Two months to go

The countdown to the 103rd Košice Peace Marathon has entered its final two months. They will fly by faster than you think, and there is still plenty to prepare for.

Our latest newsletter brings you another selection of news and updates. Before you dive into the full stories, here are some of the highlights:

15,000 runners and counting! Just a few days ago we passed the milestone of 15,000 registered participants. Fewer than 2,000 bib numbers now remain for the main race programme on Sunday, 4 October. At the current pace of registrations, they are expected to sell out within the next month.

The Men Who Defied Time – behind this title are two extraordinary stories united by incredible perseverance and a passion for the marathon. You’ll have to wait a little longer before we reveal them in full, but we are convinced they will become one of the defining stories of the Košice Peace Marathon 2026.

Minebea Slovakia joins the Košice Marathon family. A member of the global MinebeaMitsumi Group, the advanced technology company with Japanese roots has become one of the Main Partners of the Košice Peace Marathon. Its Košice facility is among the company’s newest and most modern production plants worldwide.

A significant and exciting change is also taking place for our long-standing General Partner. Following its acquisition by Nippon Steel, U. S. Steel Košice will officially become Nippon Steel Slovakia on October 1, 2026.

The elite field is taking shape. On paper, this year’s line-up looks even stronger than in the years when the course records were set. The athlete with the fastest personal best represents a country few would expect to see at the top of the start list. We’ll reveal more in September.

Celebrate your finish at the Medal Party. If you still have the energy after the race, join us for an evening of music and celebration. Once again, the party will take place at Tabačka Kulturfabrik.

Our TV production is gathering momentum. Preparations for the live broadcast are already well underway. This year’s coverage will feature a brand-new studio on the course and worldwide live streaming. English commentary will once again be provided by James Thie.

Another step towards sustainability. Environmental responsibility remains one of our priorities. Thanks to the initiative and support of the East Slovak Water Company, a third refreshment station will be supplied directly from the municipal water network, eliminating the need to transport bottled water along the course.

More pacers, more target times. Great news for runners who enjoy racing alongside others aiming for the same finish time. Our pace team continues to grow and will cover an even wider range of marathon target times: 2:50, 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20 and 4:30. Half marathon pacing remains unchanged from last year.