Run through the heart of the Balkans and shake your senses. Bucharest, a 42.195km dream
The Bucharest Marathon is a premier running event that takes place in the vibrant capital of Romania, often referred to as the “Little Paris.” Held every year on the second weekend of October, it offers a fast and flat 42.195km journey through the city’s historical boulevards and past magnificent landmarks.
The course typically starts near Constitution Square and winds through the center, passing the colossal Palace of the Parliament, the iconic Triumphal Arch, and the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum. While it is known for its flat profile, making it ideal for a personal best, the non-stop cheers from spectators along the tree-lined streets provide an incredible energy boost.
It is an unforgettable experience, combining a challenging race with a unique cultural tour of this dynamic city.
Bucharest Marathon: A 42.195km journey that stirs the senses
The Bucharest Marathon is more than just a race. It is an exploration of Bucharest’s blend of history and modernity. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world in this city known as the gateway to Eastern Europe.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The race typically begins on the grand boulevards near Constitution Square (Piața Constituției), right in front of the colossal Palace of the Parliament. The starting area offers a spectacular backdrop of one of the world’s largest administrative buildings. The flat and wide roads at the start allow runners to establish their pace quickly and efficiently.
Sights along the way
The Bucharest Marathon course is famed for its flat, fast profile, perfect for achieving a personal best, and its route past key historical sites.
・Early Miles：After the start, the course runs along wide, flat boulevards, including Unirii Boulevard. Runners quickly settle into their rhythm, buoyed by the enthusiastic crowds. This section is generally very flat and fast.
・Mid-Race Charm：The course takes runners through the historical center and Calea Victoriei, passing the Romanian Athenaeum and National Art Museum. The atmosphere is vibrant, with enthusiastic local support and cultural performances along the route, making the kilometers fly by.
・Iconic Landmarks：Runners pass the monumental Triumphal Arch (Arcul de Triumf), a symbol of Romanian unity, providing an inspiring visual milestone. The repeated cheers and cultural spots maintain the runners’ morale throughout the circuit.
・The Flat Profile：Unlike more undulating city courses, the Bucharest Marathon is known for its minimal elevation changes. This characteristic allows runners to focus purely on maintaining their desired pace and race strategy, maximizing their potential for a fast time.
・Final Push：The closing kilometers often loop back toward the city center, leading runners back to the finish area, where the energy of the crowds peaks for a strong finish.
Finish point
Finish near Constitution Square (Piața Constituției)! The sense of accomplishment in completing a fast, international marathon and the vibrant atmosphere of the finish line festival create lasting memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The course is remarkably flat, ideal for achieving fast times. The total elevation gain is approximately 100m, and the total rolling elevation change is around 200m. The course is a fast loop, with minimal hills, concentrating effort on running pace rather than conquering climbs.
・Weather：Held in October, Bucharest usually offers cool and favorable weather conditions for running. The average temperature is around 16°C, which is ideal for endurance racing, typically with low humidity and mild winds.
Participants’ comments
・ “This is one of the fastest and most well-organized city marathons in Eastern Europe. Highly recommended for a PB!”
・ “The route is perfect—it’s flat, and you run past all the major sights. The Parliament Palace start/finish is epic.”
・ “The local support was fantastic, especially along Calea Victoriei. The cheers really kept me going.”
・ “Running past the Triumphal Arch gave me a huge burst of energy. What a beautiful course.”
・ “The atmosphere made me forget the kilometers. It felt like a true celebration of running and the city.”
・ “A great race for first-timers and elite runners alike due to its flat profile and excellent organization.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Bucharest Marathon is to maximize the flat and fast course. Start conservatively but establish an aggressive, steady pace early on, especially on the wide opening boulevards. Use the iconic landmarks (Parliament Palace, Triumphal Arch) as mental checkpoints and draw energy from the non-stop crowd support, particularly in the central city sections. Focus on maintaining a consistent pace throughout the race, as there are no major hills to break rhythm. The cool October weather typically supports a strong final push.
The Bucharest Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses. Run through the historic and vibrant heart of Romania with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2025 Bucharest Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 12, 2024
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1:Nicolae Alexandru Soare:2:11:58
2:Dickson Kiprop:2:13:16
3:Daniel Lauren:2:16:25
4:Tiidrek Nurme:2:18:29
5:Ivan Siuris:2:19:41
6:Silviu Stoica:2:26:38
7:Cristian Alexandru Neascu:2:28:55
8:Claudiu Cristian Flor Gorgan:2:32:05
9:Andrei Marius Crainic:2:32:58
10:Bogdan Nicolae Ibanescu:2:34:01
WOMEN
1:Beatrice Cherono:2:44:51
2:Mercy Jepchichii Kipekoi:2:44:52
3:Andreea Alina Piscu:2:51:29
4:Irina Anca Faticuc:2:52:42
5:Adela Paulina Dumitrescu:2:52:47
6:Cristina Simion:2:53:54
7:Natalia Zbirnea:2:57:25
8:Malina Ileana Serdean:2:58:38
9:Malina Serdean:2:58:39
10:Loredana Viziteu:3:00:34
2026 Bucharest Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the historic streets of Bucharest, aiming for a personal best on this fast course.
・Location: Bucharest, usually starting near Constitution Square
・Date and time: October 2026 (Date TBD)
・Start time: To be announced
Bucharest: The Little Paris of the East, a city of contrasts
Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, is a city of rich history and dynamic contrast, often nicknamed “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture and grand boulevards. The blend of impressive Communist-era structures, such as the immense Palace of the Parliament, and the charming 19th-century Belle Époque buildings creates a unique visual tapestry.
The city center is alive with energy. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Centrul Vechi) with its bustling cafes and vibrant nightlife, to the cultural heart represented by the Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest captivates every visitor. Its numerous green spaces, including Herăstrău Park and the Botanical Garden, provide peaceful urban retreats.
Bucharest is a melting pot of culture, history, and modernity. Traditional Romanian cuisine is served alongside contemporary European dining, and cutting-edge art galleries coexist with historic churches. Whether you are exploring the vast collection at the National Museum of Art, enjoying a performance at the National Opera, or simply strolling down Calea Victoriei, the city constantly offers new experiences. It is a city that showcases resilience and an optimistic spirit, promising endless discovery for those who venture to explore its fascinating layers.
