Berlin Marathon with Hotel Stay

Typical Itinerary for 3 night stays (4 night stays arrive on the 22nd or 23rd September / 5 night stays arrive on the 23rd September)

Friday 23rd September : Arrival day

Make your way to Berlin and on arrival check in to your hotel.

Usually hotel rooms are ready after 3pm; if you arrive earlier please be prepared to leave your luggage with the hotel concierge and head off to the Marathon Expo to collect your race documents. The Expo has plenty to see and do so allow plenty of time to collect your race documents, shop from the many exhibitors, listen to the experts on stage and enjoy the pre-race day vibe. Latest race kit collection time is 5pm. The rest of the day you can relax and prepare for race. If you have any questions please meet with one of the Marathon Tours & Travel Team in the hotel lobby.

Saturday 24th September : Expo and registration

Today we will have a warm up run in the morning, guided by our experienced and knowledgeable team. 

After the warm up run we will then take an escorted trip to the marathon expo, for anybody who is yet to visit to collect their race bib and pack.

The MARATHON EXPO takes place on the former Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin. Not only do you need to go there to collect your race pack and extras that you have ordered, it’s also a great venue to browse the many expo stands. There are clothing brands, events, nutrition and much more.

·       Thursday: 03:30 p.m. - 08:00 p.m

·       Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m

·       Saturday: 09:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m

After attending the expo, put your feet up and relax ahead of the event tomorrow.

Team DSE Pasta Party

Optionally, tonight you can join #TeamDSE for our pasta party at the Novotel Berlin Mitte hotel, to load up on carbs ahead of tomorrows race. If you would like to join us, you can see the prices and add this as part of your booking journey

Sunday 25th September : RACE DAY

This is the day you have trained so hard for! After an early breakfast please get ready to leave the hotel. The start is located between Straße des 17. Juni, between Brandenburg Gate and "Kleiner Stern". The nearest station is Potsdamer Platz from where it’s a short walk to the start.

Directions

From the hotel walk 4 minutes to U Bahn Station Spittelmarkt from where it’s a 6 minute journey to Potsdamer Platz. From there it’s just an 8 minute walk to the start area. The start is located between Straße des 17. Juni, between Brandenburg Gate and "Kleiner Stern"

Family and friends can travel by public transport to support and spectate along the race route. The Marathon Tours & Travel team will be happy to advise. After the race make your way back to the hotel, freshen up, celebrate…you deserve it!

The finish

Please return the ChampionChip until 4:30 p.m. in the finish area. The places to return the chips are marked.

Monday 26th September : Departure Day

Unless you have booked extra nights with us then today is the day you check out of your room and we say thank you for joining us. It’s not goodbye but instead we’ll see you next time as we hope you will join us for another Marathon Tours & Travel

Entry procedure

When you buy your entry with us, you will be sent a link to complete your entry with all your personal details. This link will not be sent until closer to race day - please do not expect it immediately after booking - it will depend on when the Berlin Marathon send the links to us. 

BMW Berlin Marathon Terms of Participation

There are some terms of participation that you should be aware of, these can be read and downloaded from here.

Please read the Terms for particpation carefully, as you have to accept them to particpate in the event.

Berlin Marathon Extras

• adidas size chart Download  (please note size will be required when entry is registered. No changes permitted thereafter)
• Pre-ordered Event-Shirt, Finisher-Shirt and Legend-Jacket to be collected at the MARATHON EXPO with your race materials.

Your race kit

You get your race kit ONLY at the MARATHON EXPO and ONLY during opening hours* former Flughafen Tempelhof, Platz der Luftbrücke 5, 12101 Berlin. ONLY with your start card AND a picture ID (passport, driver's license). ONLY personally (no power of attorney accepted in any case)!

Your race kit consists of:

• Your bib number and safety pins
• An athlete's wristband - will be put on your wrist at the MARATHON EXPO. It is your ticket to the start area.  DO NOT remove it before leaving the finish area
• A rental chip (if ordered) - If you have your own chip, please bring that to the pick-up
• A clothing bag OR a voucher for the poncho on your bib number (depending on what you have chosen at your registration)
• A goodie-bag with presents from our sponsors
• A voucher on your bib number for your pre-ordered services and merchandise from the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON collection
• Bag drop-off or poncho

With your registration you have the choice between the poncho and clothing bag. Please note that your choice cannot be changed afterwards.

Poncho

If you choose the Poncho option:

You will NOT get a clothing bag

On the race day you can NOT drop-off any clothes nor any valuables or bring any luggage to the start area

If you booked the poncho-option, you will find the corresponding symbol on your bib number

You will get the warming and reusable poncho after crossing the finish line

You save time, since you do not need to queue at the clothing drop-off.

Bag drop-off

If you choose the bag drop-off option:

with your race kit you will get a transparent clothing bag and a sticker with your start number for the bag

Clothing and valuables have to be packed into the clothing bag in order to enter the starting area

All objects need to be packed separately and loosely. You may not put other bags in your clothing bag

Any kind of luggage is prohibited within the start/finish area

You drop off your clothing bag at the indicated tent and retrieve it there after you have finished

You do NOT get a poncho!

Time measurement is done exclusively with the ChampionChip!

The ChampionChip is a small plastic transponder that has to be fastened on your running shoe (no metal contact!) and will measure your personal race time. Your net running time can only be measured if you step on the contact mats laid out on the starting and finishing lines. Likewise, you must step on all mats laid out on the route. Intermediate time check - you will be disqualified if your intermediate times are not recorded.  Please return the chip in the finish.

PAPS test

Before you start with the registration, you will be asked to take 2-3 minutes of time to protect your health by completing a non-binding and free health check.

Regular physical activity has a positive effect on your health. However, sport is no guarantee for a risk-free state of health. Familial risk factors, but also lifestyle-related risks are not always in direct correlation with your training condition and should be known in advance. Therefore, please be honest with yourself when answering the questions.

With the PAPS test, we want to help you become aware of your own state of health—there are no consequences for your eligibility to participate. The recommendation at the end of the test is made available to you for your personal and voluntary further use. The PAPS test does not replace a visit to the doctor and cannot provide 100% certainty of an existing or emerging risk. The collected, non-personalized data will not be handed over to the organiser. The data may be used in anonymised and encrypted form for scientific purposes by the Medical Board of SCC EVENTS.

Welcome to Berlin!

Berlin is known for three things… its markets, its museums and its marathon’s! Here at Marathon Tours & Travel, we can offer you a chance to run in this world record breaking event.  We are offering package’s to the half marathon event in April and the marathon in September.

Location

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany by both area and population. It has 3.7 million inhabitants.

Time Zone

Berlin is on Central European Standard Time zone.

Visas

EU nationals do not require a visa to enter Germany however, a 6 month duration is recommended on your passport.

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Germany’s current entry restrictions and requirements.

Local Laws

The drinking age in Berlin and throughout Germany is 18. Beer and wine can be consumed at the age of 16 however, those below 18 years of age are not permitted in premises licensed as bars, nightclubs and similar entertainment venues. Smoking is banned in public places throughout the city including bars, restaurants, subways and taxis, and public parks and beaches.

Using your phone

There are two ways to use your smartphone in Germany: you can either roam on a UK-based SIM card or you can buy a new sim card. Check with your network provider before you go as you may be able to pay extra to have peace of mind without getting hit with a bill on your return.

Below we have listed some important phone numbers :

• Emergencies (police, fire or ambulance): 110
• Ambulance 112

Money

In Berlin and throughout Germany the euro is the standard currency. Credit cards are widely used and ATMS are plentiful.

Safety

Berlin has a safety level of low risk however as with any city, please exercise common sense and take reasonable precautions to protect your personal safety plus your belongings. Always make sure that you have adequate travel insurance, declare pre-existing medical conditions and make sure that your insurance covers you for all the activities that you will undertake whilst you are in Germany. Only ever use licensed taxis and if you are ever unsure it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your hotel concierge should be able to help you with any questions or concerns. Emergency numbers are 110 and 112.

Getting there

There are two major airports in Berlin, these follow:

Berlin Brandenburg Airport

The distance from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the city centre is 27 kilometres / 16.8 miles.

Trains > The Airport Express and regional trains alternate four times an hour from the station under Terminal 1 to Berlin Central Station. In addition, the S-bahn trains travel from T1/T2 into Berlin city centre. The price for a ticket is € 3.60 for adults and € 2.60 for children from 6 up to 14 years.

Car > The terminals are easy to reach via the A113 and the B96A. These roads take you directly to the city centre. There are over 10,000 car parking spaces at the airport and two hire car companies.  Travel time in a car from the airport to the city centre is around 40 minutes.

Taxi > Taxis are located just outside the terminal and will allow you to reach the centre in 40 – 45 minutes, usually for around 45 euros. Please aware airport taxi’s companies don’t tend to take card so please have the cash ready.

Bus > You can travel by bus between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and the city of Berlin. Each terminal has their own bus station where city buses depart. Buses run every 20 minutes.

Please be aware journey times on public transport can vary and we recommend checking times before departure.

Berlin Schonefeld Airport

The smaller of the two airports serving Germany's capital is Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) which is located 25 miles southeast of downtown Berlin. 

Train > The RE7 or RB14 express train is direct from Schönefeld airport and takes around 25 minutes to get into the centre of Berlin. The train runs every hour until 22:30. The price for a ticket is € 3.60 for adults and € 2.60 for children from 6 up to 14 years.

Metro > The metro departs from the station every 20 minutes and runs until 1am on weekdays and throughout the night on a Saturdays. The metro takes around 40 minutes to reach the city centre. The price for a ticket is € 3.60 for adults and € 2.60 for children from 6 up to 14 years.

Bus > The 171 bus is direct and the travel takes around 40 minutes. The bus departs every 20 minutes from the terminal.

Taxi > Taxis are located just outside the A-B terminal and will allow you to reach the centre in 35 to 40 minutes, usually for around 50 euros. Please aware airport taxi’s companies don’t tend to take card so please have the cash ready.

Getting around the City

Apart from running, Berlin is also great for walking. On foot you will really get a feel for the place and you’ll feel the buzz of this great city. If you are ever in a hurry or you need to travel a bit further, you can use the metro, buses or taxi’s.  

Trains and Buses

Tickets > You can purchase a 24-hour travel ticket allows travelling for 24 hours for as many trips as desired. The ticket costs 8.80 Euros and can be purchased at the station.

The seven-day-ticket is valid for seven consecutive days from the day of its validation. The ticket costs between 36 to 43 Euros (depending on zones) and can be purchased on arrival at the station.

Please be aware prices are subject to change and more information can be found on the link below: https://www.berlin.de/en/public-transportation/1772016-2913840-tickets-fares-and-route-maps.en.html

Tram > With subways running every 5-10 minutes during the day, the metro system in Berlin is a great way of getting around. With 173 stations and 91 miles (146km) of track reaches almost every corner of the city. Trams In the city run until 1am on weekdays and throughout the night on weekends.

e–scooters > e-scooters offer a fun easily accessible way of getting around the city. They can be used on cycling paths throughout the city and can be booked using an app on your phone. The most popular e-scooter companies are Lime and Bolt.

Fun Facts

• Berlin has 180 museums and on average there are 106 rainy days within the year meaning there are more museums than rainy days!
• Berlin Zoo is home to over 20,000 animals of over 1,300 species making it the most visited zoo in Europe.
• Berlin has the world’s longest beer garden! This area features 300 breweries from all over the world making it a perfect place to grab a drink.
• The Battle of Berlin resulted in the surrender of the German army in world war 2.
• The current world record Marathon time is 2 hours 1 minute and 39 seconds, this was set at the Berlin Marathon by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya.