Choosing between Berlin Marathon and Paris 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 | Paris Marathon |
|---|---|---|
| Next race | Sunday, 27 September 2026 at 9:15 am | Sunday, 4 April 2027 at 8:30 am |
| Elevation | Very flat - approx. 74m above sea level. ↑ 73 m · ↓ 79 m · net −6 m | Mostly flat with gentle undulations - approx. 42m above sea level. ↑ 164 m · ↓ 157 m · net +7 m |
| Typical weather | Mild autumn, ideal for racing | Cool to mild and humid spring |
| Typical participants | Approximately 48k finishers | Approximately 54k finishers |
| Entry difficulty | Very competitive | Moderate |
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 Paris Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 54k finishers on an urban road in Paris, France. The course starts on the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe and finishes on Avenue Foch. The route passes Place de la Bastille, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Bois de Vincennes. Mostly flat with gentle undulations; no major hills or cobblestone sections.
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