Cracovia Marathon
Next race
Sunday, 18 April 2027
9:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Historic urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
Overview
The Cracovia Marathon draws approximately 5,000 finishers each April on a historic urban road in Krakow, Poland. It is Poland's biggest marathon outside Warsaw and one of central Europe's most historic city races. The route passes the Vistula, Wawel Castle approaches, and old-city boulevards. Gentle undulations are the only breaks on an otherwise flat profile.
Cracovia Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
- Typical participants
Approximately 5,000 finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:09:18 — Cyprian Kotut (2019)Women: 2:28:03 — Viktoriya Khapilina (2019)
Course & terrain
Cracovia Marathon course
Starts and finishes in central Krakow. The route passes the Vistula, Wawel Castle approaches, and old-city boulevards. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
The Cracovia Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 219 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 95 m · net +5 m
Registration
Cracovia Marathon entry requirements
The Cracovia Marathon uses open online registration at cracoviamaraton.pl with no ballot or qualifying time for the general field. Sign-up for the April race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.
Getting there
Cracovia Marathon travel
- Closest airport
Balice (KRK)
Kraków John Paul II International Airport
11 km / 7 mi
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Cracovia Marathon elevation profile?
- The Cracovia 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.
- How long is the Cracovia Marathon?
- The Cracovia Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Historic course starting and finishing in central Krakow.
- What time does the Cracovia Marathon start?
- The 2027 Cracovia Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 18 April 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Cracovia Marathon start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in central Krakow. Updated each year.
- When is the Cracovia Marathon and how do I register?
- Cracovia Marathon is typically held in April. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Cracovia Marathon course flat?
- Yes. Cracovia Marathon is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Cracovia Marathon pass?
- The route passes the Vistula, Wawel Castle approaches, and old-city boulevards.
- What weather should runners expect at Cracovia Marathon?
- Usually cool with mild spring air and possible breeze along the river.
Official resources
Cracovia Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Krakow.
Bratislava Marathon
The Bratislava Marathon attracts about 4,500 finishers each April through Slovakia's capital on the Danube. The course passes Bratislava Castle, the Old Town, and the UFO Bridge (Most SNP) with views of the Danube and Austrian border. April race day on the flat Danube plain is Slovakia's premier marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 4 April 2027
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.

Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.

How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.






