SPAR Budapest Marathon

The biggest running event in Hungary with more than 30,000 participants from over 88 countries.

Budapest, with its seven bridges and three hills, has long won the hearts of runners from other countries. Picturesque city streets branch out from the start line at Heroes' Square where a bevy of statues look down on marathon runners. If that’s not enough inspiration to run a personal best, the course through Budapest and along the Danube is almost entirely flat.

The event is made especially attractive by the city's fascinating beauty - Andrássy Avenue (a Unesco World Heritage site), the art-nouveau style Gresham Hotel, the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle (also part of Unesco World Heritage), the idyllic Margaret Island, the monumental Parliament - runners have all these sights to admire, which effectively eases the pain of this long distance.

Click below to watch a short video and familiarise yourself with this event in the wonderful city of Budapest! This is running in Budapest!

After the marathon you can bathe your aching feet in one of the 22 pools of the Széchenyi thermal bath, the most famous spa in Budapest. Budapest is the spa capital of the world with over 100 thermal springs beneath the city that supply the famous baths.

For those who are travelling to this enchanting city at another time of the year, you may be intersted in:

• Telekom Vivicitta Budapest Spring Half Marathon  22-23 April 2023
• Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon 10 September 2023

    Read more about Budapest here.... some handy travel information

Course

The event starts in Pazmany Peter Setany, in front of the Eotvos Lorand University. The course runs through the heart of Budapest, crosses several bridges and passes the most well known city sites. The exact course changes each year and details are released approximately two weeks prior to race date. 

Events Saturday

• 10km - 9:00
• 5km Minimarathon - 11:00

Events Sunday

• Marathon - 9:00
• Marathon Relay - 9:00
• 14km - 9:00
• 30km - 9:40 - 10:15

Entries

The Entry Fee is included in your travel package and includes:

• Bib number
• Technical t-shirt
• Goodie bag
• Finisher’s medal
• Refreshment stations along the course 
• Music points along the course
• Changing and cloak rooms
• First aid on the course
• Marathon expo
• Programs before and after the race

Race Package Collection

All start numbers must be picked up at the race centre (location to be confirmed) during opening hours:

Saturday: from 12:00 to 18:00
Sunday: from 07:00 to 09:00

Please bring your confirmation letter to collect your number. If you do not have your confirmation letter, please check your number on the entry list at the race centre. Start packages will be handed over together with the race numbers.

Pasta Party

All runners are invited to attend the Barilla Pasta Party on Saturday, which is included in your race entry. 

When:       Saturday, from 12:00pm to 18:00pm
Where:      Next to the race centre, where you collect your start number.

Refreshment Stations

There will be refreshment stations set up approx. every 3-4km. As well as water, there will be iso-drinks, bananas and glucose. 

Personal Refreshments

If you would like to do so you can leave your bottle at the race center at a dedicated desk during the following times:

Saturday      12:00 to 18:00
Sunday       07:30 to 08:45

Pacemakers

There will be pace makers and each time will have two runners assigned.

• 3:30
• 3:45
• 4:00
• 4:15
• 4:30
• 4:35
• 5:00
• 5:15
• 5:30

Time Limit

The time limit is 5 hours and 30 minutes. The race will be followed by a bus which runners can catch if they suffer an injury or are forced to give up. The closed roads will be opened after the time limit elapses, for this reason those who are caught up by the closing bus must get up on it. Runners who give up or suffer an injury will be transported back to the race centre by the bus. Please return your chip on the bus should this be the case. It is forbidden to keep on running once the bus passes you because roads will be opened to traffic after the time limit. Part time limits are:

• 10km       1hr 18min
• 20km       2hr 36min
• 30k           3hr 55min
• 40k           5h 13m
• 42k           5hr 30min

Age Limit

All runners must be at least 18 years old.

Chip (no chip, no time)

You must wear your timing chip during the race. You can either wear your own chip or you can rent one from the organiser. If you use your own you have to register its number.
The timing chips are provided free of charge, on the understanding the chip is returned before you leave the finishing area. Failure to return your chip will result in a fine of 1000 HUF.

Race Number

The race number must be worn on the chest. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Skates, Bikes, Dogs, etc

It is forbidden to participate in the race with skates, bicycles, dogs or other pets. Violation of these rules will result in exclusion from the race.

Toilets

Toilets will be set up at the start/finish area and beside each refreshment stations.

Medical

Medical services are avilable at the Medical area, adjacent the finsih line. 

Post Race Massage

At the finish area, masseurs will be waiting for those who wish to relax their feet. The massage is free and the duration is about 10 minutes.

We have a range of accommodation options available, all standards to meet all budgets.

We have also travelled to Budapest on a number of occasions and can assist you with all your travel plans - how to get there, things to see and do, extended travel throughout Europe and itineraries to suit your available time and budget.

Contact us now and we will assist you with your plans to not only run in Budapest but get the best out of your trip to this magnificent part of the world!