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[ Wire ] · Dispatch · Nov 10

Berlin Marathon Gear Check Rules: Bag Drop vs Poncho Choice

If you plan to run the Berlin Marathon, you must resolve your race-day baggage logistics during registration. Unlike races where baggage service is automatically granted or included by default, Berlin requires entrants to make an upfront choice between checked baggage and a post-race poncho.

Here is how the clothing drop-off and poncho options differ, how the transparent bag works, and what rules govern race morning.

How does the poncho versus clothing bag choice work?

When registering for the Berlin Marathon, runners choose between two post-race options:

  • Finisher poncho: Included in the standard race entry fee. If you do not book a clothing bag, you automatically receive a poncho after crossing the finish line. A poncho symbol is printed directly on your bib number. Choosing the poncho means you may not bring luggage or a change of clothes into the event grounds on race morning.
  • Clothing bag service: Costs an additional €5 fee. You can only book the clothing bag during registration; it is not possible to add the service later.

Runners who choose the clothing bag will pick up their gear after the race, but will not receive a finisher poncho.

What are the rules for the official clothing bag?

Runners who purchase the clothing bag service receive an official transparent clothing bag along with a sticker showing their bib number when collecting race materials at the expo. Strict packing guidelines apply on race morning:

  • Transparent bag only: Only clothing and valuables packed inside this official transparent bag are permitted onto the event grounds.
  • Loose items only: All items must be placed loosely inside the bag. You are not allowed to pack a backpack, gym bag, or handbag inside the transparent clothing bag.
  • No outside luggage: Standard luggage, suitcases, and non-transparent sports bags are strictly prohibited in the start area.

Which items are prohibited in the start and finish area?

For security reasons, organizers bar luggage and bags from the start and finish zones. The sole exception is personal hydration systems (such as vests or belts), which are permitted up to a maximum total volume of 3 liters.

Other prohibited items include glass bottles, cans, breakable containers, weapons, gas spray cans, bulky objects like folding chairs, noisemakers, bicycles, and animals.

How do start entrances, drop-off, and bag retrieval work?

On race morning, only participants wearing an official bib number and the event wristband fastened at the expo can enter the event grounds. Your gear selection also dictates your venue access point:

  • Platz der Republik: Located across from the Reichstag building, this entrance accommodates all runners, including those with clothing bags.
  • Bremer Weg: Dedicated exclusively to runners with a poncho symbol and a purple bib number (excluding starting block K). Runners carrying a clothing bag cannot use this gate.

Before heading to your corral, drop off your bag at the designated clothing tent in the start area. After crossing the finish line, reclaim your bag at the same station by presenting your bib number. Baggage pickup remains open until 5:15 p.m. Changing tents and hot showers are available in the venue, but once you leave the event grounds, re-entry is prohibited.

Can you donate warm layers before the start?

Yes. If you bring extra layers to stay warm in the pre-start area, you do not need to pack them into a gear bag. Organizers partner with the Berlin City Mission to collect discarded clothing. You can wear sweatshirts, hoodies, or warm pants in the pre-start zone and drape them over barriers or place them into designated collection bins right before entering your starting wave.

To prepare for race weekend, explore course cutoffs and lottery timelines on our Berlin Marathon page.

Sources: GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON: Run Registration, GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON: Race Day for Participants, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON Race Briefing

Sources GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON