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SPAR Budapest Marathon
11 October 2026 · Budapest, Hungary
sceniciconic
Distances
5K · 10K · 14K · 21.1K · 30K · 42K
The Budapest Marathon crosses the Danube several times, passes Buda Castle, the Parliament building, and runs across Margaret Island — nearly the entire postcard list of the Hungarian capital in one race. The course record has stood since 1984, from the very first edition of the modern era — today's winners run noticeably slower because the race has long since become a celebration for thousands rather than just an elite contest. Aid stations unexpectedly hand out lemons — a local tradition not every visiting runner loves.
Course records
Men
2:15:04
1984 · Zoltán Kiss
Women
2:37:47
2010 · Simona Staicu
Weather in October
Mid-October brings 8–18°C, but it varies wildly year to year — some editions had cold, rainy starts, others surprisingly hot, cloudless days.
Starter pack 2025
- Technical t-shirt
- Finisher medal with a unique design every year
- Bag with sponsor samples
The entry fee includes race-day medical insurance; at the finish there's sparkling cherry-flavored water — an unusual choice for non-Hungarian runners.
Pacers & bib pickup
No pacers announced for this race.
Bib pickup
Race center, ELTE Lágymányos campus
day before the race only
The exact pickup schedule depends on your chosen distance — organizers recommend arriving at least two hours before your start.
Course map
Route not added yet
What’s nearby
Walking
Kopaszi-gát — A Danube-peninsula park right by the venue.
Rákóczi and Petőfi bridges — A few minutes' walk, part of the course.
30 minutes
Buda Castle — A UNESCO site, right on the marathon route.
Margaret Island — A car-free island park, also part of the course.
2 hours
Lake Balaton — Central Europe's largest lake, with resort towns on its shore.
Dinner before the race
Carb-loading recommendation coming later.
After the finish
Sparkling cherry-flavored water and a small snack at the finish; afterward, many head to the Széchenyi thermal baths.
Reviews
Janae (The Hungry Runner Girl)2023
The atmosphere was unreal — music, languages from all over the world, the feeling of a big party. A live orchestra by the Opera House on the course was a real highlight.
Emily (Lattes and Runways)2017
The race was incredibly well organized from registration to results, and volunteers kept us well fueled on course. The only downside was a lack of spectators, and it was a hot day.
Registration open
42.195