Bratislava comes of age

From being a small local event – with 760 runners at its premiere in 2006 – it grew thanks to the organisational team led by Jozef and Peter Pukalovič, into an event with over 10,000 participants from more than 50 countries. It can confidently compete with similar events all across Europe, offering perfect organisation and a great atmosphere.

The growth of the marathon in the city on the Danube was such that it reached more than 10,000 runners in 2016 and maintained that number until 2019 before Covid impacted. In the first post-pandemic race 10,100 runners participated in 2023.

The 19th ČSOB Bratislava Marathon, taking place in the first weekend of April 2024, offers the opportunity to spend a wonderful weekend in a city where European history was written while experiencing the unique atmosphere of a running event suitable for families as well as competitive runners. This event is a great choice for an extended weekend in the Slovak capital for the whole family.

The event begins with the “Marathon Village” in the centre of Bratislava. Near a shopping centre and the Slovak National Theatre, the Marathon Hub is open from Thursday. Various workshops, sports lectures, discussions with famous athletes and experts are organised here. Foreign and non-local runners enjoy the “History Run”, a 5km-long running tour of the historical centre of Bratislava with a professional guide. You can join this for free either on Friday or Saturday (5–6 April). You will stop at historical landmarks and the commentary is provided in both Slovak and English.

Saturday morning is reserved for the “Good morning Run” – a communal jog with event ambassadors and coaches from the organising team. It’s an ideal way to shake off pre-race jitters. Kids also get to run in the morning, and in the afternoon there are competitions at shorter distances (4,2km and 10km), including the Senior Run & Walk. All races are great for hobby runners and everyone receives a unique participant’s medal at the finish line.

On Sunday, the main disciplines of the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon take place – the marathon, half marathon and relay run. For the organisers of the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon every runner is important, reflected in the race motto “Where everyone is a winner.” Indeed, at the finish line, every participant feels like a winner thanks to the applause of the fans.

Marathon and half marathon runners will find a refreshment station every 2.5km along the course and in the finish area they will receive a medal and a high-quality “finisher’s” T-shirt. Kids will receive a T-shirt too, along with the sports backpack in the starting pack.

ČSOB Bratislava Marathon is an annual event on the World Athletics calendar, a member of AIMS, and its quality is guaranteed by a 5-star certificate from European Athletics and the Label status from World Athletics. Moreover, the marathon at this event is a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Wanda (age group). So don’t hesitate to come to Bratislava on 7 April to earn points in this prestigious ranking.