Choosing between Berlin Marathon and Dalian 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 | Dalian Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 9:15 am | Sunday, 9 May 2027 at 7:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 74m above sea level. ↑ 73 m · ↓ 79 m · net −6 m | Mostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 33m above sea level. ↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m |
| Typical weather | Mild autumn, ideal for racing | Mild spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 48k finishers | Approximately 30k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Easy |
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 Dalian Marathon brings approximately 30k finishers each May to the Liaodong Peninsula's most cosmopolitan port. The coastal loop passes Xinghai Square — one of Asia's largest city squares — the Dalian waterfront, and forested coastal roads with Yellow Sea views. May's mild Liaoning spring and fresh sea breezes make it one of northeast China's most popular marathons.
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