A marathon of the soul, featuring the Danube River and history
Hungary, the European country you’ve always dreamed of! Why not take part in a marathon that runs through the streets of this World Heritage site?
The Budapest Marathon is attractive for its spectacular course that takes in the beautiful Danube River and the historic streets. The course changes every year, so you can enjoy it in a new way no matter how many times you run it.
So, join runners from all over the world and run through the streets of Budapest!
Ride along the Danube and experience history and culture
The Budapest Marathon course is an attractive route through the historical center of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Running around historical buildings while looking at the majestic Danube River will be a special experience that goes beyond just exercise.
Course Overview
・Starting point：The Budapest Marathon starts at the majestic Heroes’ Square, which honors Hungarian heroes. The Millennium Monument stands in the middle of the square, lifting the spirits of runners even before the start. With a view of the majestic Buda Castle and feeling the weight of history, the 42.195 km journey begins.
・5km to 10km：Pass through Széchenyi Baths. You will be overwhelmed by the scale of one of the world’s largest bathing facilities.
・10km to 15km：Head to the Parliament Building while looking out over the Danube River. The magnificent neo-Gothic building will touch the hearts of runners.
・15km to 20km：Run around Buda Castle. The beautiful stained glass of Matthias Church will burn into your memory.
・20km to 30km：Run along the Danube River while enjoying the cityscape of Budapest.
・30km to 42.195km：Summon your final strength and head for the finish line at Heroes’ Square. Aim for the finish line tape while receiving cheers from the sidelines.
・Finish line：Heroes’ Square, the same place as the starting point. The moment you break the finish line tape, you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and emotion. A large number of spectators gather along the road to give a grand celebration to the runners.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference: The course is known to be flat and fast, with minimal elevation changes. While specific numbers are not public, it is significantly flatter than most major city marathons, making it ideal for setting personal records.
・Weather: The race is held in October, often providing favorable conditions for running. Average temperatures in October are typically between 10-18°C, which is considered optimal for marathon running.
Participants’ comments
・”The course along the Danube, passing the Parliament and the Chain Bridge, was simply stunning.”
・”A very flat and fast course! I was able to set a new personal best.”
・”The atmosphere with the bands and the local support was fantastic.”
・”It felt like a true sightseeing tour of a beautiful capital city.”
・”The medal is unique and a great memory of running through a World Heritage site.”
・”A perfect race for a first marathon or for aiming for a fast time.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Budapest Marathon is to take advantage of the flat course to establish a steady, fast pace from the start. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Danube and the UNESCO World Heritage sites, but be careful not to start too fast. The flat profile allows for consistent pacing, so focus on maintaining your rhythm throughout the course. Use the strong support from the spectators and the bands, especially in the central areas, to push you through the final kilometers.
The Budapest Marathon is a spectacular 42.195km journey that allows you to explore the heart of a European capital. Run for a personal best on this flat, scenic course, and create an unforgettable memory.
2025 Budapest Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 12, 2025
・Number of finishers: 7,383 (Men: 5,449, Women: 1,934)
・Average time: 4:11:42 (Men: 4:04:05, Women: 4:28:17)
MEN
1: Vásárhelyi Máté Dávid: 2:22:17
2: Vitárius Bence: 2:27:37
3: Jakub, Galasiewicz dr: 2:34:16
4: Christopher, Nymburg: 2:35:14
5: Raknes, Lars Peter: 2:38:24
6: Kalered, Emil: 2:39:30
7: Saccon, Enrico Valentino: 2:40:03
8: Vrubel, Martin: 2:40:14
9: Tenden, Arne: 2:40:32
10: Jonas, Gjesdal: 2:40:35
WOMEN
1: Viktória Nyikos: 2:50:28
2: Caoimhe Nic Fhogartaigh: 2:53:38
3: Réka Körmendi: 2:55:34
4: Margit Kovács Éva: 2:59:10
5: Zita Láng-Somogyi: 2:59:17
6: Szonja Garai Ágnes: 3:00:47
7: Katarzyna Szkoda-Kaliszan: 3:01:45
8: Réka Mélypataki: 3:01:50
9: Mafalda Martinho: 3:02:24
10: Terézia György: 3:02:58
2026 Budapest 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 stunning World Heritage city of Budapest, aiming for your personal best.
・Location: Pázmány Péter Promenade
・Date and time: October 11, 2026
・Start time: 9:00am
Dapest: A fascinating city where East and West meet
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River. Its history is long, and it is a melting pot of diverse cultures where various ethnic groups have lived since Roman times. The unique atmosphere of the city, which blends East and West, continues to fascinate visitors.
Buda Castle is the symbol of this city. Its appearance, towering on the right bank of the Danube, is like a painting. Inside the castle, there are many things to see, such as the Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church. In particular, from the Fisherman’s Bastion, you can see a beautiful panorama of the Danube River and the city of Pest, which is breathtakingly beautiful.
On the opposite bank, on the Pest side, stands the magnificent Parliament Building in a neo-Gothic style. It is lit up at night, making its beauty even more striking. St. Stephen’s Basilica is the largest church in Hungary, and its majestic appearance overwhelms visitors.
The Danube River is the lifeblood of Budapest. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery by strolling along the river or taking a cruise ship. The Danube River is especially beautiful at dusk, attracting visitors.
Budapest is not only full of historical buildings, but also modern attractions. Andrassy Avenue is a major street that runs north and south through the center of Budapest. It is lined with luxury brand stores and cafes, creating a glamorous atmosphere. Ruikou Street is also a popular area, especially among young people, with stylish cafes and bars.
Budapest is also famous as a hot spring city. There are many historic hot spring facilities, such as Széchenyi Hot Springs, where you can soothe your daily fatigue.
Budapest is a charming city where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. You can enjoy a variety of things, such as visiting historical buildings, enjoying a cruise on the Danube, and tasting local cuisine.
Come visit Budapest and experience its charms, it will surely be an unforgettable trip for you.
