Moscow Marathon

MoscowRussia

Next race

Sunday, 19 September 2027

9:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Urban road

Elevation

Rolling · 177 m gain

177 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Moscow Marathon draws approximately 8,000 finishers on an urban road in Moscow, Russia. The point-to-point course starts near University Square (Kosygina Street / Vorobyovskaya Embankment) and finishes at Luzhniki Stadium. The route passes Red Square, the Kremlin embankment, and Gorky Park along the Moskva River. Mostly flat with minor rises on river bridges.

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

Typical participants: Approximately 8,000 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild and humid autumn
10–14°C · humidity 70–80%
Marathon weather guide →

Course records: Men: 2:11:34 — Bennar Youness (2024)Women: 2:28:02 — Sardana Trofimova (2020)

Course & terrain

Moscow Marathon course

Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.

The Moscow Marathon is a point-to-point city course from the University Square / MSU start area on Kosygina Street and Vorobyovskaya Embankment to a finish at Luzhniki Stadium, passing Red Square, the Kremlin embankment, and Gorky Park along the Moskva River. The riverside and park sections are the easiest because they stay relatively flat, while the subtle rises and long straights through central Moscow are tougher late on; crowds are densest at the Luzhniki finish, around Red Square and the Kremlin embankment, and through Gorky Park.

Moscow Marathon route map

Registration

Moscow Marathon entry requirements

For the Moscow Marathon, yes, international runners have historically been welcome and have competed in large numbers. Entry and logistics information are available at moscowmarathon.runc.run, though runners should verify current entry requirements and travel conditions before registering.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Moscow Marathon elevation profile?: The Moscow Marathon has 177 metres of total climbing and 177 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 Moscow Marathon route map?: This page includes a Moscow Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. Passes Red Square, the Kremlin embankment, and Gorky Park along the Moskva River.
How long is the Moscow Marathon?: The Moscow Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point from the University Square / MSU area (Kosygina Street and Vorobyovskaya Embankment) to Luzhniki Stadium.
What time does the Moscow Marathon start?: The 2027 Moscow Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 19 September 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Does the Moscow Marathon pass Red Square?: Yes. The course routes through the very heart of Moscow, passing Red Square with the Kremlin walls, Saint Basil's Cathedral, and Lenin's Mausoleum. Runners also pass Gorky Park, Luzhniki Stadium (venue of the 1980 Olympic Games), and the Moscow River embankments.
Is the Moscow Marathon Russia's premier road marathon?: Yes. Founded in 2013, the Moscow Marathon rapidly grew into Russia's most prominent city marathon and one of the largest in Eastern Europe, with a professional organisation that has attracted top international and Russian elite runners.
When is the Moscow Marathon held?: The race is typically held on the third Sunday of September, when Moscow's continental climate delivers its most comfortable autumn running conditions — usually 8–15 °C.
How flat is the Moscow Marathon course?: The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, accumulating around 177 metres of total climbing. Moscow is built on relatively even terrain beside the Moscow River, making the course manageable for runners targeting fast times.
Can international runners participate in the Moscow Marathon?: Yes, international runners have historically been welcome and have competed in large numbers. though runners should verify current entry requirements and travel conditions before registering.

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

Close to this race

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