Choosing between Berlin Marathon and Boston Marathon? This page puts the essentials side by side — next race date, elevation, typical weather, field size, and entry difficulty — with a short overview of each course below.
The headline differences between both races. Follow each marathon link for the full route map, elevation chart, and entry details.
| Detail | Berlin Marathon | Boston Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 9:15 am | Monday, 19 April 2027 at 10:00 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 74m above sea level. ↑ 73 m · ↓ 79 m · net −6 m | Net downhill with famous Newton hills - approx. 50m above sea level. ↑ 248 m · ↓ 388 m · net −140 m |
| Typical weather | Mild autumn, ideal for racing | Cool to mild; often windy |
| Typical participants | Approximately 48k finishers | Approximately 26k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Very competitive |
The BMW Berlin Marathon is renowned as one of the world's fastest marathon courses, having hosted more men's marathon world records than any other venue. The flat, straight boulevards take runners past the Brandenburg Gate for a spectacular finish. Elite and recreational runners alike target Berlin for personal bests.
The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon and the only major requiring qualification for most runners. Starting in Hopkinton and finishing on Boylston Street, the course features the challenging Heartbreak Hill and legendary New England crowd support. It is the pinnacle race for competitive amateur marathoners.
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