Košice Peace Marathon

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Sports & AdventureKošice
Dates3 October 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-1859
Best forCompetition, enduranceFew marathons anywhere can claim the
Language["sk"]Currency: EUR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Košice Peace Marathon in Košice

The Kosice Peace Marathon, known in Slovak as Medzinarodny maraton mieru, is run each October through the historic center of Kosice. Founded in 1924 and run continuously since 1941, it is widely described as the oldest continuously held marathon in the world and the oldest marathon in Europe, holding World Athletics Silver Label status.

On the first Sunday of every October, the historic streets of Kosice close to traffic for a race with a claim few others in the world can match: the Kosice Peace Marathon has been run every single year since 1941, and traces its origins back further still, to 1924, when organizer Vojtech Bukovsky, inspired by that year's Paris Olympics, staged the first edition beneath the ruins of Turna Castle.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few marathons anywhere can claim the unbroken history of the Kosice Peace Marathon: founded in 1924 after organizer Vojtech Bukovsky was inspired by that year's Paris Olympics, it has been run every year since 1941 without interruption, a run of continuity that predates even Boston's and Yonkers' more recent unbroken streaks

02

The mystery stays covered

It carries World Athletics Silver Label status, and its flat, twice-looped course through Kosice's UNESCO-recognized center has produced course records of 2:06:47 for men and 2:21:08 for women

03

The city starts moving

Past champions include 1931 winner Juan Carlos Zabala, who won Olympic gold the following year, and 1961 winner Abebe Bikila, who took back-to-back Olympic marathon titles in 1960 and 1964

04

The water draws everyone in

Women were first admitted to the race in 1980

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race is organized by Maratonsky klub Kosice

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the club that has run it since its 1924 founding

The sacred route

Living ritual

and its continuous operation since 1941

The local code

Living ritual

including through wartime years under changing political control

Tradition 5

Living ritual

has made it a fixture of Kosice civic identity

Tradition 6

Living ritual

commemorated locally as a symbol of endurance and continuity through a turbulent twentieth century

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

3 October 2026

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Košice; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Standard marathon running kit suited to early-October conditions in eastern Slovakia, which can range from cool, crisp mornings to mild afternoons; many runners start in a disposable layer...

Safety

At Košice Peace Marathon, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Košice Peace Marathon does not become the hardest part.

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

["sk"] · EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map48.71 N, 21.26 EOpen in Google Maps

Košice, Košice Region, Slovakia

Nearest airportUDJ — Uzhhorod
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Košice; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaFor busy dates, stay near reliable routes so the return after Košice Peace Marathon does not become the hardest part.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Košice via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Košice, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearStandard marathon running kit suited to early-October conditions in eastern Slovakia, which can range from cool, crisp mornings to mild afternoons; many runners start in a disposable layer they shed once warmed up. Spectators should dress warmly in layers, since standing outdoors in October mornings can be cold even if the day warms later.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Slovakia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Košice Peace Marathon?

Košice Peace Marathon is listed for 3 October 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Košice Peace Marathon take place?

The festival is listed in Košice, Slovakia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Košice, Košice Region, Slovakia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmarathons.fr
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates3 October 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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