38th SPAR Budapest Marathon – 42 km

RACE INFO


BSI reserves the right to change the route, program, and the date of the event. 

35th SPAR Budapest Marathon“…If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.” /Emil Zatopek/
The growing popularity of running a marathon is undeniable. The Marathon has been an Olympic distance since 1896 but dates back to ancient Greek times.
Enter the world of long-distance runners, become a marathon runner!
Run a marathon in Budapest, on a beautiful route with ten thousands of runners! This is a sightseeing running tour event: world heritage sites along the course, bridges across the Danube, Gellért Hill, Buda Castle, the Parliament of Budapest, Margaret Island, and a lot more. International field, unforgettable experience.

DATE:  9:00 AM, October 15 2023
DISTANCE: 42 195 m
LOCATION OF THE START/FINISH: Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117 – in front of the Eötvös Lóránd University (ELTE) Lágymányosi Campus

REGISTER NOW

 

COURSE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

 


Course

The location of the 2023 event is under discussion!

Event information for 2022 is currently available.

CLICK HERE to see the course map of 2022!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Prices & deadlines

CLICK HERE for prices and deadlines!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Wheelchair and handbike entrants can register only in advance, no later than October 10, 2023.

The entry fee includes

The registration fee includes:

  • participation in the race
  • course closed to traffic, verified by AIMS
  • BIB number
  • a unique  technical T-shirt with the race logo
    • with a size scale of S-XXL for women
    • with a size scale of XS-XXL for men
  • a unique finisher’s medal for finishers
  • finisher’s goodie bag
  • chip timing
  • refreshment points along the course
  • finisher’s goodie bag
  • medical service
  • music points along the course
  • other programs before and after the race
  • 21.26% VAT

Available discount on the entry fee

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.

Entry limit

BSI reserves the right to introduce an entry limit at any time prior to the race. 

  • If there were entry limits, registration for the races would be stopped once the limit has been reached and entry fees paid after this point will be credited on the online BSI Registration account.
  • Registration fees cannot be reimbursed. For more information on cancellation, click here.

Age requirement

By race day, registrants for this event must be 18 or older (born before October 16, 2005).

How to register

Online registration (in advance):
Register online at entry.budapestmarathon.com until 23:59 on October 10, 2023 (if the limit has not been reached for the race).
CLICK HERE for prices and further details.

After successful payment, please send your request for the invoice via email, when the registration has been closed. The invoice will be sent to you via email in .pdf format.

Registration in person:
NOT AVAILABLE, WE ARE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

On-site registration:
If the limit has not been reached, registration is also possible on-site at the race center on race day.

Please note that there is no on-site registration for wheelchair and handbike racers!

  • Opening hours of the Race Center for on-site registration:
    • We’ll publish this information later.

Categories

Date of birth Age group Man Women
2003. 10. 15. – 2005. 10. 14. 18-19 yr M18 W18
1998. 10. 15. – 2003. 10. 14. 20-24 yr M20 W20
1993. 10. 15. – 1998. 10. 14. 25-29 yr M25 W25
1988. 10. 15. – 1993. 10. 14. 30-34 yr M30 W30
1983. 10. 15. – 1988. 10. 14. 35-39 yr M35 W35
1978. 10. 15. – 1983. 10. 14. 40-44 yr M40 W40
1973. 10. 15. – 1978. 10. 14. 45-49 yr M45 W45
1968. 10. 15. – 1973. 10. 14. 50-54yr M50 W50
1963. 10. 15. – 1968. 10. 14. 55-59 yr M55 W55
1958. 10. 15. – 1963. 10. 14. 60-64 yr M60 W60
1953. 10. 15. – 1958. 10. 14. 65-69 yr M65 W65
1948. 10. 15. – 1953. 10. 14. 70-74 yr M70 W70
1943. 10. 15. – 1948. 10. 14. 75-79 yr M75 W75
born before1 943. 10.15. 80 yr or older M80 W80

 

The above categories are also the categories of the amateur national championship for Hungarian competitors.
The announcement of the results will take place only at a later time and place, taking into account the time results of the Hungarian competitors, of which we will notify all the competitors concerned.

Only the results of amateur runners in the adult categories (M18-M30, W18-W30) (those runners who did not start in 2021, 2022 marathon national championships) are taken into account when determining the amateur championship ranking.

Name on the bib

For entries submitted until 10 September, the first name will be automatically displayed on the bib below the bib number. If the runner does not want to display a name on his/her bib number, it must be indicated:
– in case of online registration, please enter the following text “I DO NOT REQUIRE A NAME ON THE BIB” in the caption that will appear on the bib.
– in case of registration in-person, please enter the following text “I DO NOT REQUIRE A NAME ON THE BIB” on the entry form.

It is possible to place a nickname on the bib instead of the first name, but with nicknames up to only 12 characters.
This request must be indicated when submitting the entry, as the first name will be added automatically only. We are unable to display image characters or emojis. Below the bib number, space will be left for later entrants to write their names on.

Start list

CLICK HERE to see the start list of the runners registered already.

Additional information

  • Participation in the event is open to any properly trained runner, wheelchair, handbike racer, or runners with a baby stroll who have agreed to the standard terms and conditions.
  • Wheelchair or handbike racers:
    • who complete the distance individually, can start from the beginning of the field. Wheelchair and handbike races will start first, 1 minute before the field, led by motorbike drivers.
    • have to be in the start zone no later than 5 minutes before the start
    • has to sign a declaration form stating that they would not overtake the motorbike drivers when entering the start zone.
    • can leave the field only from a point on the course that will be determined later
  • Please wear your race number on the front and make sure that it is clearly visible at all times and don’t fold it! Make sure you put your race number on your T-shirt properly with the safety pins which can be found in your race packet and also on the registration tables. Improper wear might result in a 10-minute time penalty.
  • Not abiding by the bib number wearing rules, despite repeated warnings, and/or not completing the full distance of the race and/or who not filling in the entry form with accurate data, and/or does not use the time measuring chip as intended, can result in disqualification from the race.
  • When you use earphones, you are unable to hear noises from outside, therefore it is not recommended to use it plugged in both ears.
    • Among the runners, there will be race organizers on bikes and motorbikes, and also ambulances if needed.
    • So you might obstruct a runner who is trying to pass you or race marshals or members of the medical team.
  • Participants are not permitted to roller-skate, bike, run without a race number, or run with a dog. Those attempting to run accompanied by someone on a bicycle or on roller-skates can be disqualified.
  • Arrive on time. We recommend you to arrive at the Race Center at least 1.5-2 hours before the start.
  • We don’t guard valuables at the race!
  • Any commercial or promotional activity should be permitted by BSI in advance, in a manner determined by BSI.
  • BSI reserves the right to limit the number of participants and close registration at any time.
  • BSI reserves the right to change the route, the program, and the date of the event.

Race organizer

BSI Sport Kft.
H-1138 Budapest, 152-156 Váci street
www.runinbudapest.com
[email protected]

RACE DAY INFORMATION

Time table

CLICK HERE to see time table of the event!

Start/Finish area

The location of the 2023 event is under discussion!

Event information for 2022 is currently available.

Start/Finish area

Pázmány Péter sétány, Budapest, 1117 – in front of the Eötvös Lóránd University (ELTE) Lágymányosi Campus

How to get there & Parking info

The location of the 2023 event is under discussion!

Event information for 2022 is currently available.

 

ARRIVE ON TIME – We recommend you to arrive at the Race Center at least 1.5-2 hours before your start!

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

  • From Kelenföld Railway Station: take the metro line M4 in the direction of Keleti Railway Station. Get off at Móricz Zsigmond körtér (the 3rd stop from Kelenföld). Then take the tram 6 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő (2 stops). From here, walk through Pázmány Péter sétány, and you will reach the Race Center in 600 m.
  • From Keleti Railway Station: take the metro line M4 in the direction of Kelenföld Railway Station. Get off at Móricz Zsigmond körtér (the sixth stop from Keleti)Then take the tram 6 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő (2 stops). From here, walk through Pázmány Péter sétány, and you will reach the Race Center in 600 m.
  • From Nyugati Railway Station: take the tram 4 or tram 6 to Petőfi híd budai hídfő (10 stops) in the direction of Újbuda-Központ (in case of tram 4) or the direction of Móricz Zsigmond körtér (in the case of tram 6). Get off at Petőfi híd budai hídfő and walk through Pázmány Péter sétány, and you will reach the Race Center in 600 m.

ARRIVE BY BIKE
Supervised bicycle storage will be operating on race day.

PARKING LOTS

    • Pay parking in the parking lot of Kopaszi gát
      • The race center is only 600 m away from the parking lot
    • Pay parking is available in the parking lot of Lurdy Ház
      • The race center can be approached by Tram 1 or replacement bus. Get off at “Info Park” (2 stops), then go straight ahead 300 m to reach the race center.
  • PLEASE ABIDE BY THE PARKING RULES
    • Do not park in locations that are not permitted

Location of the Race center

The location of the 2023 event is under discussion!

Event information for 2022 is currently available.

 

The Race center will be located in the North Building of the Eötvös Lóránd University (ELTE) Lágymányosi Campus.

Bib number pick up

CLICK HERE to see information about BIB number pick-up.

Changing rooms, cloakrooms, bicycle storage, toilets, shower

The location of the 2023 event is under discussion!

Event information for 2022 is currently available.

Changing rooms

For men: changing rooms will be available in the South Building of the ‘ELTE Lágymányos Campus’ before and after the race.
For women: changing rooms will be available in the same South Building of the ‘ELTE Lágymányos Campus’ before and after the race, but the entrance is from the side farther from the Danube.

Luggage storage

Luggage storage tents will be available near the North Building of ELTE Lágymányos Campus.
Tear the baggage tag off the bib number and attach it to your bag ensuring it is firmly in place and will not drop off. Please deposit your bag in the tent that corresponds to your bib number – you will not need the staff to take your luggage from you, you can put it there. After the race, you will be able to pick up your luggage from the staff according to your bib number.

Opening hours
    • Baggage drop-off: between 07:00-8:30
    • Baggage pick-up: 11:30-15:00

     Attention! We don’t guard valuables in the luggage storage!

Bicycle Storage

Supervised bicycle storage will be operating on-site, near the South Building of the ‘ELTE Lágymányos Campus’.

Toilets

Find toilets in the women changing rooms located in the building ‘ELTE Lágymányosi Campus – Déli tömb’.
There will be portable toilets and urinals near the changing rooms, in the start/finish area, and on the course at all refreshment and relay exchange stations.

 

Medical assistance

Please fill in the emergency section on the back of your bib. Do not forget to mention if you have taken any medication before the race!

  • During the race, medical services are available in the medical area beside the finish line.
  • If you see someone collapsing along the course please notify the race organizers posted at each kilometer sign or at the refreshment stations.
  • At the back of each bib, you can find the phone number of the medical team.

Starting zones

General information:

Runners must start from the starting zone that’s indicated on their bib number. If you haven’t indicated your planned pace, you can ask for the yellow time zone sticker at the Race Center. The starting zone is indicated in the same way for both the individual and relay runners.
The Starting Zones will be opened 25 minutes before the start and closed 5 minutes before. Afterward, runners have to start from the back of the field.

Starting zones

In order to avoid overcrowding, runners will be started in several waves according to the planned pace the runners have given during registration and which is also indicated with a yellow sticker on the bib number.

 

    • 1st time zone: pace under 4:30 min/km (Marathon under 3 hours 10 minutes)
    • 2nd time zone: pace between 4:30 and 5:00 min/km (Marathon between 3 hours 10 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes)
    • 3rd time zone: pace between 5:00 and 5:30 min/km (Marathon between 3 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 52 minutes)
    • 4th time zone: pace between 5:30 and 6:00 min/km (Marathon between 3 hours 52 minutes and 4 hours 13 minutes)
    • 5th zone: pace between 6:00 min/km and 6:30 min/km (Marathon between 4 hours 13 minutes and 4 hours 34 minutes)
    • 6th zone: pace more than 6:30 min/km (Marathon in more than 4 hours 34 minutes)

If you haven’t indicated your planned pace, you can ask for the yellow time zone sticker at the Race Center.


The starting of one wave takes approx. 3 minutes and there will be 1.5-2 minute-breaks between each start.

 

Additional information:

  • At the beginning of the field, there will be Race organizers standing and will lead the field to the start line.
  • Waves will be started in 1.5-2 minutes once they are led to the start line
  • Wheelchair or handbike racers:
    • who complete the distance individually, can start from the beginning of the field. Wheelchair and handbike races will start first, 1 minute before the field, led by motorbike drivers.
    • have to be in the start zone no later than 5 minutes before the start
    • has to sign a declaration form stating that they would not overtake the motorbike drivers when entering the start zone.
    • can leave the field only from a point on the course that will be determined later

Course

The route of the 2023 event is under discussion!

The route for the 2022 marathon is currently available.

 

Distance: 42 195 m

Route:

Pázmány Péter sétány – Budai Alsó rakpart – Döbrentei téri rakparti felhajtó – Várkert rakpart – Ybl Miklós tér – Apród utca – Attila út – Alagút utca – Clark Ádám tér – Fő utca – Jégverem utca – Bem rakpart – Árpád Fejedelem útja – Margithíd északi lehajtó  – Margit híd – Jászai Mari tér – Jászai Mari téri déli rakparti lehajtó – Pesti alsó rakpart – Közraktár utca – Fővám tér – Szabadság híd – Szt. Gellért tér – Műegyetem rakpart – Pázmány Péter sétány – Dombóvári út – FORDÍTÓ (a Lágymányosi híd felhajtó előtt) – Dombóvári út – Budai alsó rakpart – Árpád fejedelem útja – Serfőző utca – Árpád híd (déli oldal két forgalmi sáv)– Schulek Frigyes sétány – Hajós Alfréd sétány – Rendőrség útja – Schulek Frigyes sétány – Árpád híd (déli oldal két forgalmi sáv) – Népfürdő utca lehajtó – Népfürdő utca – Moszkva sétány – Vizafogó utca – FORDÍTÓ – Vizafogó utca – Népfürdő utca – Dráva utcai rakparti lehajtó – Pesti alsó rakpart – Szt. István parki rakparti felhajtó – Újpesti rakpart – Jászai Mari téri északi rakparti lehajtó – Pesti alsó rakpart – FORDÍTÓ – Pesti alsó rakpart  – Közraktár utca – Fővám tér – Szabadság híd – Szt. Gellért tér – Műegyetem rakpart – Pázmány Péter sétány

 

CLICK HERE to see the course map of 2022!


Kilometers achieved: Each kilometer is marked on the route with a sign placed 2 meters high. This will allow you to check your pace to complete the distance at the pace you have planned and prepared for.

Pace Runners

If you think you won’t be able to run at a predetermined speed, several pace runners aiming for different goal times and paces can help you realize your goals.
We choose all of our pace runners very carefully, all of them are experienced runners and they are able to surpass their own interests and do everything for the runners who are following them and trust them. They think instead of the runners, check the time regularly and encourage others.
Look for them in the starting zones. You can always spot them from afar by the beach flags on their back (with their goal race pace and goal finish time). Find the pace that best suits you:

SPAR Budapest Marathon Running Pace Charts:

Refreshment stations

The route of the 2023 event is under discussion!

The refreshment points for the 2022 marathon is currently available.

 

Distance (km) Location of the Refreshment point Refreshment supplies
4,2 at Dózsa György tér near Alagút utca water
7,2 at Elvis Presley tér water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
11,2 at Pesti alsó rakpart, Mahart International boat station water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
14,5 at Pázmány Péter sétány, leaving Magyar Tudósok körút water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
18,6 at the driveway near Döbrentei tér water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
22,6 at Árpád fejedelem útja near Dara utca water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
27,3 at Margaret Island, Police station water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
30,7 at Moszkva sétány, near Dagály Thermal Bath water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon
35,1 at Jászai Mari tér, driveway to Újpest rakpart water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon, Magnesium, Calcium, Pepsi Cola
39,2 at Pesti alsó rakpart, Mahart International boat station water, Gatorade isotonic drink, banana, glucose, lemon, Magnesium, Calcium, Pepsi Cola
40,1 at Műegyetem rakpart near BME CH building water
Additional information
  • Individual refreshments can be drop off on the race day at the Race center, 45 minutes before the start (at the latest).
  • Should there be any queues at the water stations, please try to be as patient as possible. Take only as many refreshments as you need, think of other runners as well.
  • There will be water points at the start and finish area. However, if the weather gets warmer, additional temporary water points may be installed.

Please think green!

Large garbage containers will be placed at every refreshment point on both sides. The last garbage containers will be placed 50 meters from the refreshment points. We ask you to put your garbage there. Do not throw it away, don’t leave it on the ground.

Selective waste collectors will be established at the refreshment points as well.

 

Timelimit

The time limit is 5 hours 30 minutes net time according to the start time of the last runner.
A sweep bus follows the runners at a pace of 5:30:00. If you are passed by the sweep bus, you have to get on the bus, your bib number will be crossed and you are not allowed to enter the finish area.
The exact pace chart of the sweep bus:

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
Marathon
5:29:36

Time measurement

The Time measurement provider is under negotiation.

 

BIB number rules

Bib number rules

Time measurement is done with the help of timing mats (antennas) placed on the ground, that detects the transmitter placed in the bib number from a distance of about 2-3 meters. Time-stamping occurs at a strong signal only (when passing over the starting carpet).

For a successful time measurement, please abide by the following rules:

  • The bib number must be worn visibly throughout the race, around the abdomen/chest.
  • Bib number holding belt is allowed and recommended!
  • The bib number must not be hidden or folded.
  • The chip on the back of the bib number should not be removed, folded, or punctured with the safety pin.
  • Make sure to wear your own bib number during the race.
  • Once arriving at the finish line, please leave the measuring point as soon as possible.

Prizes

  • Marathon distance: prizes will be issued to the top 3 male and female individuals.
  • The results are announced based on the order of arrival at the finish line (gross time). The result list on the website (based on net time) may include a different ranking.
  • 1st-3rd placed wheelchair and handbike male and female riders will be awarded a material gift.
  • The age categories are also the categories of the amateur national championship for Hungarian competitors.

The announcement of the results will take place in accordance with the time results of the Hungarian competitors only, of which we will notify all the competitors concerned.

Only the results of amateur runners in the adult categories (M18-M30, W18-W30) (those runners who did not start in 2019, 2020 marathon national championships) are taken into account when determining the amateur championship ranking.

AFTER RACE INFORMATION

Results

  • Finishers’ medals this time will not be placed on your neck. Race organizer colleagues will hand it over to you, once you finish the race. After that, you can pick up your goodie bag.

A list of results will be published online in real-time and will be updated as runners cross the finish line.
Runners who do not have time at one of the checkpoints along the course will not be given a rank.
Those who received a 10-minute penalty will be marked with an asterisk.

Personalize your finisher medal

Order your medal insert engraved with your name and your result!

Order Deadline: October 22, 2023
PRICE:  12 € (shipping and handling to a foreign address included)
The medal insert can be ordered prior to the race online at the entry.runinbudapest.com website, or on-site.

By doing this you can skip the long queues and you don’t have to bother with cash. Buy it online and after the event, we will send you the medal insert engraved with your name and time that fits neatly into the back of your finisher medal.
We will engrave your name and time on a small stick-on metal card and send it to your postal address. When you get it you can easily stick it onto the back of your medal and your personalized medal is ready!
The personal medal insert can only be ordered for those with an individual result.

Important information:
The medal insert will be shipped to the address already existing in our database.  Fill in the “Shipping address” only in case you prefer to have it at another address.

Race photos

High-resolution photos taken along the course can be downloaded after the race at  https://bsi.futofoto.hu/

WE WISH YOU HAVE A GREAT TIME!