Kosice Peace Marathon

Next race

Sunday, 3 October 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 74 m gain

74 m climbing

Race profile

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.

Typical participants: Approximately 9,000 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
10–14°C · humidity 70–85%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:06:47 — Moses Kemei (2025)Women: 2:21:08 — Rebecca Tanui (2024)

Course & terrain

Kosice Peace Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

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 route map

Registration

Kosice Peace Marathon entry requirements

For the Kosice Peace Marathon, the race is held on the first Sunday of October. Registration is at https://www.kosicemarathon.com/.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kosice Peace Marathon elevation profile?: The Kosice Peace Marathon has 74 metres of total climbing and 74 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is rolling, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Kosice Peace Marathon route map?: This page includes a Kosice Peace Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes St.
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 2027 Kosice Peace Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 3 October 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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.
When is the Košice Peace Marathon?: The race is held on the first Sunday of October.
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 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

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The Warsaw Marathon draws approximately 8,500 finishers on an urban road in Warsaw, Poland. The course starts and finishes at the Palace of Culture and Science. The route passes the Old Town, Łazienki Park, and the Vistula embankment. Mostly flat with minor bridge crossings.

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