Course profile
World record-quality flat course through Berlin city centre — consistently produces fast times and is one of Europe's premier PB courses.
Recommended training plan
Based on the BMW Berlin Half Marathon course profile and typical April conditions, we recommend starting with the Sub 1:45 plan and adjusting after your first long run.
View Sub 1:45 Training Plan →Ready to start training?
Get a personalised plan for the BMW Berlin Half Marathon.
Every session with a plain-English explanation. Calibrated to your goal time. €29 one-time.
Build my Berlin plan →Common questions
When should I start training for the Berlin Half Marathon?
For an April race, a 12-week plan starting in mid-January is standard. European January is cold — train in appropriate gear and accept that some easy runs will be slower than target pace in freezing conditions. Focus on completing sessions at the right effort rather than a specific pace.
Is the Berlin Half Marathon course fast?
Yes — the course is renowned for its flatness and is one of the fastest in Europe. Course records are set here regularly. April temperatures in Berlin average 8–14°C (46–57°F), which is close to optimal for distance running. Expect a competitive field with a wide range of abilities.
How large is the BMW Berlin Half Marathon?
The race typically attracts 35,000–40,000 runners, making it one of the biggest half marathons globally. Start corrals are allocated by predicted finish time. Submit a realistic, evidence-based finish time when registering — being in the right corral significantly improves pacing consistency in the opening kilometres.
What goal time is realistic for a Berlin Half Marathon debut?
Use your current 5K or 10K time and a Riegel-based prediction to set a realistic target. The flat course and cool temperatures typically add 1–3 minutes of 'free' improvement over a training race. However, setting a goal significantly faster than your Riegel prediction and going out too fast in a big field remains the most common race-day mistake.