Berlin's Olympic dream: Wegner relies on marathon economics!

Berlin's Olympic dream: Wegner relies on marathon economics!

Berlin, Deutschland - On July 10, 2025, Berlin's governing mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) confirmed the ambitions of the capital to apply for the organization of the Olympic Games. Wegner wants to bring the games to Berlin at the latest in the 2040s and refers to a current study on the added value of the Berlin Marathon. This is intended to underline the ability of Berlin to successfully organize large sporting events. The mayor emphasizes that a German Olympic application would hardly be conceivable without Berlin.

The discussion about an application for 2036 is considered critical, as this would be exactly 100 years after the games in Berlin instrumentalized by the Nazis. Wegner still sees an opportunity in 2036 to present the transformation of Germany, while he considers the discontinue more likely in the 2040s. The German Olympic Sports Association (DOSB) will check the application concepts by the end of September 2025, with other federal states such as Munich, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia.

economic dimension of the Berlin Marathon

With over 70,000 participants, the Berlin Marathon is not only a sporting highlight, but also an important economic event. The study commissioned by SCC Events predicts a total value added of 469.4 million euros for 2024. This sum comprises 142.7 million euros of direct added value and 326.7 million euros indirect added value. In comparison, for example, the DFB Cup final generates a added value of only 50.6 million euros.

The total value added is a significant part of visitors outside of Berlin. This alone will flow into the hotel industry, 5.1 million euros into the catering and 4.4 million euros in retail. These figures illustrate the economic importance of the marathon, which attracts around 1.2 million viewers annually and thus also promotes tourism in the city.

sustainability in the planning

Wegner emphasizes that the application for the Olympic and Paralympic Games should be made sustainable. The existing sports facilities should be used and temporary facilities are to be created without relying on excessive "gigantism". The Governing Mayor speaks of a period of at least ten years of hard work to organize a sports party with a period of 30 days and at the same time promote sustainable urban development over 20 years.

The next Berlin marathon will take place on September 21, 2025, with more than 74,000 athletes and 6,000 helpers. According to a survey, 95 percent of the participants and companions have announced that they will come back to Berlin. This not only underlines the popularity of the event, but also the enthusiasm for major sporting events in the city.

Financial aspects of Olympic acquisition

In the context of the Olympic application, it is important to take into account the financial challenges and opportunities. An analysis of the expenditure and income at the Olympic Games shows that the costs for the organization are usually covered by income or even profits. Sponsoring, ticket sales and grants from the IOC from television rights are crucial sources of income. However, Olympic Games in the past have often struggled with budget crossings, which requires careful planning and early advice on necessary investments.

The results of a comprehensive study that has examined over 280 own documents for Olympic Games since Sydney 2000 find that the costs for organization and infrastructure have not only increased in recent years, but can also face challenges for taxpayers. Transparency in terms of budget changes and maximizing the inheritance of the games are therefore essential for a successful application.

The coming months will be decisive, while Berlin is preparing his application for the Olympic Games and weighing up the chances of bringing these major sporting events into the capital.

Further information on the Olympic acquisition of Berlin can be found on RBBB24 Image , and comprehensive data on the financial aspects of the Olympic Games on dosb .