Generali Berlin Half Marathon is an international road running event held every spring in Berlin, the capital of Germany. Covering the classic half marathon distance of 21.0975 kilometers, the event includes different categories such as running, inline skating, wheelchair racing, and handcycling. First organized in 1984, the race has become a central sporting event in unified Berlin since 1990. Since 2024, it has been part of the SuperHalfs series.

History and Development

The historical roots of the Berlin Half Marathon date back to the early 1980s. In 1981, the Lichtenberg Marathon initiated urban road racing in East Berlin, which expanded with the 1982 "Berliner Friedenslauf" (Berlin Peace Run). Although intended as a propaganda event in East Germany, it did not officially cover half marathon distances.

In West Berlin, the first Berlin Half Marathon was organized by SC Charlottenburg Berlin on September 2, 1984. Initially conceived as a preparatory event for the Berlin Marathon, the race became a joint event following East and West Berlin reunification in 1990. From 1992 onward, the event has been held in the spring, quickly growing into Germany’s largest half marathon.

Participation numbers rose sharply in the 2000s, surpassing 10,000 runners in 2001 and 20,000 in 2007. In 2019, the start and finish line were moved to the Straße des 17. June, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, modernizing the route. That same year, the event saw a record 28,471 finishers. By 2025, 40,721 runners from 135 countries had registered.

Route

The course is designed along Berlin’s flat and wide city streets. It starts and finishes between two iconic landmarks — the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column (Siegessäule). The route passes notable sites including Unter den Linden, Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz, Friedrichstraße, Berlin Cathedral, and Berlin City Hall, effectively turning the race into a city tour. The flat profile offers excellent opportunities for achieving personal bests. A detailed view of the course is available through the provided link.

^{Berlin Half Marathon Course (Generali Berlin Half Marathon)}

Entry Requirements

A lottery system determines registrations for the running category. Applications can be made individually or as 2–3 person teams. Direct registration is available for inline skating, handcycling, and wheelchair categories. All participants must collect their race kits from the Half Marathon EXPO in Berlin, which includes a bib number, timing chip, and entrance wristband. Access to the start area is allowed only with the official wristband and bib number. Age group restrictions and equipment regulations vary by category. Classification systems (T51–T54, H1–H4) are applied for wheelchair and handcycling athletes.

^{Berlin Half Marathon (Generated Using Artificial Intelligence)}

Awards and Performances

The Generali Berlin Half Marathon offers various awards and commemorative items to elite and amateur athletes. Cash prizes are awarded to the top finishers in both men's and women's categories, with prize amounts updated annually by the organizers. Age group winners earn free entry for the following year.

Every participant who finishes within the official time limit receives:

• A finisher’s medal
• A digital race certificate
• An optional personal photo package (paid)
• An optional medal engraving service (paid)

Award ceremonies are also held for top performers in the inline skating and handcycling categories. Inline skaters participating in the German Inline Cup accumulate points towards end-of-season awards.

Course Records

The Berlin Half Marathon’s flat and fast course has led to impressive performances. The current course records are:

• Men’s Course Record: Eric Kiptanui (Kenya) – 58:42 (2018)
• Women’s Course Record: Fotyen Tesfay (Ethiopia) – 1:03:35 (2025)

While no official half marathon world record has been set on this course, Fotyen Tesfay’s 1:03:35 in 2025 was the fastest women’s half marathon time recorded globally that year. Similarly, Gemechu Dida ran 58:43 in the 2025 race, narrowly missing the men’s course record by one second, also ranking among the year’s best performances.

Current World Records:

• Men’s World Record: Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 57:31 (2021)
• Women’s World Record: Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – 1:02:52 (2021)

Due to its course design and favorable climate conditions, the Berlin Half Marathon is considered one of the races with strong world record potential.

Cultural Significance and Community Participation

The Generali Berlin Half Marathon marks the opening of the spring season in Berlin and offers not just a race but a city-wide experience. During the event, tourist numbers and hotel occupancy rates rise significantly. Thousands of volunteers support the race, while music groups and spectators encourage athletes along the route. The event also emphasizes social solidarity: participants can donate to organizations like WWF and The Human Safety Net when registering. Campaigns for donating used shoes and clothing are also organized.

Organization and SuperHalfs Series

The event is organized by SCC Events GmbH, which also manages major events such as the BMW Berlin Marathon. Since 2024, the Berlin Half Marathon has been part of the SuperHalfs series, which also includes the half marathons in Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia. Runners who complete all six races are awarded a special SuperMedal.

The Generali Berlin Half Marathon, with over 40 years of history, has become one of Germany’s most comprehensive running events, attracting both elite and amateur athletes. Its participant numbers, elite performance levels, and cultural integration with the city have established it as a key event on the international athletics calendar.