A study presented by event organiser SCC Events and Germany’s Senate Department for the Interior & Sports has found that the 2024 BMW Berlin Marathon, held last September, generated €469.4 million in total economic output for Berlin over just four days. (This year’s Berlin Marathon takes place on September 21, 2025.)
The research, conducted by Nielsen Sports, was unveiled at a press conference in the German capital and included input from Berlin’s Governing Mayor, Kai Wegner; State Secretary for Sport, Franziska Becker; visitBerlin CEO, Burkhard Kieker; and SCC Events Managing Directors Jürgen Lock and Christian Jost.
Economic driver for Berlin
The study estimates that €142.7 million of the total came from direct economic output, with a further €326.7 million in indirect value. These figures primarily reflect spending by participants, their companions, and the organiser itself. For comparison, the DFB Cup Final (football) generates just over €50 million in total economic output for Berlin.
The BMW Berlin Marathon attracted more than 74,000 runners across all event formats in 2024. The impact was also felt at Berlin Brandenburg (BER) Airport, which recorded its busiest day of the year on the Friday before the marathon.
Image and tourism impact
The report also underlined the event’s image-building value. It found that 89% of Berliners aged 16 to 69 are aware of the marathon, associating it with terms such as ‘cosmopolitan’, ‘passionate’, and ‘likeable’. Among participants and companions from outside the city, 95% stated they would recommend Berlin and plan to return.
Sustainability efforts highlighted
In addition to its economic and tourism impact, the BMW Berlin Marathon continues to emphasise sustainability. The 2024 event was powered almost entirely by renewable energy and supported by approximately 6,000 volunteers.
Over €6 million in donations were raised for charitable and environmental causes. These efforts are detailed in the event’s ISO-certified sustainability report.
Berlin’s Olympic ambitions
“The BMW Berlin Marathon is a global ambassador for Berlin – representing elite and mass sport, lived sustainability, and civic engagement alike,” said Jürgen Lock, Managing Director of SCC Events.
“This study shows the BMW Berlin Marathon is far more than an end in itself – it is a driving force for Berlin and well beyond.”
www.bmw-berlin-marathon.com
www.scc-events.com
