days
hours
minutes
seconds

42.2 KM - The Classic

Spar Budapest Marathon®

Will you be part of the experience?

Marathon running is a true wonder. It presents a tremendous challenge to individuals, but the journey we undertake is unforgettable

For many of us, running a marathon is a bucket list challenge! If you haven’t done it yet, do it this year in one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. We provide everything needed for this unforgettable experience. But along with your preparation and determination, you are also required. Once you have that, don’t aim for anything less than reaching the finish line successfully. Are you in? We’ll be waiting at the marathon gate.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Just click on the selected box, and we will automatically navigate you to the relevant information and details regarding the chosen topic.

ROUTES AND MAPS

Browse through our site plan and get familiar with the race venue for the weekend so that everything goes smoothly on the big day!

On our interactive Google map, you will find not only the important units of the venue but also the precise route and checkpoints. Share the map with your supporters and also your Google position using the location sharing feature so that your fans can track your exact location along the route. They can even plan their own routes to reach the selected spectator points:

REGISTRATION, INFORMATIONS

CLICK HERE for prices and deadlines! We may introduce a participant limit for the event’s in the future.

  • participation in the event
  • closed and secured route
  • race number
  • unique technical running shirt, available sizes women’s fit: S-XXL and men’s fit: XS-XXL
  • custom finisher medal for successful completions
  • gifts from our sponsors
  • chip-based net time measurement
  • refreshments
  • medical service
  • musicians along the route
  • finisher’s package
  • 21.26% VAT

Online registration: On the BSI organizer’s online registration platform (entry.runinbudapest.com) until October 10, 2023, at midnight (unless the participant limit is reached earlier). The invoice will be sent to you via email in .pdf format.

In-person registration: At the BSI events, at the information tent. On-site during the race number pick-up, following the schedule, if the participant limit has not been reached in advance.

Wheelchair and handbike racers can only register in advance, pre-registration is required.

  • Student discount

    For students with a valid Student Card or International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The card has to be valid on the day of the race and must be shown upon start number pick-up. Discount does not apply for on-site registration. Click here for acceptable ISIC cards.

Only those born before October 16, 2005, can participate in the marathon distance (18 years of age or older)

The age categories used in the results list, which are not subject to separate awards, are as follows:

Date of birthagemenwomen
2003. 10. 15. – 2005. 10. 14.18-19 years oldM18W18
1998. 10. 15. – 2003. 10. 14.20-24 years oldM20W20
1993. 10. 15. – 1998. 10. 14.25-29 years oldM25W25
1988. 10. 15. – 1993. 10. 14.30-34 years oldM30W30
1983. 10. 15. – 1988. 10. 14.35-39 years oldM35W35
1978. 10. 15. – 1983. 10. 14.40-44 years oldM40W40
1973. 10. 15. – 1978. 10. 14.45-49 years oldM45W45
1968. 10. 15. – 1973. 10. 14.50-54 years oldM50W50
1963. 10. 15. – 1968. 10. 14.55-59 years oldM55W55
1958. 10. 15. – 1963. 10. 14.60-64 years oldM60W60
1953. 10. 15. – 1958. 10. 14.65-69 years oldM65W65
1948. 10. 15. – 1953. 10. 14.70-74 years oldM70W70
1943. 10. 15. – 1948. 10. 14.75-79 years oldM75W75
Born before October 15, 194380 years and olderM80W80

For entries submitted until September 10, the first name will automatically appear on the bib number below the digits.

  • We can only deviate from this upon specific request by the participant. In the case of online registration, for the inscription on the bib number, please type in the text „DO NOT WANT.”
  • It is possible to replace the first name on the bib number with another inscription (e.g., a nickname) up to a maximum of 12 characters in length. This preference must be indicated at the time of registration.
  • Only those participants who request it separately will have an inscription on the bib number; by default, the first name will be used. We kindly ask those registrants who carry their husband’s name with the „-né” suffix to provide their first name.
  • We are unable to display image characters or emoticons.
  • Space will be left for the name inscription below the digits on the bib number for participants who register later.

You can find the list of already registered participants and the starting list here.

The organiser of the race: 

BSI Sport Kft.
1138 Budapest, Váci út 152.
www.runinbudapest.com
[email protected]

  • At the competition, all prepared runners and wheelchair users, handbike competitors, and participants running with baby strollers who accept the event information and entry conditions can take part. Wheelchair users or handbike competitors, if completing the course under their own power, can start from the front of the field. They must position themselves at the start gate from the route side, at the latest 5 minutes before the start.
  • Upon entering the start line, they must sign a declaration that, by adhering to the rules, they will not overtake the lead motorbike. They can start 1 minute before the official start time, accompanied by the lead motorbike, but after a designated point established following the finalization of the route, they can only follow the lead motorbike until that point. From there, they can proceed at their own pace to the finish line.
  • Wheelchair users and handbike competitors completing the course with assistance can position themselves in the zone corresponding to the indicated pace during registration. A time penalty of 10 minutes may be imposed on participants who fold or obscure their race number or fail to display it prominently during the race.
  • A participant may face disqualification if, despite repeated warnings, they violate the race number display rule, fail to complete the full designated course set by the organizers, provide inaccurate or incomplete information on the registration form, or misuse the timing chip.
  • For the safety of themselves and fellow runners, it is not recommended for participants to listen to music or use any audio player with both earphones during the course.
  • Throughout the race, cycling and motorcycling organizers work within the field, along with necessary ambulance teams.
  • The use of earphones cancels out external noise, potentially hindering fellow runners and the work of organizers and medical teams.
  • Inline skating, biking, running with a bike escort without a race number, and running with a dog are prohibited during the race.
  • A runner participating with a cycling or inline skating escort can be disqualified from the race.
  • We do not assume responsibility for the safekeeping of valuables during the event.
  • Any commercial or promotional activities at the event venue are only permitted with prior approval and in a coordinated manner by BSI.
  • BSI reserves the right for organizational reasons to limit the number of participants and to close registration at any time.
  • BSI reserves the right to make changes to the route and timing

INFOS FOR THE RACE DAY

You can find the timetable here.

The event takes place at Pázmány Péter Promenade, near ELTE Budai Campus.

  • From Déli pályaudvar (Southern Railway Station): Take tram 17 or 61 to Móricz Zsigmond körtér, then take tram 4 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő, and walk on Pázmány Péter Promenade (approximately 600 m).
  • From Keleti pályaudvar (Eastern Railway Station): Take metro M4 to Móricz Zsigmond körtér, then take tram 4 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő, and walk on Pázmány Péter Promenade (approximately 600 m).
  • From Nyugati pályaudvar (Western Railway Station): Take metro M3 to Corvin negyed, then take tram 4/6 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő, and walk on Pázmány Péter Promenade (approximately 600 m), or take tram 4/6 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő, and walk on Pázmány Péter Promenade (approximately 600 m).

Click here to see the BKV (Budapest Transport Company) schedule.

Arrive by bicycle; we provide supervised bicycle storage on the event day!

Parking: There are few parking spaces in the surrounding streets, which fill up early in the morning. It’s better to choose more distant but secure parking options. Larger parking areas near the race center:

  • Paid parking at the Kopaszi-gát parking lot; from here, it’s about an 800-meter walk to the race center.
  • Free parking at the Lurdy Ház parking lot; from here, take tram 1 across Rákóczi Bridge for 2 stops (Infopark stop), and then walk about 500 meters to the race center.

The event center will be set up in the northern block of the ELTE Lágymányosi Campus.

At the event venue, in the race center:

  • On October 13th, between 12:00 and 18:00
  • On October 14th, between 7:00 and 18:00
  • On October 15th, between 7:00 and 8:30

You will be allowed to approach the bib pick-up tables as soon as one becomes available. The bib distribution tables are not organized by specific bib numbers, so you can approach any available table. IMPORTANTLY, please have your bib number ready when you join the line at the tables.

If you don’t know your bib number, you can look it up next to your name in the starting list, corresponding to the appropriate distance.

Participants completing their first marathon are entitled to wear a special bib with the inscription „MY FIRST MARATHON.” Request this bib during the bib pick-up (those who indicated it during registration will receive it automatically along with their individual bib). This special bib should be worn on the back.

Dressing Rooms:

The men’s dressing room will be set up in the southern block of ELTE Lágymányosi Campus. The entrance will be through the doors on the side facing the main stage. The location for the women’s dressing room will also be in the same building. The entrance will be through the doors on the side farther from the Danube.

Cloakroom:

The cloakroom tents will be set up in the grassy area next to the northern block of ELTE Lágymányosi Campus. In the tents, you can leave your belongings according to your bib number range, which will be indicated with signs. Place the cloakroom tag under your bib number. The runner needs to detach the tag from the bib in advance and secure it to the bag using the safety pin provided in the race kit, ensuring it won’t fall off. It’s recommended to fold the tag along the perforation for easier detachment. You can leave your bag only at the tent corresponding to your bib number, but you don’t need to wait for the organizer there; you can independently place it in the tent’s designated area, separated by ropes. Our colleagues will return your bag after you reach the finish line, according to your bib number.

OPENING HOURS:

Bag drop-off: between 7:00 and 8:30 Bag pick-up: between 11:30 and 15:00

Attention! We do not take responsibility for valuables left in the cloakroom.

Bicycle Storage:

On-site, we will set up the bicycle storage on the Danube side of the southern block of ELTE Lágymányosi Campus.

Restrooms:

You can use the restrooms located in the basement near the men’s and women’s dressing rooms. Mobile restrooms can be found near the start/finish area, and mobile urinals will also be available for men. Along the route, you will find mobile restrooms at the refreshment stations and relay points, and mobile urinals will be available for men as well.

Before the start, please position yourself in the designated start zone according to your planned pace (minutes per kilometer) to avoid interfering with other runners.

  • 1st Zone – Within 4:30 (within 3:10:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘1’ on your bib, before the bib number)
  • 2nd Zone – Between 4:30 and 5:00 (between 3:10:00 and 3:30:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘2’ on your bib, before the bib number)
  • 3rd Zone – Between 5:00 and 5:30 (between 3:30:00 and 3:52:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘3’ on your bib, before the bib number)
  • 4th Zone – Between 5:30 and 6:00 (between 3:52:00 and 4:13:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘4’ on your bib, before the bib number)
  • 5th Zone – Between 6:00 and 6:30 (between 4:13:00 and 4:34:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘5’ on your bib, before the bib number)
  • 6th Zone – Above 6:30 (above 4:34:00 marathon time) (marked with a ‘6’ on your bib, before the bib number)


The markings for the start zones are the same for individual marathon runners, 4-person relays, and marathon duos. For relay teams, the pace of the first team member is considered when indicating the planned pace.

At this event, everyone must position themselves in the start zone that corresponds to their indicated planned pace.

This is to reduce the congestion in the first kilometers after the start and unnecessary overtaking. When runners with similar paces start together, the beginning of the race will be calmer and more predictable.

The placement in the start zone corresponding to the planned pace will be assisted by an adhesive label placed on the bib, which will be checked when entering the zone. The number on the label matches the zone number. For relay teams, the zone sticker will be placed on the team’s bib. Everyone can only position themselves in the start zone corresponding to the sticker on their bib. If you haven’t indicated a planned pace, you can request a sticker at the race center before the start. Without a start zone sticker, you can only position yourself in the last start zone. The flag indicating the pacer’s target time will always be placed at the end of the corresponding time zone, so you should stand in the area toward the start gate. After entering, proceed toward the start gate to allow those coming behind you to also position themselves in the zone. The gates to the start zones will open 20 minutes before the start and will close 5 minutes before the start. After that, participants can only position themselves at the back of the field. If you encounter a runner with an incorrect sticker in your start zone, kindly ask them to choose a start zone corresponding to their expected finish time to avoid chaos and potential accidents.

Rules for Participants with Wheelchairs or Handbikes: If they complete the course under their own power, they can start from the front of the field, 1 minute before the official start. They must position themselves at the start gate from the route side, at the latest 5 minutes before the start. Upon entering the start line, they must sign a declaration that they will not overtake the lead motorbike accompanying them. They can proceed at their own pace from a designated point on the route to the finish line. Wheelchair users and handbike participants completing the course with assistance can position themselves in the zone corresponding to the indicated pace during registration.

Staggered Start at the 38th SPAR Budapest Marathon® Festival:

Participants in the marathon distance will be started in multiple waves, with a 3-minute interval between each wave. At the front of each upcoming wave, organizers will be present to lead the group to the start line. Approximately 1.5 minutes after reaching the start line, each wave will be initiated, and the same procedure will be followed for later waves.

The gates to the start zones will not be opened between waves!

Belongings left in the start zone will be collected immediately after the start and donated to the Hungarian Red Cross for charitable purposes.

Distance: 42.195 km (26.219 miles)

Route: Pázmány Péter Promenade – Budai Alsó Quay – Entrance to Döbrentei Square Quay – Várkert Quay – Ybl Miklós Square – Apród Street – Attila Road – Alagút Street – Clark Ádám Square – Main Street – Jégverem Street – Bem Quay – Árpád Fejedelem Road – Northern exit of Margaret Bridge – Margaret Bridge – Jászai Mari Square – Southern exit of Jászai Mari Square to the Quay – Lower Quay of Pest – Közraktár Street – Fővám Square – Liberty Bridge – Szt. Gellért Square – Műegyetem Quay – Pázmány Péter Promenade – Dombóvári Road – TURNAROUND (before the entrance of Lágymányosi Bridge) – Dombóvári Road – Budai Alsó Quay – Árpád Fejedelem Road – Serfőző Street – Árpád Bridge (Southern side, two traffic lanes) – Schulek Frigyes Promenade – Hajós Alfréd Promenade – Rendőrség útja – Schulek Frigyes Promenade – Árpád Bridge (Southern side, two traffic lanes) – Népfürdő Street entrance – Népfürdő Street – Moszkva Promenade – Vizafogó Street – TURNAROUND – Vizafogó Street – Népfürdő Street – Dráva Street exit to the Quay – Lower Quay of Pest – Entrance to St. István Park Quay – Újpesti Quay – Northern exit of Jászai Mari Square – Lower Quay of Pest – TURNAROUND – Lower Quay of Pest – Közraktár Street – Fővám Square – Liberty Bridge – Szt. Gellért Square – Műegyetem Quay – Pázmány Péter Promenade

Kilometer Markers: The marathon kilometer points on the route will be indicated by a sign placed at a height of 2 meters. This allows you to monitor your progress according to your planned and trained pace

Successful finishers will be aided by pace runners:

  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 3 hours and 30 minutes (with a consistent pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 3 hours and 45 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 4 hours (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 4 hours and 15 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 4 hours and 30 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 4 hours and 45 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 5 hours (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 5 hours and 15 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
  • Pace Chart for a Target Finish Time of 5 hours and 30 minutes (with a gradually slowing pace)
Distance (km)LocationOffering
4,3

Dózsa György Square, in front of Alagút Street

water
7,2

Elvis Presley Square, from the side of Árpád Fejedelem Avenue

water, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
11,2

Lower Quay of Pest, in front of the Mahart International Ship Terminal

water, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
14,5

Pázmány Péter Promenade, in front of the Lágymányosi Bridge

water, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
18,6

Döbrentei Square, Lower Quay

water, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
22,6

Árpád Fejedelem Avenue – Intersection with Dara Street

water, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
27,3Margaret Island, in front of the Police Stationwater, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
30,7Moszkva Promenade, after Dagály Bathwater, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons
35,1Jászai Mari Square – Entrance to Újpest Quaywater, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons, magnesium, calcium, cola
39,2Lower Quay of Pest, in front of the Mahart International Ship Terminalwater, Gatorade, bananas, glucose tablets, lemons, magnesium, calcium, cola
40,1Műegyetem Quay, in front of the BME CH Buildingwater
  • Individual refreshment drop-off will be available on-site at the event center, on October 15th, no later than 45 minutes before the start.

  • At the refreshment stations along the route, we will provide 1 cubic meter collection containers primarily for collecting empty cups. You will find these containers on both sides of the route, following the last refreshment table.

  • The last container will be placed 50 meters after the end of the station, and this will be indicated by a separate sign. Please make sure to dispose of any waste from the refreshment station into this container.

  • Any waste generated along the route should not be scattered. Please place it in the containers provided at the refreshment stations.

  • At the refreshment stations, we will not hand you cups filled with water or isotonic drinks. You are responsible for taking these from the tables yourself. Under no circumstances should you place used, empty cups back onto the refreshment tables!

  • Refreshment stations can often pose challenges. Do not attempt to squeeze between two runners for a quick drink or snack. Adhere to basic etiquette during the race as well. Wait your turn and remember that there are often fewer people towards the end of the station. Take only what you need, as there may be runners behind you who need refreshments even more.

  • If weather conditions warrant, we may set up additional temporary water stations along the route.

  • After crossing the finish line, you can collect your medal first, followed by your finisher’s package.

5 hours 30 minutes net time (aligned with the start time of the last wave)

The sweep bus follows the pace of the pacemaker finishing in under 5:30:00. Anyone overtaken by the sweep bus must board it, their bib number will be marked, and they will not be allowed to enter the finish area.

Sweep bus pace:

1 km
0:07:38
2 km
0:15:16
3 km
0:22:54
4 km
0:30:32
5 km
0:38:10
6 km
0:45:50
7 km
0:53:30
8 km
1:01:10
9 km
1:08:50
10 km
1:16:30
11 km
1:24:12
12 km
1:31:54
13 km
1:39:36
14 km
1:47:18
15 km
1:55:00
16 km
2:02:45
17 km
2:10:30
18 km
2:18:15
19 km
2:26:00
20 km
2:33:45
21 km
2:41:33
22 km
2:49:21
23 km
2:57:09
24 km
3:04:57
25 km
3:12:45
26 km
3:20:36
27 km
3:28:27
28 km
3:36:18
29 km
3:44:09
30 km
3:52:00
31 km
3:59:55
32 km
4:07:50
33 km
4:15:45
34 km
4:23:40
35 km
4:31:35
36 km
4:39:37
37 km
4:47:39
38 km
4:55:41
39 km
5:03:43
40 km
5:11:45
41 km
5:19:52
42 km
5:27:59
Maraton
5:29:36

The timing provider is AGNI-Timing.

The timing is done using UHF chips attached to the back of the bib number. Please read the information about chip usage!

Bib Number Wearing Rules: The timing is conducted through timing mats (antennas) placed on the ground, which detect the signal transmitter placed on the bib number from a distance of approximately 2-3 meters. The timestamp is recorded when the strongest signal is detected (when passing over the mat).

To ensure successful recording of individual times, please observe the following rules:

The bib number must be worn visibly throughout the race, on the abdomen/chest area. (Bib belt holders are allowed.) Covering or concealing the bib number is prohibited. Do not remove, fold, or pierce the chip located on the back of the bib number. Everyone should ensure that they wear their own bib number during the race. After crossing the finish line, please leave the timing point as soon as possible

Marathon distance: We will award the top 1-3 male and female runners.

The awards ceremony will be based on the order of arrival at the finish line (gross time). The results on the website’s list (based on net time) may differ from this order.

The best Hungarian results achieved on certified courses are as follows:

Male: 2:12:10 – Csaba Szűcs – 1993, Paris Female: 2:28:25 – Nóra Szabó – 2023, Seville

1st-3rd place wheelchair and handbike male and female competitors: material prizes

The age categories also serve as categories for the Hungarian amateur championship among participants.

The awards ceremony will take into account the time results of Hungarian participants, and all relevant competitors will be notified.

In determining the amateur championship rankings, in the adult categories (M18-M30, W18-W30), only the results of amateur runners (those who did not participate in the 2021 and 2022 marathon national championships) will be considered.

AFTER YOU FINISHED

The results will be continuously updated on the results list following the participants’ arrival at the finish line.

Participants without a placement number will appear on the results list if they do not have times recorded at one of the route checkpoints. Those who received a 10-minute time penalty for improper bib number wearing will have an asterisk (*) next to their name.

Order your personalized medal insert with your name and finishing time engraved in advance! Avoid the on-site queue and we’ll send it to you by mail approximately one and a half weeks after the event.

We’ll engrave your name and finishing time on a self-adhesive plastic tag. The tag fits perfectly into the recess on the back of the medal. You won’t need to search for money after the race, stand in line on-site, or wait for the medal to be engraved afterwards. We’ll create and mail the insert to you. When it arrives, just stick it on the back of your medal and your personalized keepsake of your achievement is ready.

The insert can be ordered online, along with your registration for the race, or in the „Products” section of the BSI registration system.

The price of the insert, including postage (only for addresses in Hungary), is 2,400 HUF. Order deadline: October 22, 2023.

Our photo selection after the event can be found on our Budapest Marathon Facebook page and in the Media Library section.

High-resolution photos taken along the route can be purchased on the bsi.futofoto.hu website.

You can find summary videos of the event, finish line videos, and live coverage materials here.

the celebration of running

This unforgettable journey is waiting for you alone. Will you take the step?

Videó lejátszása

REASSURING ANSWERS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have compiled the most frequently asked questions for you