More world records have been broken on Berlin's fast pavement than at any other marathon race in the world. 13 so far. More could follow. But that is not the only reason that makes the season highlight in the German capital one of the most popular running spectacles of the year.
Over 50,000 finishers experience their very special moment when crossing the Brandenburg Gate just before the finish line, millions of spectators and 80 live bands celebrate the sport along the course. The international running community is a guest in the German capital at this special highlight. The event has long been one of the most important.
The Grand Slam of marathons
The history of the World Marathon Majors began in 2006, when the merger of the six biggest marathon in the world in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York created a wave of enthusiasm and gave the 42.195k supreme discipline a further boost. In 2025 Sydney as largest marathon in Oceania becomes seventh member of the series. The absolute highlight is the Six Star Medal, which every finisher who successfully completes six Abbott WMM events earns.
World Athletics - Label & Plaque
Another honourable distinction is the Elite Platinum Label from World Athletics. World Athletics, until 2019 the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF), is the leading athletics federation. In November 2023 the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON received yet another prestigious honour from World Athletics. The Heritage Plaque recognises Berlin's rich athletics history, of which the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON has been an important part for a proud 50 years.
Already involved in the AIMS launch
AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Road Races) was founded in 1986. The aim of the association was to promote long-distance running and set international standards. Of course, the BERLIN MARATHON was not to be missed when the 28 founding members took their first steps. AIMS has firmly established itself in the world of running and continues to drive the development of long-distance running with its ideas and visions.
The national voice of running
The interest group for road races in Germany was founded in 1995 on the initiative of Horst Milde, the former race director of the BERLIN-MARATHON, and other organizers of German city marathons. The common goal: to promote the sport of running, to support each other and to exchange specialist knowledge.
