Bucharest Marathon

BucharestRomania

Next race

Sunday, 11 October 2026

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 100 m gain

100 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Bucharest Marathon attracts about 9,000 finishers each October through Romania's capital. The course passes the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, and Herăstrău Park on wide Bucharest boulevards. October mild weather and a flat profile make it the largest marathon in Romania.

Bucharest Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 9,000 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
11–16°C · humidity 65–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:10:51 — Hosea Kipkemboi (2019)Women: 2:32:20 — Marina Kovaleva (2011)

Course & terrain

Bucharest Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Bucharest Marathon is a flat loop starting and finishing in Constitution Square by the Palace of Parliament, running along the capital's wide boulevards past Revolution Square, the Arch of Triumph, and Herăstrău Park. Spectators gather in Constitution Square and along the major central avenues.

Bucharest Marathon route map

Registration

Bucharest Marathon entry requirements

For the Bucharest Marathon, the race is held on the second Sunday of October. Registration is at https://bucharest-marathon.com/en/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bucharest Marathon elevation profile?: The Bucharest Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
Where can I find the Bucharest Marathon route map?: This page includes a Bucharest Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Revolution Square, the Arch of Triumph, and Herăstrău Park.
How long is the Bucharest Marathon?: The Bucharest Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes in Constitution Square (Piața Constituției) near the Palace of Parliament.
What time does the Bucharest Marathon start?: The 2026 Bucharest Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Bucharest Marathon pass the Palace of Parliament?: Yes. The start and finish are near the Palace of Parliament, one of the world's largest administrative buildings.
When is the Bucharest Marathon?: The race is held on the second Sunday of October.
Is the Bucharest Marathon flat?: Yes. Bucharest sits on the flat Wallachian plain with only minor undulations.
What landmarks does the Bucharest course include?: Runners pass the Palace of Parliament, Revolution Square, the Arch of Triumph, and Herăstrău Park.
What is Bucharest weather in October?: October mornings are mild, typically 10–16 °C (50–61 °F), with pleasant autumn running conditions.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Bucharest.

SofiaBulgaria· 296 km away

Sofia Marathon

The WIZZ AIR Sofia Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each October on a flat two-lap urban road through central Sofia, Bulgaria. The course starts and finishes at the National Art Gallery and passes landmark squares and boulevards beneath the Vitosha skyline.

Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026

Cluj-NapocaRomania· 325 km away

Cluj-Napoca Marathon

The Cluj-Napoca Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on an urban road in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It is one of Romania's best-known full marathons outside Bucharest. The course passes Somes River roads, city-center boulevards, and Transylvanian urban hills. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

IstanbulTurkey· 445 km away

Istanbul Marathon

The Istanbul Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 11k finishers on an urban road in Istanbul, Turkey. The course starts on the Asian side and finishes in Sultanahmet on the European side — the only intercontinental marathon. The route crosses the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) around kilometre 15. Mostly flat on both continents with a climb on the bridge.

Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026

BelgradeSerbia· 448 km away

Belgrade Marathon

The Belgrade Marathon draws about 7,000 finishers each April through Serbia's capital at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. The course passes Kalemegdan Fortress, Republic Square, and the river embankments. April spring weather and enthusiastic Belgrade crowds make it the largest marathon in the Balkans.

Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027

SkopjeNorth Macedonia· 466 km away

Skopje Marathon

The Skopje Marathon draws approximately 2,500 finishers each October on an urban road in Skopje, North Macedonia. It is one of the Balkans' major international marathon weekends. The course passes the Vardar River, large city squares, and broad roads on the Macedonian plain. The course is very flat throughout.

Next race: Sunday, 3 October 2027

ThessalonikiGreece· 495 km away

Alexander the Great Marathon

The Alexander the Great Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers each April on a point-to-point road in Thessaloniki, Greece. The finish on Thessaloniki's waterfront is the marathon's signature moment. The route passes Macedonian plain roads and ends beside the Thermaic Gulf promenade. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.

Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027

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