Traffic chaos in Berlin: Marathon causes massive closures!

Traffic chaos in Berlin: Marathon causes massive closures!

On November 16th, 2025, Berlin will prepare for one of the biggest sporting events of the year: The BMW BERLIN MARATHON, which will take place on September 20th and 21st. The marathon enjoys not only national but also international popularity, attracts numerous elite runners and offers the opportunity to achieve best times. This year BMW will once again act as title sponsor, bringing its principles of strength, endurance and efficiency to the event. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on sustainability, as is evident in BMW's RUN FOR JOY campaign, which supports athletes in their preparation.

Preparations are already underway in the city and with the upcoming marathon, extensive traffic restrictions are expected throughout the city. The first closures will begin on Saturday, September 20th and will affect structures such as the Straße des 17. Juni and the Großer Stern, which will be closed for the inline skating competition. According to rbb24 it is advisable to use public transport or bicycles to avoid the often tight traffic conditions.

Extensive suspensions and recommendations

For the marathon, the entire city center will be affected in a newsworthy way on Sunday. The main run of 42.195 kilometers starts at 8:50 a.m. with the wheelchair riders and hand bikers, followed by the main field from 9:15 a.m. The last participants are expected to reach the finish at around 4:15 p.m. Many roads will be closed for the entire period, including Saturday traffic hours:

• Samstag, 20. September:
  • Beginn der Sperrungen ab 11:15 Uhr für den Inlineskater-Wettbewerb.
  • Sperrungen in der Straße des 17. Juni, Großer Stern, Ernst-Reuter-Platz und weiteren wichtigen Straßen.
• Sonntag, 21. September:
  • Sperrungen bereits ab 5 Uhr, hin zur Marathonstrecke, insbesondere in den Bereichen Tiergarten und Mitte.

Car crossings are only possible through the Tiergartentunnel on Saturday and via the A100 city ring road on Sunday with certain restrictions. Residents and drivers are encouraged to find alternative ways to get around the closures.

Sustainability in focus

Another important topic this year is sustainability during the marathon, which is becoming more relevant due to legal requirements and growing awareness in the running community. Jo Schindler explains in an article about sustainability in running that using cups made of sustainable materials and wearing old clothes instead of plastic bags are forms of ecological responsibility. These aspects are part of a broader commitment that is also supported by BMW.

In addition, the event will be characterized by numerous technical innovations that BMW is implementing in its new electric vehicles such as the i5. These vehicles not only act as command vehicles, but also set standards for the responsible use of resources, which gives further impetus to the issue of sustainability. With over 50 vehicles and special support vehicles, BMW ensures that the event is both efficient and environmentally friendly.

With the combination of an exciting marathon race, extensive traffic adjustments and a clear focus on sustainability, the BMW BERLIN MARATHON 2025 is set to be a special occasion, both for runners, spectators and the city itself.