The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, one of the world’s most prestigious running events, has announced a landmark sustainability partnership with Schneider Electric — setting a new standard for eco-conscious major sporting events in the heart of Germany’s capital.
Scheduled for September 27, 2026, the iconic marathon will welcome the global energy technology leader as its “Official Sustainability Partner” in a three-year collaboration aimed at measurably reducing the event’s environmental footprint. The partnership officially kicks off with this year’s race, which draws tens of thousands of runners from over 160 nations to Berlin’s historic streets.
What the Partnership Means for the Berlin Marathon
Schneider Electric will provide full-spectrum sustainability consulting through its SE Advisory Services division. The first major deliverable is a comprehensive CO₂ baseline for the entire marathon operation, from runner logistics and fan travel to energy consumption at the start/finish area near the Brandenburg Gate. This baseline will identify the most carbon-intensive areas and map out a concrete decarbonization roadmap for future editions.
Key initiatives include energy efficiency upgrades, electrification of core processes, and digital monitoring solutions to track real-time sustainability progress. The effort mirrors similar work Schneider Electric has done at the Paris 2024 Olympics and marathons in Boston and Paris.
Berlin’s Fastest Course Gets a Green Upgrade
Known as the world’s fastest marathon course, Berlin has produced 13 of the last 14 men’s marathon world records. The pancake-flat route winds past the Reichstag, Charlottenburg Palace, Kurfürstendamm, Potsdamer Platz, and Checkpoint Charlie before finishing in front of the Brandenburg Gate. In 2025, the event saw approximately 80,000 participants including 55,000 marathon runners and 10,500 GENERALI 5K runners, supported by 6,000 volunteers.
The race is organized by SCC EVENTS, a subsidiary of Berliner Sport-Club Charlottenburg, and is a fixture on the World Marathon Majors calendar.
Apparel and Running Gear for Berlin Marathon 2026
Whether you’re chasing a personal best on Berlin’s flat tarmac or cheering from the sidelines, the right apparel makes all the difference. Runners training for the September heat will want lightweight, moisture-wicking running singlets and technical tees, while marathon-day conditions in late September call for breathable long-sleeve layers. Custom-printed event shirts and commemorative marathon finisher gear remain a beloved tradition among Berlin participants.
Even if you’re not running, showing your support with a custom Berlin Marathon-themed t-shirt is the perfect way to celebrate race day. From motivational slogans to city-skyline designs, custom apparel lets fans and runners alike wear their Berlin spirit proudly.
Looking Ahead: ISO 20121 Certification
Beyond the immediate changes, Schneider Electric is helping SCC EVENTS pursue ISO 20121 certification — the international standard for sustainable event management. This includes strengthening the organization’s climate strategy through 2040 and ensuring transparent, data-backed reporting on environmental progress year after year.
Christian Jost, Managing Director of SCC EVENTS, emphasized the partnership’s broader mission: “We want to show that an event of this dimension can inspire people worldwide while also making a contribution to a livable future.”
The BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2026 takes place on Sunday, September 27, with wheelchair athletes starting earlier and the mass field rolling off at 9:15 AM. Registration details, ballot entries, and charity packages are available through the official SCC EVENTS website.