09/05/2025 BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

Strong Fields of Skaters, Handbikers, and Wheelchair Competitors at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

For the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON from September 20 to 21, organizer SCC EVENTS expects well over 50,000 athletes from more than 160 nations. Among the runners, the national and international elite of the world’s best will gather in Germany’s capital. In the men’s race, the starting field includes Sebastian Sawe, Milkesa Mengesha, and Gabriel Geay. With national record holder Kengo Suzuki and Olympic sixth-place finisher Akira Akasaki, Japan’s top runners will be in Berlin, even though the Athletics World Championships will be held in Tokyo just shortly before.

Rosemary Wanjiru, Degitu Azimeraw, and Mestawut Fikir are among the favorites in the women’s race (see press release from July 29, 2025, for details). Deborah Schöneborn, Domenika Mayer, Fabienne Königstein, as well as Sebastian Hendel, Johannes Motschmann, Hendrik Pfeiffer, and Haftom Welday represent the national elite. But the fields of skaters, wheelchair racers, and handcyclists are also truly impressive.

Bart Swings photographed head-on, racing on the track.

^{© SCC EVENTS / Petko Beier}

Elite Skaters in Berlin

Despite the World Championships in China taking place at the same time, many top skaters have chosen Berlin. Among the men, the big question is: Can serial winner Bart Swings claim his tenth Berlin victory? The Belgian is again considered the favorite, but strong challengers abound: his compatriot Jason Suttels is waiting for his chance, as are Felix Rijhnen (Darmstadt), Nolan Beddiaf (FRA), and Julio Mirena Ortiz (Paraguay).

In the women’s race, 2024 champion Noraly Berber Vonk from the Netherlands is once again aiming for the title. She will face Aura Cristina Quintana Herrera (COL, 3rd place 2024), Keily Delgado (COL), and Martina Pita (ECU). From a German perspective, all eyes will be on Josie Hofmann, who could spring a surprise.

Noraly Berber Vonk and Bart Swings stand in front of the goal and smile at the camera.

^{© SCC EVENTS / Marvin Ibo Güngor}

Wheelchair Competitors and Handbikers

For Swiss superstar Marcel Hug, Berlin is like a home course. The wheelchair racing professional from Pfyn in Thurgau (Switzerland) has dominated the Abbott World Marathon Majors series for years and is one of the top favorites. Six-time Berlin champion Manuela Schär is the prime candidate in the women’s field. One of her toughest rivals will be American Tatyana McFadden, one of the pioneers of this sport.

Among the handcyclists, two Berlin legends stand out in the men’s race: 67-year-old Swiss Heinz Frei was one of the world’s best wheelchair racers for many years. Between 1985 and 2013, he won twenty times in the wheelchair category in Berlin. In 2021, he switched to handcycling. Berlin-born Vico Merklein (48) has regularly placed among the top finishers since 2006, winning seven times. Also noteworthy is Joseph Fritsch from France, who has a personal best of 1:00:05. At 27, he is the youngest in the field. Among the women, 2024 champion Francesca Porcellato from Italy will face tough competition from 2022 winner Katrin Möller and last year’s runner-up Julia Dierkesmann.

The 2023 handbike winners on the podium in their bikes. Julia Dierkesman with a laurel wreath on her head.

^{© SCC EVENTS / Jean-Marc Wiesner}

Invitation to the Press Conferences

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Press Conference Elite Presentation Part 1
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Participants: Elite women runners, elite skaters, Jürgen Lock (CEO SCC EVENTS), Mark Milde (Race Director)
Topics: Presentation of elite women runners and skaters, opening of the EXPO, outlook on the event weekend, general information
Venue: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Friday, September 19, 2025

Press Conference Elite Presentation Part 2
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Participants: Elite male runners, elite wheelchair athletes, Jürgen Lock (CEO SCC EVENTS), Mark Milde (Race Director)
Topics: Presentation of elite male runners, wheelchair racers, and handcyclists, EXPO, outlook on the event weekend, general information, race weather
Venue: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Press Conference Inline Skating Results
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Participants: Inline Skating Winners
Venue: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Press Conference Running Results
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Participants: Winners in wheelchair racing, handcycling, and running
Venue: Hotel Berlin, Berlin

Media Guide, Accreditation, and Event Magazine

A comprehensive Media Guide for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON 2025 can be read here. Accreditation applications for the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON must be submitted exclusively via the online form by September 9, 2025. The Event Magazine is now available online.