Berlin Marathon Cancellation: Refunds, Deferrals, and Transfers

Securing a bib for the Berlin Marathon requires winning a competitive lottery, running a qualifying standard, or securing a charity or tour place. If an injury, illness, or personal conflict prevents you from competing, understanding the race's withdrawal policies can save both time and money.

Organized by SCC EVENTS, the Berlin Marathon operates under strict terms regarding entry cancellations, transfers, and deferrals. Here is what happens if you cannot run, whether entry fees can be recovered, and how the few official exceptions operate.

Can you get a refund if you withdraw from the Berlin Marathon?

No. Under the organizer's General Terms and Conditions of Participation, entry fees are non-refundable. If you submit a formal cancellation notice or simply fail to appear on race weekend (a no-show), SCC EVENTS considers this a final waiver of your right to start. The organizer will not refund or reimburse the participation fee, which is €215 for the 2027 race, unless an entrant has a statutory legal right of withdrawal.

To protect your payment against unexpected illness or medical issues, the organizer recommends purchasing GENERALI race cancellation insurance when you register. Insurance must be added during initial checkout and operates under the insurance provider's specific terms and covered reasons.

Can you transfer your entry or bib to another runner?

No. Starting spots are assigned strictly to specific individuals. You cannot transfer, exchange, or sell your registration or bib number to someone else.

Under event rules, transferring an allocated race number is an explicit violation. Engaging in an unauthorized bib transfer can result in immediate disqualification and a ban on entering future SCC EVENTS competitions. Because race numbers must be picked up in person at the MARATHON EXPO using an official start card and a government-issued photo ID, you cannot send another person to collect your packet.

Can you defer your starting spot to next year?

In standard circumstances, ordinary deferrals are not allowed. Starting spots may not be carried over to another year.

However, the organizer operates a limited goodwill program for certain registered participants who cannot start. Runners who take advantage of this goodwill offer receive a guaranteed registration voucher code by email for the subsequent edition. For example, runners holding a goodwill voucher from the previous race have until 11:59 p.m. CET on November 12, 2026, to redeem their guaranteed registration for 2027. This code guarantees access to an open spot, but entrants must still pay the standard entry fee.

How does the pregnancy deferral exception work?

The Berlin Marathon provides a clear policy exception for pregnant athletes. If you become pregnant after registering, you have the option to postpone your start date for up to three years.

To qualify for this deferral, runners must provide medical proof of pregnancy in the form of a doctor's note and contact customer support through the official event contact form.

Can you switch disciplines within the event weekend?

If you booked directly through SCC EVENTS and wish to switch disciplines within the same event weekend, the organizers will accommodate the request if capacity allows. Runners must pay any fee difference for a more expensive category, or receive a refund if switching to a cheaper category, plus a €5 rebooking fee. If you obtained your spot through a third-party tour operator or charity, you must contact that partner directly.

For updated race schedules and entry guidance, explore our Berlin Marathon page.

Sources: GENERALI BERLIN-MARATHON Run Registration, SCC EVENTS General Terms and Conditions for Participation