Berlin Marathon 2026: Free viewing guide and race schedule
The 2026 Berlin Marathon takes place on September 27 on a fast, flat course that ends at the Brandenburg Gate. Tigst Assefa returns after setting a mixed world record in Berlin in 2023 and recently improving her women-only record in London. The race will be available free in Germany on RTL and also via the Olympic Channel, with start times listed for multiple regions.
The 2026 Berlin Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, on a quick, level route that concludes at the Brandenburg Gate. Tigst Assefa, already a two-time Berlin winner, returns after her 2023 mixed world record of 2:11:53 and a London Marathon women-only record of 2:15:41 earlier this year.
Viewers in Germany can watch free on RTL, while the Olympic Channel offers free coverage in many listed nations across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. US audiences need FloTrack, priced at $29.99 monthly or $149.99 yearly. Elite racing begins around 2:45 a.m. ET, 7:45 a.m. BST, and 4:45 p.m. AEST.
The race’s free broadcasts in Germany and several other regions could make elite marathon running more accessible, potentially drawing new fans and encouraging outdoor activity. Berlin’s tourism and hospitality sectors may see modest benefits from visitors and global attention. Meanwhile, US viewers facing a paid FloTrack subscription may have narrower access, which could shape how widely the event reaches casual audiences. Assefa’s return may also amplify interest in women’s distance running.