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 original six Abbott World Marathon Majors races include the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, TCS London Marathon, GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon.
Runners who complete the original six are awarded the coveted Six Star Medal – one of the sport's most iconic symbols of endurance and perseverance.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon and TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS have now joined the series, with the Shanghai Marathon currently undergoing evaluation to become the ninth Major.
If Shanghai is successful, the Nine Star Medal will be introduced as a new milestone celebrating runners who complete all nine Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Another prestigious honor is the Elite Platinum Label from World Athletics. The BERLIN MARATHON received yet another accolade from World Athletics in November 2023: the Heritage Plaque, which recognizes Berlin’s rich history in track and field, of which the BERLIN MARATHON has been an integral part for a proud 50 years.
AIMS (Association of International Marathon and Road Races) was founded in 1982. The association’s goal was to promote road running and establish internationally recognized standards. Naturally, the BERLIN-MARATHON was among the 28 founding members from the very beginning.
The German Road Running Association has existed since 1995 – the result of an initiative by Horst Milde, the former race director of the BERLIN MARATHON, along with other organizers of German city marathons.
