marathon to the remains of sections of the Berlin Wall its fascinating legacy is around every corner. The Berlin Wall Memorial, located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße, consists of the Memorial to the Victims of the Wall, a Documentation Centre and the Chapel of Reconciliation. The surviving section of the wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities.You mustn't miss this, or the infamous Checkpoint Charlie nearby. Berlin is home to all the main government buildings, including the historical seat of the German parliament; the Reichstag, another fascinating place to visit.

But it's not just all about the past. Berlin is a leading city when it comes to music, art and museums. Priceless artefacts from all over the world are on show at more than 170 museums, some on the internationally renowned Museum Island. There are no end of theatre venues specialising in variety performances, revue, cabaret and more and more artists are flocking to Berlin from all around the world, making it one of the most exciting destinations in the whole of Europe. It's also a popular destination for classical music fans from all over the world thanks to its leading orchestras, and the city's three opera houses, where memorable operas and ballets are performed. And there are plenty of open spaces where people can go to breathe in some fresh air. It's the country's greenest city, with vast parks, wooded areas and lakes. During the summer months, the focus is very much on beach bars, cafés and open-air cinemas.

History of the Berlin Half Marathon

The race, as it exists today began in 1990 as a result of a partnership between two previous events; the Berliner Friedenslauf (Berlin Peace Run) which took place in East Berlin from 1982 and the SCC Half Marathon in the western part of the city. Its history very much reflects the City's history. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the ensuing collapse of the GDR, the support for the Berliner Friedenslauf also diminished. SCC-RUNNING, the organizer of the Berlin marathon, joined forces with the organiser of the Peace Run and both agreed to focus on one distance. It's now the city's only half marathon. Over the years it has increased in size and popularity. Today it is by far the biggest half marathon race in Germany, with a record 36,000 participants in 2018. In October 2023 it joined Prague, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia in the SuperHalf series.

Berlin cityscape with a tall tower at sunset, surrounded by buildings under a blue and orange sky. The mood is serene and expansive.

Race Organiser

It's organised by the same team that organized the Berlin Marathon: SCC EVENTS, one of the major international players in the field of sporting events. It's an independent limited company, and is a 100% subsidiary of the large and renowned Sport-Club Charlottenburg, which is one of the top sports clubs in Berlin with almost 8,000 members. They are supported by our advisory board of around 20 members, a loose association of representatives from politics, business and sport and are based in the Olympiapark in Berlin.

When is it?

The race is held annually in April

Distances

Half marathon

Is there an Expo?

There is an expo at the former Airport Tempelhof on Friday and Saturday where you must go and collect your bib. It's a big one with plenty happening.

How many runners?

35,000

The course

The race starts at Straße des 17.Juni between Brandenburg Gate and Victory Column from 10.05 in a series of wave starts. The exact time you start will be determined by your predicted finish time. The Victory Column is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It's a 67-metre-high column, crowned by the golden Berlin Peace Angel, the "Goldelse", standing in the middle of the Tiergarten. From the platform there's a magnificent view over the parklands of the Tiergarten and over the whole of Berlin. Built in the 19th century and originally commemorated Germany's wars of unity, today it has become a symbol of peace. Runners head past Victory Column, west to the first of the major landmarks, Schloß Charlottenburg, at the 4km mark. Once built as a summer palace, Charlottenburg Palace is now the largest and most magnificent palace in Berlin. It was built at the end of the 17th century and was greatly expanded during the 18th century before it was badly damaged during the Second World War. It's been restored and with its gardens is now a major tourist attraction.

From there it's then south to the 9km mark, and where runners start heading east to the zoo, at 11km. Opened in 1844 it's the oldest and most visited zoo in Germany, and also has more species than any other zoo in the world, including the only giant pandas in Germany. There are around 20,000 animals and 1,200 species , living in 33 hectares in the heart of the city. From there it's on to Potsdamer Platz, a popular shopping and nightlife district at 15km to 16km and then onto Berliner Dom, the Cathedral at 19km. The monumental building, with its spectacular dome, enjoys breathtaking views over the city and is a highlight of the course. Runners also have great views of the famous 1207 ft Television Tower at this part of the course. From here it's a fantastic run to the finish at the even more famous Brandenburg Gate, one of the most spectacular landmarks at the end of any distance running event.

Brandenburg Gate in sunlight with blue sky, iconic columns, and detailed sculptures on top. Trees and street visible in the background.

What's unique?

Running on the closed streets of Berlin is unique and an extremely memorable experience. Ok, you get to do it during the marathon as well, but that's very hard to get a spot in, so if you want your chance and don't have a marathon bib, then this is your opportunity!

Do charities benefit?

The organisers support The Human Safety Net , a charity that helps deprived people to improve their own opportunities and contribute to a good and safe life within their families and communities around the world. Through their programmes, they protect children from socially deprived families and integrate refugees through self-employment. Runners can donate to the programme during the registration process.

Our verdict

As you'd expect with a race organised by the guys responsible for the Berlin Marathon this is an event of the highest quality. It's flawless from start to finish and everything they promise is delivered. It's an intriguing city, oozing history and the opportunity to have a weekend away in a place like this and do a half at the same time is one that should be too good to miss.

How to register

Online via the website. First come first served but don't hang around. It is likely to sell out. Some specialist tour operators also have entries available, with flights and hotels.