Sustainability at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON

For us at SCC EVENTS, it is important to make our running events sustainable.

Therefore we have identified three dimensions of sustainability which we want to continuously improve:

Social justice
Environmental protection
Economic development

Scroll down to find out more about our work in these areas.

A detailed analysis of the sustainability of the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON can be found at the bottom of the page in our sustainability report for 2024.

Motivation for the next generation

Our Bambini runs inspire over 3,000 children every year. Over 10,000 schoolchildren take part in the mini-MARATHON.

For the most ambitious young runners, the finale of the R5K Tour is the perfect way to end the year.

Our offers encourage a love of physical activity and exercising together from an early age.

Living diversity

Equality and inclusion are core values of SCC EVENTS and the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

Together with the German Disabled Sports Association and the National Paralympic Committee, we host the German Para Athletics Championships.

We also cooperate with Special Olympics and the Fürst Donnersmarck Foundation so that athletes with intellectual or multiple disabilities can compete in the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON.

BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: Berlin City Mission employee sorts jackets in the warehouse © SCC EVENTS

Help where it is needed

Together with Berliner Stadtmission (Berlin City Mission), we collect gently used running clothing and shoes to give to people in need.

Green mobility

The arrival and departure of athletes and spectators is by far the largest source of CO₂ emissions at the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON. That is why we offer a free public transport ticket, a discounted ticket from Deutsche Bahn, and sufficient bicycle parking spaces for sustainable travel.

BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: Thermal foils are pressed into bales © SCC EVENTS

Thermal blankets

Used thermal blankets are pressed into bales directly in the finish area, returned to the manufacturer, and recycled into new blankets.

Unused blankets are simply used in subsequent years.

Refreshment

Runners can refill their own hydration systems at each refreshment point, thus reducing cup consumption.

At the same time, we only use cups made from recycled material, which are collected and recycled after the event.

We move Berlin - and not just in sport!

More than 70,000 participants from all over the world not only achieve outstanding athletic performances in Berlin, but also generate enormous economic impact. This is underlined by the study on the economic value of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON published in 2025.

As organizers, we employ more than 90 permanent staff.

We award a large number of contracts to local producers and service providers, for example for providing our runners with regionally grown apples.

Certifications for sustainable event management

Since 2024, the planning of the BMW BERLIN MARATHON has been certified according to ISO 20121. This certification covers environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. We are currently working on having our entire company certified, including all events and our offices.

Since 2024, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON has also met the requirements of the World Athletics sustainability standard.