Moscow Marathon

Moscow Marathon course route

The Moscow Marathon is a city loop starting and finishing 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 back toward central Moscow are tougher late on; crowds are densest at Luzhniki, around Red Square and the Kremlin embankment, and through Gorky Park.

Moscow Marathon elevation profile

The Moscow Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 177 metres of climbing and 177 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The Moscow Marathon uses open online registration at moscowmarathon.runc.run for the September race. International runners have historically been welcome, though entry rules and travel conditions should be verified before registering. The field of around 8,000 finishers is allocated on a first-come basis with no qualifying standard.

Moscow Marathon course videos

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

MOSCOW MARATHON 2019 3D Course | www.Marathon3D.com

Promsvyazbank Moscow Marathon 2017 highlights

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 mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.

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. Starts and finishes at Luzhniki Stadium.

What time does the Moscow Marathon start?

The 2026 Moscow Marathon starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 20 September 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on moscowmarathon.runc.run/ 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. Check moscowmarathon.runc.run for the confirmed date.

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. Entry and logistics information are available at moscowmarathon.runc.run, though runners should verify current entry requirements and travel conditions before registering.