From October 11–12, the 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival will host a true theatrical summit. The uniquely European “Run, Theatre, Run” relay—now in its 14th year—has attracted a record 25 teams. At the start line, representatives of Budapest and regional theatres, independent companies, festivals and musical ensembles line up together, proving that this initiative has become one of the most important community events of Hungary’s theatre and arts scene.
Where the artist’s heart meets the runner’s spirit: 14 years of tradition
Launched in 2011 with 8 teams, the program has become an integral part of the festival. The numbers speak for themselves: over the past 13 years, 280 theatre relays have crossed the finish line; 45 theatres, theatre institutions, productions—and even a TV series—have brought more than 1,200 artists and staff into this special race. Some have been loyal participants from the very beginning: the National Dance Theatre, the Hungarian State Opera and the Vígszínház will once again be on the start line for the 14th time this year.
The marathon relay trophy has, over the years, been claimed by teams such as Kolibri Theatre (2011), Újszínház (2019), Vígszínház (2013, 2014, 2015) and the reigning, multiple-time champion Hungarian State Opera. Esteemed artists have also taken part, including Kossuth Prize winners Erika Miklósa and Dorottya Udvaros, and no fewer than 19 recipients of the Jászai Mari Award have completed the distance.
The race is not only about athletic performance; it’s also about community-building and atmosphere. As actor Gábor Csőre put it after his first marathon:
“The SPAR Budapest Marathon is an event with a fantastic atmosphere. It’s a true celebration of the city. Souls dress for the occasion—this day is about good cheer and unconditional respect for one another.”
2025: A year of records and reunions
This year’s record field of 25 teams clearly signals the program’s growing popularity. The lineup is particularly diverse: joining the runners for the first time are the Madách Theatre, the Radnóti Theatre, the Erkel Theatre and the Győr National Theatre.
The full list of entrants reflects the nature of this theatrical summit: the Hungarian State Opera, Vígszínház, Radnóti Theatre, József Attila Theatre, National Dance Theatre, Örkény Theatre, Madách Theatre, Erkel Theatre, Centrál Theatre, Hungarian Theatre, Győr National Theatre, Ördögkatlan Festival, Jurányi House, as well as representatives of the music world—the Hungarian National Male Choir, the Saint Ephraim Male Choir and the Hungarian Radio Art Ensembles—are all fielding teams.
Enhancing the prestige of the competition, numerous theatre directors and leaders will also be among the runners. Alongside renowned actors—including Anna Trokán, Blanka Mészáros, Kristóf Ódor, Csaba Zöld, Balázs Szántó, Zsolt Máthé, Nóra Berényi, Emőke Zsigmond, Balázs Medveczky and Piroska Mészáros—virtually every corner of the theatre profession will be represented. Adding to the event’s uniqueness, there will be notable individual feats as well: Éva Bátyai, actress of Újszínház, and theatre director-actor Aba Sebestyén will both be running their first marathons this year.
Charity and community
Beyond sporting achievement, “Run, Theatre, Run” is committed to social responsibility. Team entry fees support charitable causes; this year’s beneficiary is the Jurányi Production Community Incubator House. To date, the initiative has provided a total of HUF 4.7 million in support to beneficiary cultural institutions.
The 40th SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival, held on October 11–12, is set to be the largest mass-participation sports event in Hungarian history. Organized by Budapest Sport Office (BSI), this jubilee edition will not only set a new national participation record but—judging by the number of individual marathoners—will also place Budapest among Europe’s foremost marathon capitals.
Across the two-day festival, everyone can find a suitable challenge—from shorter family distances to 10 km and the classic marathon. Runners will enjoy a World Heritage–lined route showcasing the Danube panorama through some of the capital’s most beautiful sites. As in previous years, the event hub will be located by the ELTE Lágymányosi Campus on Pázmány Péter sétány.
