Choosing between Berlin Marathon and Edinburgh 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 | Edinburgh Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 9:15 am | Sunday, 30 May 2027 at 10:00 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 74m above sea level. ↑ 73 m · ↓ 79 m · net −6 m | Hilly with notable climbs - approx. 66m above sea level. ↑ 120 m · ↓ 120 m · net 0 m |
| Typical weather | Mild autumn, ideal for racing | Cool to mild and humid spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 48k finishers | Approximately 30k 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 Edinburgh Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 30k finishers on an urban road in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. The course starts in Edinburgh and finishes in Musselburgh on the coast — point-to-point. Hilly only in the first few miles leaving Edinburgh.
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