Running News Daily

The BMW Berlin Marathon has unveiled its official finisher medal for the 2026 edition, giving thousands of runners another exciting reminder of what awaits them when they cross the finish line in the German capital on September 27.

The striking medal celebrates Berlin through a distinctive combination of gold and silver tones. On the front, the city’s iconic Victory Column takes centre stage, creating a powerful symbol of the historic marathon and the unforgettable journey runners will make through the streets of Berlin.

The reverse side continues the city-inspired theme, featuring a detailed map of Berlin with the marathon course highlighted across it. The design also carries the words “Berlin Legend” and the race date, 27 September 2026, making the medal a lasting reminder of the occasion.

But while the medal offers a glimpse of the reward waiting at the finish, organisers are also making preparations to help runners manage one of the biggest challenges of marathon racing: staying cool during the closing stages of the 42.195-kilometre journey.

For the 2026 race, dedicated Cooling Stations will be available at kilometres 30 and 38, integrated into the aid-station areas. These locations are strategically positioned to provide runners with an opportunity to cool themselves during the demanding final stretch of the marathon.

The cooling facilities will be located before the respective aid stations in the direction of running, close to the showers. They will be clearly identifiable by an official sign attached to the wash trough, making them easy for participants to spot while racing.

The wash troughs will be filled with water, allowing runners to dip their own sponges, towels, caps and other cooling items into the water before continuing their journey. Importantly, participants must bring these items themselves, as they will not be supplied or handed out at the cooling stations.

The reminder could prove particularly valuable for runners planning their race strategy. By preparing cooling equipment in advance and knowing exactly where the stations are located, participants can make the most of the facilities when fatigue begins to set in during the final 12 kilometres.

The BMW Berlin Marathon is one of the world's most prestigious marathon races and forms part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracting elite athletes and recreational runners from across the globe. For many participants, finishing in Berlin represents the culmination of months of training, sacrifice and anticipation.

Now, with the 2026 finisher medal revealed and practical race-day details being released, the excitement is building. The goal for thousands of runners will soon become very real: navigate the streets of Berlin, manage the demanding final kilometres, cross the finish line and earn the coveted “Berlin Legend” medal.

For those lining up on September 27, the countdown is officially on.

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon has unveiled its official finisher medal, giving thousands of runners another exciting reason to look forward to one of the world’s most celebrated marathons.

Designed as a tribute to the city and its legendary 26.2-mile course, the medal beautifully captures the character of Chicago while reflecting the experience runners will have as they race through the streets of the Windy City.

The front of the medal features the spectacular Chicago skyline rising behind the LaSalle Street Bridge, recreating an iconic view that participants will encounter during the race. While running along Wells Street, runners will be able to look to their left and see the very scene that has been immortalised on the medal.

The location is particularly meaningful because the LaSalle Street Bridge comes into view during the fourth of the six crossings of the Chicago River that runners make along the marathon course. It creates a special connection between the physical experience of race day and the keepsake runners will proudly carry home after completing the 26.2 miles.

Turning the medal over reveals another remarkable detail, with all 29 neighbourhoods featured along the iconic marathon route. In this way, the medal becomes more than a finishing award—it serves as a lasting celebration of the communities, landmarks and streets that define the Chicago Marathon experience.

For those who earn it, the medal will represent far more than simply completing 26.2 miles. It will carry memories of months of preparation, demanding training sessions, personal sacrifices and the emotional journey of finally reaching the finish line.

The design also gives runners a unique opportunity to carry a piece of Chicago with them long after race day. Every glance at the medal will serve as a reminder of the streets they conquered, the river crossings they navigated and the atmosphere of a city that comes alive for marathon weekend.

With anticipation building among elite athletes and thousands of runners from around the world, the unveiling of the medal marks another exciting milestone on the road to race day. Chicago is preparing once again for a spectacular celebration of distance running—and this year’s medal promises to make the achievement even more memorable.