Prior to the start, everyone is kindly requested to position themselves in the appropriate start zone according to their planned pace (minutes per kilometer) to avoid disturbing other runners.
- Zone 1: Within 4:30 pace (within 1:03:00 for 14 km) (marked with „1” on the race bib, before the number)
- Zone 2: Between 4:30 and 5:00 pace (between 1:03:00 and 1:10:00 for 14 km) (marked with „2” on the race bib, before the number)
- Zone 3: Between 5:00 and 5:30 pace (between 1:10:00 and 1:17:00 for 14 km) (marked with „3” on the race bib, before the number)
- Zone 4: Between 5:30 and 6:00 pace (between 1:17:00 and 1:24:00 for 14 km) (marked with „4” on the race bib, before the number)
- Zone 5: Between 6:00 and 6:30 pace (between 1:24:00 and 1:31:00 for 14 km) (marked with „5” on the race bib, before the number)
- Zone 6: Above 6:30 pace (above 1:31:00 for 14 km) (marked with „6” on the race bib, before the number)
The start zone markings are the same for participants in the 14 km segment, individual marathon runners, 4-person relays, and marathon duos. For relays, the pace of the first team member determines the placement.
In this event, everyone is only allowed to enter the start zone corresponding to their pre-determined planned pace. This is intended to reduce the initial chaos during the first kilometers after the start and unnecessary overtaking. When runners of the same pace start from the same zone, the beginning of the race will be more calm and predictable. The placement in the correct start zone according to the planned pace is facilitated by an adhesive label on the race bib, which will be checked upon entering the zone. The number on the label matches the zone number. For relays, the team’s first member will have the zone sticker on their bib.
Everyone can only enter the start zone corresponding to the zone number on their bib. Those who haven’t provided a planned pace can request a label at the race center before the start. Without a start zone label, you can only enter the last start zone.
Place the pacing flag indicating your target pace at the end of the designated zone, which means you should position yourself towards the start gate from the entrance.
After entering the zone, proceed towards the start gate so that those arriving after you can also position themselves within the zone.
We will open the start zone gates 25 minutes before the start and close them 5 minutes before the start. After that, you can only position yourself at the back of the field.
If you encounter a runner with an incorrect label in your start zone, kindly ask them to choose the start zone that matches their estimated finish time, to avoid confusion and potential accidents.
Rules for Wheelchair and Handbike Participants:
If they complete the distance under their own power, they can start from the front of the field, 1 minute before the official start. They should position themselves at the start line from the route-side gate, no later than 5 minutes before the start. Upon entering the start line, they must sign a declaration that they will not overtake the leading motorbike escort while adhering to the rules. They can proceed from a designated point on the route at their own pace towards the finish line. Wheelchair and handbike participants completing the distance with assistance can position themselves in the designated zone according to the indicated pace during registration.
Staggered Start at the 38th SPAR Budapest Marathon® Festival:
Participants of the 14 km distance will be started in multiple waves, with each wave starting within a 3-minute interval. At the front of each wave, organizers will be present to lead the participants to the starting line. After reaching the starting line, we will start the wave approximately 4.5 minutes later, and the same procedure will be followed for later waves.
Between waves, the start zone gates will not be opened.
Equipment left in the start zone will be collected immediately after the start and will be donated to the Hungarian Red Cross for charitable purposes.