GENERALI BERLIN HALF MARATHON 2026, Berlin, Germany
Overview
The Generali Berlin Half Marathon is the traditional season opener for the European endurance community and Germany’s most high-profile race of its kind. Renowned for its incredibly flat and fast course, it is a premier destination for athletes aiming to set a personal best or qualify for international competitions. The race acts as a “sporting sightseeing tour,” taking participants through the diverse landscape of the German capital—from historical Prussian landmarks to the vibrant, modern neighborhoods that define Berlin’s multicultural atmosphere today.
The 2026 edition marks the 45th anniversary of the event, which originally began as two separate races in East and West Berlin before merging after the fall of the Berlin Wall. As a key member of the SuperHalfs series, it attracts nearly 30,000 runners, inline skaters, wheelchair athletes, and handbikers from over 100 nations. The race finishes with a dramatic stretch through the iconic Brandenburg Gate, providing an emotional highlight that symbolizes the unity and energy of the city.
Event Highlights
- Brandenburg Gate Finish: Experience the sheer emotion of running through the most famous landmark in Germany during the final meters of your race.
- World-Class Speed: Tackle a 21.1 km course with virtually no elevation gain, famous for being one of the fastest routes in the world.
- Spring Festival Atmosphere: Join tens of thousands of spectators and live music bands that turn the streets of Berlin into a city-wide celebration.
- SuperHalfs Series: Complete one of the six prestigious halves in the SuperHalfs circuit (alongside Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia) to earn your SuperMedal.
Why Attend
Performance-driven runners and urban explorers should attend this race to experience Berlin’s unique “freedom” on foot. The late March timing provides crisp, refreshing air (typically 5°C to 10°C) that is ideal for sustained physical effort without the risk of overheating. It is perfectly organized by SCC EVENTS, the same team behind the world-famous Berlin Marathon, ensuring a seamless experience from the high-tech Expo at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds to the efficient post-race recovery area.
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For international travelers, the Berlin Half Marathon is the ultimate “runcation.” The course passes the Victory Column, Charlottenburg Palace, Potsdamer Platz, and the Reichstag, allowing you to see the city’s major historical sights without the usual traffic. The inclusive nature of the event—where professional elites race alongside hobby joggers and skaters—creates a sense of community that is rare even in major world marathons.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, March 29, 2026.
- Start Times: The event begins with inline skaters at 9:30 AM, followed by wheelchair and handbike athletes at 9:55 AM, and the first wave of runners at 10:05 AM.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Berlin, Germany.
- Start and Finish: Straße des 17. Juni (between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column).
- Google Maps Address: Straße des 17. Juni, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Due to high demand, entry slots for runners are allocated via a lottery system; the lottery for 2026 typically opens in April and closes in late May of the preceding year.
- Admission Type: Individual entries for Runners, Inline Skaters, Wheelchair Athletes, and Handbikers.
- Ticket Pricing: Prices for runners range from approximately $80.00 to $100.00 (€74 to €89) based on the registration phase.
- Free Admission: Spectating is free along the entire 21 km route; the best viewing areas are near the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Guaranteed entries are available through official charity partners (with a fundraising target of approx. $450) or authorized travel operators.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@scc-events.com
- Phone: +49 30 30128810
- Website: https://www.generali-berliner-halbmarathon.de/en/
- Address: SCC EVENTS GmbH, Hanns-Braun-Straße 4, 14053 Berlin, Germany.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), approximately 25 km from the city center (approx. 30–45 minutes via the FEX express train or S-Bahn lines S9 and S45).
- Public Transport: Your bib number acts as a free ticket for public transport (zones AB) on race day; the best stations for the start are Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Bundestag, or Brandenburger Tor.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from BER Airport to central Berlin cost approximately $60.00–$75.00; Uber and FreeNow are widely used throughout the city.
- Parking: Extremely limited near the start/finish area; it is strongly recommended to park at your hotel or a P+R lot and use the U-Bahn or S-Bahn.
- Other Access: Berlin is highly bike-friendly, and many participants use the “Nextbike” or “Lidl Bike” sharing systems to reach the start area.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Grand Hyatt Berlin (5-star, 0.8 km from start, located at Potsdamer Platz, approx. $250-400/night); The Westin Grand Berlin (5-star, 0.7 km, near the finish, approx. $280-450/night).
- Mid-Range Options: IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (4-star, 0.6 km, very convenient for runners, approx. $130-200/night); NH Collection Berlin Mitte am Checkpoint Charlie (4-star, 1.2 km, approx. $150-230/night).
- Budget Stays: Hotel MOA Berlin (4-star, 3 km with great transport links, approx. $100-150/night); Meininger Hotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Budget, 0.7 km, approx. $60-110/night).
Reviews
- Running through the Brandenburg Gate is an emotional experience that makes you feel like an elite athlete regardless of your time.
- The course is incredibly flat; if you want to set a personal record, this is the race to do it in Europe.
- The energy of the crowd at Potsdamer Platz is electric—it’s like a 21 km party through the streets of Berlin.
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FAQ's
How and when do I receive my race materials?
You must collect your race bib and starter bag in person at the Half Marathon Expo. For 2026, the Expo is held at Messe Berlin (South Entrance) on the Friday and Saturday before the race. You will receive a "Start Card" via email in mid-March, which you must present along with a photo ID to collect your materials. Please note that bibs cannot be picked up by a third party or on race day Sunday.
Is there a time limit for the Berlin Half Marathon?
Yes, the time limit for runners is 3 hours and 15 minutes from the time you cross the start line. There is a specific cut-off at kilometer 18; participants who have not reached this point by 2:25 PM must leave the course and continue on the sidewalk or board the "broom bus" to the finish. Only those finishing within the time limit receive an official result and a finisher medal.
What is the "Poncho vs. Clothing Bag" choice during registration?
When you register, you must choose between a clothing bag drop-off or a finisher poncho. If you choose the bag, you can leave your personal belongings in a designated tent at the start and collect them after the race (cost: approx. $5). If you choose the poncho, you cannot drop off a bag, but you will receive a warm, reusable warming poncho immediately after crossing the finish line for free.
Are there specialized refreshments for runners on the course?
Refreshment stations are located at kilometers 5, 9, 14.5, and 17.5. These stations provide water and tea; the stations at 9 km and 14.5 km also provide apples and bananas. If you prefer specific energy gels or isotonic drinks, you should carry them with you, as only water and tea are guaranteed at every station. A comprehensive refreshment area is available to all finishers at the end of the race.
Can I change my expected finish time after I have registered?
Yes, you can adjust your expected finish time or your "best time" through your online user account until approximately one week before the race (deadline is usually March 22). This is important because it determines your starting wave and corral; being in the correct wave ensures you are running with people of a similar pace, making for a smoother and safer race experience.
