Record 17,110 runners in Bratislava

The program was divided into two days filled with movement and emotion. While Saturday belonged primarily to young talents, minimarathon participants, and the popular 10 km run, Sunday morning launched the main disciplines – the marathon, half marathon, and relay races.

In addition to the overall attendance record, the event also recorded its highest-ever international participation. Runners representing more than 90 different nationalities appeared on the streets of Bratislava, giving the 21st edition a truly global character.

“We experienced a wonderful sporting weekend full of an amazing atmosphere in the city streets, enjoyed by thousands of runners and spectators alike, supported by almost ideal weather on both Saturday and Sunday. We are delighted by all the Slovak triumphs in the main disciplines. We especially value Marek Hladík’s victory in the marathon after two previous second-place finishes, as well as the shattering of course records in the 10 km by Veronika Páleníková and Peter Ďurec,” evaluated Jozef Pukalovič, the event director.

The uniqueness of the event was further underlined by its strong humanitarian and social dimension, long-term supported by the general partner.

“I am very pleased that the idea of togetherness was manifested in full force at this year’s ČSOB Bratislava Marathon. The atmosphere among the runners at the start was truly infectious and charged with energy. Seeing such a large number of people united by a common cause – in this case, the joy of running – was very encouraging for me. I wish for this parallel to be reflected, at least in part, in the daily functioning of society and the country. That we may focus more on a common goal instead of division,” stated Daniel Kollár, CEO of ČSOB and 365.bank. He also touched upon the important accompanying campaign:

“Once again, it was shown that running with determination knows no boundaries. Visually impaired and blind runners are at the start of the event every year, overcoming the course with immense will and the help of their guides. They are a great inspiration to us, and we wish for everyday life to be even more accessible for them.” Daniel Kollár subsequently presented a check for EUR 20,000 (23,500 USD) to the Slovak Blind and Visually Impaired Union (ÚNSS).

The main partners, who created a base for runners and fans in the city center, significantly contributed to the success of the event.

“Based on the extremely positive experience from last year, we decided to continue our main partnership during the 21st edition, and the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon 2026 only confirmed how important the connection with this exceptional event is for us. Throughout the weekend, a strong community dimension, authentic energy, and the enthusiasm of thousands of runners and visitors were palpable. We are very pleased that the ORLEN zone again became a natural meeting place for rest and experiences. The event was also organized at a high professional level, underlining its significance and international character,” said Matej Varga, Managing Director responsible for retail at ORLEN Unipetrol Slovakia.

The long-term stability and growth of the event were also highlighted by Veolia Energia Slovensko, a.s., which has been a staple of the marathon weekend and a main partner for half a decade.

“Veolia has been a proud partner of the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon for five years now, and I am very happy with this cooperation. Each year, the event proves that it belongs among the top-level events that unite people, develop the community, and bring a good name to the city. I am particularly pleased that many of our employees stood at the start, and several of them even earned spots on the podium in their categories. I believe that together with the other partners, we will continue to contribute to making this exceptional running weekend grow and bring joy to an ever-increasing number of people,” concluded Peter Dobrý, CEO of Veolia Energia Slovensko, a. s.

In the premier discipline, Marek Hladík from Runfinity Athletics Bratislava triumphed, entering history as the fourth Slovak winner of this event (following Urban in 2017, Ilavský in 2021, and Rusina in 2025). “It was a hard-fought victory,” admitted the 35-year-old athlete at the finish line, having also secured his third Slovak Marathon Champion title (previous titles in Košice 2020 and 2023). In the historical tables of marathon titles, he has caught up with the trio of Vladislav Lipovský, Jozef Urban, and Tibor Sahajda; Imrich Pástor remains the leader with four gold medals.

Hladík, who finished second in Bratislava for the previous two years, has now become an eight-time Slovak champion in running disciplines and a 31-time medalist at the Slovak Championships (8–14–9). With Sunday’s triumph, he also achieved a unique Slovak record – he is the only runner in history to win all three of the most significant Slovak marathons: the MMM in Košice (2020), the Rajec Marathon (2025), and now the ČSOB Bratislava Marathon (2026).

Following the new Slovak champion, German runner Caleb Trabitzsch (2:27:01) finished second, while the podium was completed by the winner of the 2022 and 2023 Bratislava marathons, Taras Ivaniuta (2:31:23), a Ukrainian living in Slovakia.

The women’s marathon was dominated by Polish runner Anna Bodnarová, whose time of 2:54:23 marked the first-ever marathon victory for her country at this event. The Slovak Champion title was won by the overall second-placed Mária Danečková. With a time of 2:58:22, she improved her personal best by 33 seconds, securing her second national title in a short period following her March triumph at the Slovak Mountain Running Championships. Overall third and second in the Slovak Championship was Liliana Hausnerová (2:59:47). Bronze went to Monika Kusendová (3:00:31).

In the half marathon, Czech runner Adam Szymanik battled for the win against last year’s best Slovak marathoner, Martin Rusina. Szymanik (1:07:10) was ultimately successful, winning by 35 seconds. However, Rusina (1:07:45) improved his Bratislava personal best from 2024 by 12 seconds and claimed his third silver medal at ČSOB BAM (2020, 2023, 2026). Third place went to Adam Mihalov (1:08:00).

The women’s half marathon was won by Žofia Naňová (1:17:05), marking her first victory at ČSOB BAM. She was followed by Romana Gajdošová (1:19:36) and Silvia Valová (1:20:02).
In the 10 km discipline, records were shattered in both main categories. Current Slovak champion Peter Ďurec set a phenomenal men’s record of 29:32, improving the previous course maximum by an incredible 3 minutes and 14 seconds. He defeated the three-time event record holder, Italian Marco Borneti (33:35). Veronika Páleníková set a new women’s record of 36:30, improving the previous best by 24 seconds.

In the 4.2 km minimarathon, Filip Kubíček (13:24) and Lucia Sopková (15:25) emerged victorious.