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.