Road to Berlin Marathon #15 – Race Day Logistics: Expo, Start Line & More

As race day approaches, your to-do list might be growing faster than your race nerves. Let’s break down all the vital logistics you need to nail down: from Expo essentials to the start line prep so you can stride into the marathon with confidence.

Please, make sure you visit bmw-berlin-marathon.com

As a special tip, read the Event Magazine of BMW Berlin Marathon 2025

1. Marathon Expo & Race Kit Pickup

The race weekend officially kicks off at the MARATHON EXPO. It’s more than just a place to pick up your bib; it’s a massive running fair where you can soak up the pre-race excitement and check out the latest gear.

Where: Messe Berlin, Entrance: Messe Süd (Messe Berlin, Eingang Messe Süd)

When:

• Thursday, Sept 18, 2025: 15:00 - 20:00 (3 PM - 8 PM)
• Friday, Sept 19, 2025: 11:00 - 20:00 (11 AM - 8 PM)
• Saturday, Sept 20, 2025: 09:00 - 19:00 (9 AM - 7 PM)

What You MUST Bring:

• Your Start Card (this will be sent to you by email).
• A valid Photo ID (ID card, passport, driver's license).

What you'll receive at Expo:

• Bib number (non-transferable)
• Athlete wristband — required for access to both start and finish areas (don’t remove it until after you’ve finished!)
• MIKA TAG transponder mounted on the back of your bib for timing — handle with care, no bending
• If pre-booked: a transparent clothing bag with label (for clothing drop-off), event shirt, merch, etc.

2. Getting to the Start & Entry Times

This is one of the most important parts to plan!

• Use Public Transport! A fantastic perk: Your race number is valid as a ticket for public transport (fare zone ABC) from September 18th to 21st. The best nearby stations are U-Bahn Bundestag and S-Bahn/Regional: Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
• The ONE Entrance: There is only one entrance for all runners to the start/finish area. It is located at Platz der Republik, directly opposite the Reichstag building.
• Staggered Entry Times: To ensure a smooth start for everyone, access to the start area is timed according to your start block. Please arrive only during your assigned time slot:
  • 07:00 (7 AM): Entrance for Start Blocks A, B, C, D
  • 07:30 (7:30 AM): Entrance for Start Blocks E, F
  • 08:00 (8 AM): Entrance for Start Blocks G, H, J
  • 08:30 (8:30 AM): Entrance for Start Block K

Your Start & The Course

The start takes place on the Straße des 17. Juni.

• Start Waves: The runners will start in four waves.
  • Wave 1 (09:15): Blocks A, B, C, D
  • Wave 2 (09:45): Blocks E, F
  • Wave 3 (10:10): Blocks G, H
  • Wave 4 (10:40): Blocks J, K
• Start Block: Your block is based on your registered best time. You can start in a slower block further back, but you cannot move up to a faster block.
• Pacers: Look for the pacers with flags in every wave, ready to guide you to finish times from 3:00h all the way to 5:00h.
• Time Limit: You have 6 hours and 15 minutes (net time) from when you cross the starting line. There is a cut-off point at KM 33 at 15:50 (3:50 PM). The finish line officially closes at 17:15 (5:15 PM).

3. What to Bring - And What You Can Leave Behind

Must-haves for race morning:

• Bib number, clearly visible on your chest
• Athlete wristband — your key to the event zones
• Helmet, if you’re a skater, handbiker, or wheelchair athlete (mandatory — no helmet, no start!)

Optional extras:

• A hydration system (backpack/vest/belt) is allowed, up to 3 L capacity, with front pockets for bottles and small items — great for reducing plastic waste
• Want your own fuel? Drop your non-glass container, labeled with name, bib number, and aid station, at the “own refreshments” stand (Annemarie-Renger-Str./Otto-von-Bismarck-Allee) before 7:45 AM. It’ll be staged at the aid stations along the course

Clothing drop-off:

• Only possible if you pre-booked the service; you’ll get a transparent bag and label at Expo. Use it to leave your belongings in designated zones. Otherwise, stay warm with donated clothes in the pre-start, or pick up a poncho at finish

4. Toilets, Showers, Medical Aid & More

Toilets:

• Available at the finish area, but also at the end of each refreshment point along the course — easy access when you need it

Showers & Changing Rooms:

• After the finish, you'll find changing tents and unguarded showers in the finish zone. Bring your post-race clothes early — once you leave, you can’t return

Medical Support:

• A robust medical network supports you throughout — including bike doctors, aid stations every few km, and fire department patrols

Post-Race Perks:

• Refreshments: Tea, water, ERDINGER non-alcoholic beer, isotonic drinks, plus fruit (bananas, apples) await finishers
• Free massages by physiotherapy students help ease your muscles
• Medal engraving available at a stand on Scheidemannstraße
• Family reunion point: in front of Paul-Löbe-Haus with signs A–Z, a simple and organized meet-up spot

5. Quick FAQ Recap

Where is the start? Straße des 17. Juni, between Brandenburg Gate & Kleiner Stern, enter via Platz der Republik.

What should I bring? Bib, athlete wristband, ID, hydration and fuel; helmet if applicable.

Are there toilets on the route? Yes, at the finish area and at each refreshment station and throughout the course.

Are there showers? Yes, in the finish zone (unguarded), bring your post-race clothes in the morning.

Final Tips

• Expo first — get your bib and wristband early to avoid Saturday queues.
• Public transport is your friend — use your bib as a ticket and arrive early.
• Pack smart — bring the gear you need, and drop or donate what you can.
• Plan post-race — know where to meet loved ones, and pack for warm showers and relaxation.

Now, you're fully equipped for Race Day. Let your performance speak — Berlin awaits!