Slovakia is a small country in Eastern Europe that is not aloof from sports and running in particular. Every year, it hosts quite a few different running competitions, among which a significant share is occupied by interesting marathon races. These are the ones we will discuss next.
- Official name: Bratislava Marathon
- Venue: Bratislava
- Date: April
- Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours
- Entry fee: from 49 $
- Website: bratislavamarathon.com
The marathon in the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, has been held annually in April since 2005. These competitions usually attract more than 4,000 participants from different European countries and beyond. The program includes not only a 42-kilometer race, but also a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race, as well as a relay and children's races. The best runners in each distance will be awarded.
Registration for participation in the “Bratislava Marathon” takes place online on the official website of the marathon. The marathon route consists of two laps that pass through the central part of the city, including the Old Town, New Town, Ružinov, Petržalka on both banks of the Danube, and crosses the river on the oldest bridge in Bratislava, which is 460 meters long (Starý Most). The road surface is asphalt with small sections of cobblestone.
- Official name: Marathon Banska Bystrica
- Venue: Banska Bystrica
- Date: June
- Distances: 42, 21 and 10 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Entry fee: from 33 $
- Website: marathonbb.com
“Marathon Banska Bystrica” - is a road race that takes place in the Slovak city of 75 thousand people in the narrow mountain valley of Hron called Banska Bystrica. The first edition of the competition took place in 2012 and initially it was held in the fall in September, but starting from the 6th race, the marathon is held in June. The program of the sporting event includes not only a 42-kilometer race, but also a 10-kilometer run and a half marathon.
The route of the main race consists of six laps, which run mainly on a flat and fast track that starts and ends near the "Europa SC" shopping center. Each lap has a climb of approximately 16 meters. Registration for all those wishing to take part in the competition takes place online on the marathon website.
- Official name: Kysucky Marathon
- Venue: Čadca
- Date: June
- Distances: 42 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours
- Entry fee: from 30 $
- Website: kysuckymaraton.sk
“Kysucky Marathon” - is the second oldest marathon race in Slovakia, the first edition of which took place back in 1953. Since then, the competition has gained great popularity among local athletes and European guests. They are held in June. The program includes not only a marathon (running for 42.2 kilometers), but also a half marathon.
Marathon route is a highway that runs through the hills of the Kisuce region in the far north of the country. The start and finish are located in the town of Čadca near the Czech-Polish border, along the two rivers Kisucy and Bystrica. The return point of the marathon is located at the Slovak Eagle (an astronomical clock), one of the most modern and beautiful buildings in the village of Stara Bystrica.
- Official name: Zahoracky Marathon
- Venue: Senitsa
- Date: June
- Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours
- Entry fee: from 30 $
- Website: zahorackymaraton.senica.sk
“Zahoracky Marathon” - is a running competition held every June in the Slovak city of Senica. The program of the sporting event includes not only a 42.2 kilometer race, but also a half marathon, the route of which is laid in the Zagorje region. It borders Austria and the Czech Republic in the west of the country. It is a low-lying, arid region dominated by agriculture, with a lot of forests and small towns. It is separated from other regions by mountain ranges - the Small Carpathians in the east and the White Carpathians in the north.
The marathon route runs along secondary roads across the Zagorskaya Plain. The start of the marathon is located near the gym in Senica, an old town with a population of over 20 thousand people. The return point of the marathon is the town of Šaštín Straž, where one of the most important basilicas in Slovakia, the Basilica of St. Mary of Sedembolestnej, is located.
- Official name: Rajecky Marathon
- Venue: Rajec
- Date: August
- Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours
- Entry fee: from 43 $
- Website: rajeckymaraton.sk
“Rajecky Marathon” - is one of the oldest marathons in Slovakia, which takes place in August in the town of Rajec (Žilina region). The first edition of this competition took place in 1983. The program of the sporting event includes not only a marathon race of 42 kilometers, but also a half marathon. The marathon route first runs along a well-paved road through the town of Rajec, which is located in the picturesque valley of the Rajčanka River, and then follows forest paths to the Stražovski Vrci Mountains. The elevation gain is 200 meters on the main course. The return point of the route is the village of Čičmani, which is known for its beautiful old architecture.
- Official name: Kosice Marathon
- Venue: Kosice
- Date: October
- Distances: 42 and 21 kilometers
- Route limit: 5 hours
- Entry fee: from 49 $
- Website: kosicemarathon.com
Marathon in the Slovak city of Kosice - is an annual road marathon that is considered the oldest in Europe and the third oldest in the world. The first edition of the competition took place in 1924. Usually, these competitions are held on the first Sunday of October. The marathon route is mostly flat and consists of two loops in the city center.
The marathon is also certified by the "AIMS” and a silver award "World Athletics”. The event includes not only a 42-kilometer race but also a half marathon.