Overview
The Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe, first run in 1924. About 9,000 finishers each October run through Slovakia's second city on a historic course that has hosted world-class runners for a century. The flat urban loop and deep marathon tradition make Košice a pilgrimage for students of the sport.
Kosice Peace Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Kosice Peace Marathon 2026 race day
The next Kosice Peace Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Kosice Peace Marathon course route
The Kosice Peace Marathon is a loop that starts and finishes on Hlavna ulica in the historic centre and passes Saint Elisabeth Cathedral, the Steel Arena, and the Hornad River parklands. Most of the basin terrain is easy to pace, but the slight drags and repeated returns into the city centre are tougher late on, and crowd support is strongest along Hlavna ulica, around the cathedral, and near the Steel Arena.
Kosice Peace Marathon elevation profile
The Kosice Peace Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.
Kosice Peace Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Medzinárodný maratón mieru / Kosice Peace Marathon - Popis trate / Course Description
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Kosice Peace Marathon elevation profile?
- The Kosice Peace Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Kosice Peace Marathon?
- The Kosice Peace Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes on Hlavná ulica (Main Street) in the historic centre.
- What time does the Kosice Peace Marathon start?
- The 2026 Kosice Peace Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.kosicemarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Why is the Košice Peace Marathon historically significant?
- First held in 1924, it is the oldest marathon in Europe and one of the oldest continuously run marathons in the world.
- Where does the Košice Peace Marathon start?
- The race starts and finishes on Hlavná ulica in Košice's UNESCO-listed historic centre.
- Is the Košice Marathon flat?
- Yes. Košice sits in a flat basin and the course has only gentle undulations.
- What is the atmosphere like in Košice on marathon day?
- The historic Main Street finish and century of tradition create a festival atmosphere unique among European marathons.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
