Марафони європейських столиць

Let's continue to get acquainted with the races held in European capitals. Since in previous publications we have made overview of European half marathons, today we will learn more about distance races 42 kilometers or marathons. Among such competitions, there are very popular ones in sports circles, in which every athlete dreams of participating. Personally, I got acquainted with European marathons in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, in 2019, when he took part in a local marathon.

And then you will find the promised selection of marathons in European capitals

Amsterdam Marathon

An annual 42-kilometer race that takes place in September in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Marathon has a rather long history, as it has already had more than 40 successful editions (the first one took place in 1975). Marathon in Amsterdam has a golden award - a certificate "Road Races Gold Label". The sporting event also includes races of 21 and 8 kilometers. Every year, more than 15 thousand athletes from different parts of Europe and the world take part in this marathon. The Amsterdam Marathon is considered the fourth fastest in the world.

Athens Classic Marathon

Official name: Athens Classic Marathon
Venue: Athens (Greece)
Date: November
Distances: 42, 10 and 5 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Gold Label
Entry fee: from 107 $
Website: athensauthenticmarathon.gr

Marathon in Athens - is another competition that is quite old and has an interesting history. After all, the first edition of the marathon in the Greek capital took place in 1972. Since then, the marathon has been held annually in late October and early November, with about 5,000 athletes taking part. Marathon route runs from the town of Marathon to Athens. The time limit to cover the distance is 8 hours. The event also includes races of 10 and 5 kilometers. The competitions are awarded with a golden label or "Road Races Gold Label" certificate.

Bratislava Marathon

Marathon in Bratislava - is an annual running competition held in April in the Slovak capital. The sporting event also includes 21- and 10-kilometer races. "Bratislava Marathon" is AIMS certified and has repeatedly been a stage of the qualification for the World Cup.

Berlin Marathon

Berlin Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. First of all, it is the oldest member of AIMS and since 2005 it has been a member of the World Marathon Majors league. Secondly, the marathon in the German capital has the World Athletics Elite Platinum Label Race, it is a member of the “German Road Races”. Every year, more than 50 thousand athletes from all over the world take part in it, and 7 world records have been set. The Berlin Marathon always takes place on the last Saturday and Sunday of September. To apply for participation in the race, you need to register on the official website of the marathon. Since there are always more applicants than the marathon organizers can handle, the participants are selected through a lottery. That is, among all the athletes registered on the site, the system randomly selects those who will actually take part in the marathon. The marathon route starts and ends in Tiergarten Park. It passes by the sights of Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, Victory Column, Memorial to the Fallen Soldiers, etc.

Belgrade Marathon

“Belgrade Marathon” - is an annual 42-kilometer race held in April in Belgrade since 1988. The race course is AIMS certified. It consists of one lap that runs through the streets of the city, crosses the Sava River, a right tributary of the Danube, over the Branko Bridge and the Ada Bridge, which is the highest bridge in Belgrade. The sporting event also includes 21 and 5 kilometer races.

Bucharest Marathon

Official name: Bucharest Marathon
Venue: Bucharest (Romania)
Date: October
Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 48 $
Website: bucharest-marathon.com

“Bucharest Marathon” - is an annual 42-kilometer race held in early October in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The first edition of the competition took place in 2008. The marathon course has the Road Races Bronze Label and is certified by the "AIMS" and "IAAF". The event also includes a 10-kilometer race and a half marathon.

Budapest Marathon

Official name: Bucharest Marathon
Venue: Budapest (Hungary)
Date: October
Distances: 42, 30, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: AIMS
Entry fee: from 69 $
Website: marathon.runinbudapest.com

“Budapest Marathon” - is an annual running festival that traditionally takes place in the Hungarian capital in mid-autumn in October. In addition to the actual marathon racethe organizers invite athletes to take part in competitions at distances of 30, 21, and 10 kilometers, and there are also children's races. The Budapest Marathon has a long history: the first edition of the competition took place in 1961. Today it brings together more than 31 thousand athletes from all over the world every year. The marathon route runs through the streets of the old city, past the most striking architectural and historical monuments. The route is certified by AIMS.

Brussels Airport Marathon

Official name: Brussels Airport Marathon
Venue: Brussels (Belgium)
Date: October
Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
Certificate: AIMS
Entry fee: from 75 $
Website: brusselsairportmarathon.be

“Brussels Airport Marathon” - is an annual marathon held in October in the Belgian capital. It usually brings together 5 to 10 thousand participants from around the world. The first edition took place in 2002. The sporting event also includes a half marathon in parallel. The marathon route is AIMS-certified and runs through picturesque places: across the Heisel Plateau to the city center and back past the Royal Palace.

Marathon Warszawski

Official name: Marathon Warszawski
Venue: Warsaw (Poland)
Date: September
Distances: 42 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 31 $
Website: pzumaratonwarszawski.com

"Warsaw Marathon" - is one of the oldest marathons in Eastern Europe, the first edition of which took place back in 1979. Since then, the competition has been gaining popularity year after year and attracting more and more athletes from all over the world. The Warsaw Marathon takes place in the fall in September. It has a bronze award certificate "Road Races Bronze Label".

Warsaw Marathon

Official name: Warsaw Marathon
Venue: Warsaw (Poland)
Date: April
Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Silver Label
Entry fee: from 22 $
Website: orlenmarathon.pl

“Warsaw Marathon” - another marathon in Warsaw, which takes place in spring in April. Unlike the previous Warsaw marathonit is quite young. The first edition of the competition took place in 2013. However, every year there are more and more people willing to take part in it. By its fourth edition, the marathon received the Road Races Silver Label and hosted more than 8,000 athletes from around the world. In addition to the 42-kilometer race, the sporting event also includes a 10-kilometer race.

Alpin Marathon

Alpine marathon or “Alpin Marathon” - is an annual mountain marathon that has been held in the Principality of Liechtenstein in June since 2000. The route of the marathon passes through almost the entire small country. The sporting event also includes a half marathon is held.

Malta Marathon

“Malta Marathon” - is an annual marathon race that takes place in a small, picturesque island nation in March and brings together more than 5,000 participants from around the world. The competition itself has a rather long history. The first edition took place in 1990. The sporting event also includes a half marathon. The marathon route is certified by AIMS and passes through several beautiful cities and towns of the island. But it starts in the city of Medina near its fortress gates. The competition is of great importance for Malta and is the event of the year for the locals.

Vienna City Marathon

“Vienna City Marathon” - is a 42-kilometer race that has been held annually in April in the Austrian capital, Vienna, since 1984. The sporting event has been awarded the golden label "Road Races Gold Label". Every year "Vienna Marathon" brings together 27 thousand athletes at all distances. The sporting event also includes races of 21 (half marathon) and 10 kilometers. The marathon route passes through the city, passing many attractions. The start is located near the Vienna International Center, which, by the way, houses a UN branch. The course is completely flat, with hydration stations every 2.5 kilometers.

Vilniaus Maratonas

“Vilniaus Maratonas” - is an annual 42-kilometer running competition held in April in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The first edition of the marathon took place in 1990, and since then the event has attracted more and more participants. Today, it includes races not only on the marathon distance, the event includes a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race. The marathon course is certified by AIMS. The start and finish are located at the same point - on the city's Cathedral Square.

Helsinki City Marathon

“Helsinki City Marathon” - is the largest mass running competition in Finland. It takes place every year in May and brings together more than 10 thousand athletes from all over the world. The first edition took place back in 1980. This sporting event includes not only a 42-kilometer race, but also a half marathon. It is possible to take part in two races at once, that is, in a double race, covering 63 kilometers in one day! The marathon route consists of two laps through the streets of Helsinki (the capital of Finland), around the Gulf of Seurasaarenselkä. The track has an AIMS certificate.

Dublin Marathon

“Dublin Marathon” - is a marathon held annually in the Irish capital Dublin in October. Each time it brings together more than 19 thousand participants from around the world. The first edition took place in 1980. The marathon route has an AIMS certificate, it the course runs through the streets of the city, passing its main attractions. The start and finish are at the same point - Merrion Square.

Belfast Marathon

“Belfast Marathon” - is an annual marathon that takes place in early May on the streets of Belfast, the main city in Northern Ireland. The first edition of this sporting event took place back in 1982. Since then, every year the competition has attracted more and more athletes from around the world. In recent years, more than 2000 athletes have consistently participated in the marathon every year. The marathon course is certified by "AIMS".

Edinburgh Marathon

Official name: Edinburgh Marathon
Venue: Edinburgh (Scotland)
Date: May
Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 16 $
Website: edinburghmarathon.com

“Edinburgh Marathon” - is an annual marathon in Edinburgh (Scotland) that has been held here in May since 2003. The competition has the Road Races Bronze Label. In addition to the marathon, the sporting event also includes 21 and 10 kilometer races. The Edinburgh Marathon is the second largest marathon in the UK. The marathon starts on Regent's Road, and then the route goes through Holyrood Park and past the Castle of the Scottish Kings.

Zagreb Marathon

“Zagreb Marathon” - is an annual marathon in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, located between the Adriatic coast and Central Europe. The marathon has been held in October since 1991. The route of the marathon runs through the city center, mainly along the longest street in Ilice, which stretches from east to west. The start and finish are located in the center of Ban Elacic Square. The time limit for completing the marathon course is 5 hours. The sporting event also includes a half marathon.

Marathon de Paris

Official name: Marathon de Paris
Venue: Paris (France)
Date: April
Distances: 42 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Gold Label
Entry fee: from 96 $
Website: schneiderelectricparismarathon.com

“Marathon de Paris” - is an annual 42-kilometer race that takes place in the French capital in April. The marathon is one of the oldest in Europe, as its first edition took place back in the 19th century - in 1896 in honor of the first Olympic Games. Paris marathon has a gold status "Road Races Gold Label". These are very prestigious competitions that the vast majority of track and field athletes dream of taking part in. Each year, these competitions bring together more than 30 thousand participants from around the world.

Podgorica Marathon

“Podgorica Marathon” - is an annual 42.195-kilometer road race that takes place in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica in October. The first edition of the competition took place in 1994 thanks to a group of enthusiasts. Since then, it has become increasingly popular. Today, the marathon hosts about 3,000 participants from all over Europe and the world every year. The marathon route is certified by AIMS. It runs from the central part of the city to its south, to the Golubovtsy district. The sporting event also includes races of 21 (half marathon) and 10 kilometers.

Prague Marathon

“Prague Marathon” - is an annual marathon that has been held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, in May since 1995. The route of the marathon is certified by the IAAF and has the Road Races Gold Label. It passes through the most picturesque parts of the city, including the Charles Bridge, crossing the Vltava River.

London Marathon

Official name: London Marathon
Venue: London (England)
Date: April
Distances: 42 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Gold Label
Entry fee: lottery
Website: virginmoneylondonmarathon.com

“London Marathon” – is a 42-kilometer race held annually in London in the spring of April. The first edition of the competition took place in 1981. The London Marathon is one of the most prestigious and massive running competitions in the world (the number of participants is more than 40 thousand people). It is the organizer and the oldest member of AIMS, and has the gold award "Road Races Gold Label”. In 2005, he left AIMS and organized a new league consisting of 6 marathons called World Marathon Majors.

Lisbon Marathon

“Lisbon Marathon” - is an annual marathon race that takes place in the Portuguese capital Lisbon in early October. The marathon route is AIMS-certified and runs along the Atlantic coast, past the picturesque Oeiras gardens, and then returns along the banks of the Tagus to the heart of Lisbon's old town. The sporting event also includes a 21-kilometer race (half marathon).

Lisbon Eco Marathon

“Lisbon Eco Marathon” - is another marathon held annually in the capital of Portugal. Its main feature is that the marathon takes place within the city. The main message that the organizers want to convey is ecology, competition and social solidarity. The marathon route is certified by AIMS and runs through the city center and its lungs - Monsanto Park (Parque Florestal de Monsanto). The event also includes additional races of 21 (half marathon) and 12 kilometers.

Ljubljana Marathon

“Ljubljana Marathon” - is an annual marathon held in October in the capital of Slovenia under the auspices of the local municipality. The first edition of the sporting event took place in 1996. The marathon route is certified by AIMS and is circular. It starts near the National Theater and finishes near the Congress building. In addition to the 42-kilometer race, the competition includes additional races of 21 and 10 kilometers.

Night Marathon Luxembourg

Official name: Night Marathon Luxembourg
Venue: Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
Date: October
Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
Certificate: AIMS
Entry fee: from 36 $
Website: ing-night-marathon.lu

“Night Marathon Luxembourg” - is an annual 42-kilometer race held in the small European country of the Duchy of Luxembourg. The first edition of the competition took place in 2006. The maximum number of participants is 10 thousand people. The marathon route is certified by AIMS and runs through the streets of the old town. The start is near the Luxembourg Expo and the finish is near the presidential palace. The sporting event also includes a half marathon. The peculiarity of the race is that it starts in the evening at 19.00. So the marathon takes place in the dark.

Oslo Marathon

“Oslo Marathon” - is an annual marathon that has been held in the Norwegian capital every third Sunday in September since 1981. The sporting event also includes 21 (half marathon) and 10 kilometers races. The marathon route is AIMS-certified and runs in two laps through parks, quiet residential areas, an industrial zone, and then leads to the city center.

Nuuk Marathon

“Nuuk Marathon” - is an annual marathon race that takes place in August in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. The first edition took place in 1990 and since then has consistently gathered about 350 athletes each time. The marathon route is certified by AIMS. It consists of two laps and passes through through Old Nuuk, past the old buildings of the colonial harbor, the suburbs of Nuusuak, past Nuuk Airport and the new Kinngorput district, as well as several difficult slopes and mountains, and then back into the city. The sporting event also includes 21 and 10 kilometer races.

Madrid Marathon

“Madrid Marathon” - is an annual marathon race that takes place in the Spanish capital in April. The competition was first held in 1978 and since then it has been certified as a Gold Label Road Race. This is one of the most anticipated sporting events in Spain, with more than 15 thousand athletes from around the world taking part every year. The route passes by such picturesque places as the Royal Palace, Puerto del Sol Square, Plaza Cibeles and the Alcalá Gate. The Madrid Marathon also includes a 21-kilometer (half marathon) and 10-kilometer race.

Barcelona Marathon

“Barcelona Marathon” - is another very popular and prestigious marathon that takes place in Spain in March. But this time, not in the country's capital, but in Barcelona. It is also called the Catalan one. The first edition of the race took place back in 1978. The race route has a Road Races Silver Label certificate and runs through the central streets of the city, past the most prominent historical and architectural monuments.

Kyiv City Marathon

Official name: Kyiv City Marathon
Venue: Kyiv (Ukraine)
Date: October
Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 37 $
Website: kyivmarathon.org

“Kyiv City Marathon” - is a 42-kilometer running competition held annually in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, in October. The first race took place in 2010. Back then, 546 participants from 13 countries took part in it. Then every year the number of people willing to run the marathon in Kyiv only grew. Now the competition is certified by the "Road Races Bronze Label". The track is certified “AIMS” and "IAAF”. The event also includes 21- and 10-kilometer races.

Kyiv Euro Marathon

“Kyiv Euro Marathon” - is another marathon that takes place annually in Kyiv, but in the spring of May. In addition to the marathon, the sporting event also includes competitions at distances of 21 and 5 kilometers. The marathon course is certified by AIMS. It runs through the streets of the Ukrainian capital.

Copenhagen Marathon

Official name: Copenhagen Marathon
Venue: Copenhagen (Denmark)
Date: May
Distances: 42 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 99 $
Website: copenhagenmarathon.dk

“Copenhagen Marathon” - is an annual marathon that takes place in the Danish capital Copenhagen in May. The race route is certified by Road Races Bronze Label and runs completely through the city, its central streets, past the most prominent architectural and historical monuments. The first edition took place back in 1980 and since then has gathered more than 10 thousand athletes from around the world every year.

Chisinau Marathon

Official name: Chisinau Marathon
Venue: Chisinau (Moldova)
Date: May
Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 27 $
Website: marathon.md

“Chisinau Marathon” - is an annual 42-kilometer marathon race that has been held since 2005 in the Moldovan capital Chisinau in the spring. The sporting event includes competitions in several disciplines: in addition to the marathon, athletes can try their hand at 21 and 10 kilometers. The race course is certified by the Road Races Bronze Label. There are always a lot of people who want to take part in it. In particular, in recent years, it was about 10 thousand athletes.

Reykjavik Marathon

“Reykjavik Marathon” - is an annual marathon held in the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, in May. The first edition took place in 1984. The marathon route is certified by AIMS and runs through the city, past its main attractions. It starts in a residential area of the capital and then runs along the coast overlooking the ocean and the mountains surrounding Reykjavik. In addition to the marathon, the sporting event also includes running competitions at a distance of 21 and 10 kilometers.

Riga Marathon

“Riga Marathon” - annual marathon that has been held in Riga, the capital of Latvia, in May since 1991. According to the IAAF road running competition evaluation system, it has the Gold Label status. Moreover, it is the only marathon of this level in Northern Europe. Every year, more than 37 thousand participants from around the world come to the competition. In addition to the marathon race, the program includes races of 21 and 10 kilometers.

Rome Marathon

“Rome Marathon” - is an annual marathon that takes place in Rome, the capital of Italy and the oldest city in Europe, in March. Every year it brings together more than 20 thousand participants from all over the world. The competition has a golden status - the Road Races Gold Label certificate. The marathon route consists of one lap, which passes by the most famous sights such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum and others.

Tallinna Marathon

Official name: Tallinna Marathon
Venue: Tallinn (Estonia)
Date: September
Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
Certificate: Road Races Bronze Label
Entry fee: from 43 $
Website: jooks.ee

“Tallinna Marathon” - is an annual 42-kilometer race that takes place in the streets of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, in September. The competition is considered the largest and most anticipated sporting event in the Baltic States. They have the status of "Road Races Bronze Label". In addition to the 42-kilometer race, the program also includes competitions at distances of 21 (half marathon) and 10 kilometers.

Sofia Marathon

“Sofia Marathon” - is an annual marathon in the Bulgarian capital that has been held in October for over 30 years. It is certified by AIMS. The marathon route starts at the national stadium Vasyl Levsky. The route runs through the central streets of the city, past the monuments to the Emperor-Liberator, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Orlovsky Bridge, St. Sophia Cathedral, and the National Palace of Culture.

Stockholm Marathon

“Stockholm Marathon” - is an annual marathon in Stockholm (Sweden) that has been held in late May since 1979. The competition is certified by AIMS and has the status of "World Athletics Label Road Race” and every year attracts more than 16 thousand participants from around the world. The marathon route runs through 7 districts of the city, along the shores of bays, straits and fjords, crosses many different bridges, etc.

Skopje Marathon

“Skopje Marathon” - is an annual marathon held in May in the Macedonian city of Skopje. The race was first held here in 1997, but for the next 8 years the competition was not held due to financial difficulties. It was only in 2008 that they were resumed. Now the Skopje Marathon has the AIMS certificate and gathers about 9 thousand athletes every year. As part of the sporting event, a half marathon is held in parallel.

Nicosia Marathon

“Nicosia Marathon” - is an annual marathon in Cyprus that has been held in February since 2010. It is certified by AIMS. The sporting event also includes races of 21 (half marathon) and 10 kilometers. The marathon route starts at the Famagusta Gate, the main gate of the old walls of Nicosia.

Marathons in European capitals