Run through paths where history and culture breathe, and discover a new you. Sofia, a 42.195km journey of emotion.
The Sofia Marathon is one of the most popular urban marathons in Eastern Europe. Held annually on the second Sunday of October, it is a 42.195km loop course through the city of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, lined with historical buildings.
The start from Battenberg Square gives the feeling of a journey beginning from the heart of history, and the relatively flat course is attractive to runners aiming for a personal best. The warm cheers from spectators along the course give runners a gentle push, and an unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment awaits, as if the entire city is united in cheering you on.
Sofia Marathon: A 42.195km journey where history and modernity intersect
The Sofia Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through Sofia, where ancient history and modern vibrancy merge. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world in this city surrounded by cultural heritage.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins in the heart of Sofia, at Battenberg Square. Against the backdrop of historic buildings, runners line up at the vibrant starting line. The loop course through the city is designed to allow runners to experience Sofia’s diverse charms firsthand, inviting them to a new experience.
Sights along the way
The Sofia Marathon course captivates runners with its historical buildings and the warm support of its citizens.
・City Center Loop：The course is a loop through the central part of Sofia, allowing runners to run past numerous historical buildings such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. These sights will make you forget your fatigue during the race.
・Citizen Support：Along the course, the local people of Sofia eagerly come out to cheer. Their warm applause and cheers provide great encouragement to the runners, making them feel as if the entire city is welcoming them like family.
・Relatively Flat Terrain：The course generally has small elevation differences, making it easy to run for runners aiming to improve their personal bests. There are some ups and downs on bridges, but it is characterized by being easy to maintain pace throughout the course.
Finish Point
Finish back at Battenberg Square, the same as the starting point! The sense of accomplishment of completing the 42.195km race through the city of Sofia, full of history and culture, and the countless cheers waiting for you at the finish line will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is relatively small, with a cumulative elevation gain of about 50m. There are few large uphill or downhill sections, and the course is characterized by many easy-to-run flat sections. There are some ups and downs on bridges and gentle undulations.
・Weather：Sofia in October, when the race is held, often has the perfect weather for running. The average temperature is 10-16°C, and it is usually dry with gentle winds. On sunny days, you can run comfortably under a refreshing autumn sky.
Participants’ comments
・”Running through Sofia’s historic streets, I felt like I had traveled back in time.”
・”I was so moved by the warm support of the citizens along the course many times.”
・”The course was flat and very easy to run. I was able to set a new personal best!”
・”The moment I ran past Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was an unforgettable sight.”
・”I was smiling the whole race. It’s a wonderful marathon packed with Sofia’s charm.”
・”It was a unique marathon experience where I could run while feeling history and culture.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Sofia Marathon is to maintain a steady pace from the start on the relatively flat course while enjoying the historic cityscape. Since there are few major elevation changes, it will be easy to maintain your pace in the middle and later stages, and conserve energy for the final stretch. Pay attention to the ups and downs on some bridges, and use the warm cheers from the sidelines to push you towards the finish line. The mild October weather will help you perform to the best of your ability.
The Sofia Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill all your senses, set in the city of Sofia, where history and modernity intertwine. Run through a city filled with warm cheers with runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life.
2024 Sofia Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 13, 2024 (Sunday)
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1:Shedrack Kiptoo Kimaiyo:2:15:04
2:Cornelius Kobiwott Chepkop:2:15:25
3:Bilal Marhoum:2:16:33
4:Evans Kipruto:2:18:52
5:Elias Gemperli:2:20:14
6:Omer Alkanoglu:2:21:56
7:Ismail Ssenyange:2:27:14
8:Wilfred Kiplagat:2:33:24
9:Nikolay Nikolov:2:35:54
10:Ladislav Kucera:2:39:03
WOMEN
1:Harriet Jepchumba Chebore:2:38:25
2:Ruth Matebo:2:45:32
3:Rachel Poffet:2:52:18
4:Nadezhda Angelova:2:55:45
5:Radostina Balova:2:56:31
6:Marija Vrajic:2:59:50
7:Agnieszka Kujach:3:05:08
8:Desislava Vasileva:3:08:38
9:Siylwia Kolecka:3:09:31
10:Joanna Drewnicka-Ogrodnik:3:15:46
2025 Sofia Marathon
Run through Sofia and surpass yourself. 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location: Around Battenberg Square (Sofia city loop course)
・Date and time: October 12, 2025 (Sunday)
・Start time: 9:00 AM
Sofia: A city where history breathes and vitality overflows
Sofia is the heart of Bulgaria, a city where centuries of history and modern vibrancy are wonderfully intertwined. With Roman ruins scattered throughout, and a cityscape where the remnants of the Ottoman Empire and the grand architecture of the communist era coexist, visitors feel a deep sense of history. The majestic dome of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a symbol of Sofia, and its beauty overwhelms those who see it.
In the city center, vibrant markets, sophisticated boutiques, and traditional restaurants line the streets, offering a taste of diverse cultures and culinary delights. The natural blessings brought by Vitosha Mountain provide a place of relaxation for citizens, closely connecting urban life with nature. Warm people, affordable prices, and rich culture color Sofia’s daily life, offering new discoveries and emotions with every visit. Sofia is a truly charming city where the weight of history and the dynamism of modernity are in harmony.
