Berlin Marathon: A Sporting Celebration That Fuels the Economy of Germany’s Capital
The Berlin Marathon is an event that goes far beyond the realm of sport. While its heart lies in the thousands of runners covering 42 kilometers through the streets of Germany’s capital, the true power of this event lies in its impact on the city’s economy. In just a few days, Berlin transforms into a vibrant organism where every sector — from hospitality to gastronomy — sees a boost.
Numbers That Make a Difference
According to data published by organizer SCC Events and cited by WirtschaftsWoche, the total added value generated by the Berlin Marathon in 2024 amounted to a staggering €469.4 million. This is not an estimate based on the number of spectators along the route — the calculations include only participants, accompanying persons, and organizational activities. The direct value was €142.7 million, and the indirect value — €326.7 million. For comparison: the final of the German Cup (DFB-Pokalfinale) brought Berlin €50.6 million — nearly ten times less.
A City in Motion
On the Friday before the marathon, Berlin’s airport experiences a surge. It’s the day when most participants and their companions arrive in the city. In 2024, it was the busiest day of the year at the airport. Hotels reach 90% occupancy, and the average price per night rises to around €250 — well above the annual average. For comparison: in 2019, it was still around €175. The hospitality industry responds flexibly: offering late check-outs, buffets for runners, and even free drinks after the race.
Hotel Prices in Berlin on September 2024 Weekends
Average price per night (in euros)
Sep 6
Sep 7
Sep 8
Sep 13
Sep 14
Sep 15
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
🏁 Marathon Weekend · 250 €
Sep 27
Sep 28
Sep 29
Source: CoStar/STR via Dehoga · Graphic: Carsten Stollmann · Cited in WirtschaftsWoche
Spending That Fuels Local Business
Marathon participants spend an average of three nights in Berlin. During this time, they spend money not only on accommodation but also on food, transport, and shopping. According to SCC Events, in 2024 participants, companions, and spectators spent a total of:
- €16.8 million on gastronomy,
- €12 million on shopping and sightseeing,
- €3.6 million on public transport.
This shows that the marathon is not just a race — it’s a stimulus for the entire city.
Sport as a Tourism Product
High accommodation prices and limited availability of race entries mean that more and more people are turning to travel agencies specializing in sports trips. Around 25% of race entries go to travel partners who offer packages including race bibs, accommodation, transport, and additional attractions. As Bärbel Geisler, director of Geisler Marathonreisen, notes, interest in such packages grows year by year. For many participants, it’s a convenient way to take part — without the stress of lottery entries or travel planning.
Berlin in the Spotlight
The marathon route is designed to pass by the city’s most iconic landmarks — the Victory Column, Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, and the Brandenburg Gate. Photos of finishers under the Brandenburg Gate circulate worldwide, building Berlin’s image as an open, green, and vibrant city. As Christian Tänzler from Visit Berlin points out, this promotional effect is just as important as the financial impact — it encourages tourists to return and attracts new visitors.
Berlin Marathon 2025 in Numbers
If you’re interested in specific data about this year’s edition of the marathon, check out the post: Berlin Marathon 2025 in Numbers.
Summary
The Berlin Marathon is proof that sport can be a driving force for a city. It’s not about medals or records, but about real impact on the economy, tourism, and the lives of residents. It’s an event that connects people, business, and urban space in a way that’s impossible to ignore.
Sources:
• WirtschaftsWoche: Das große Geschäft mit dem Berlin-Marathon
• BMW Berlin-Marathon: Wertschöpfung von über 469 Millionen Euro
