Experience
the race
For over four decades, the Warsaw Marathon has inspired runners to push their limits and achieve their athletic dreams. The course runs through the heart of the city, attracting runners from around the world. It is one of Europe’s most distinctive and resilient city marathons.
KEY FIGURES & STATISTICS
Number of countries represented
104
Number of participants
2025: 11,800 registered; 9,500 finishers
2026 (estimations): 14,000 registered (2026 capacity limit); 12,000 finishers
Fun facts / statistics:
Probably the only marathon with pacers every 5 minutes (from 2:10 down)
The only known marathon with a finisher’s medal that can be halved and handed over as a “thank you” item
The European Marathon Classic with the longest streak of uninterrupted editions
(47 - every year since 1979)
Weather conditions
Average temperature
Average daytime highs are around 19°Cwith nighttime lows around 9-10°C.
Average wind speed
Generally gentle to light breezes, contributing to the "Golden Polish Autumn" feel.
Average rainfall
Roughly 47mm of precipitation occurs throughout the month, typically spread over 9 days.
Weather conditions
September offers a pleasant transition from summer, with roughly 13 hours of daylight and a moderate UV index.
Course Description
The Warsaw Marathon is run on a loop course with both start and finish located in the very heart of the city, creating a compact, spectator-friendly layout. The course is known for being exceptionally fast, with a total elevation gain of just 93 meters, making it one of the flattest major city marathons in Europe.
The route connects both banks of the Vistula (Wisła) River and spans seven districts of Warsaw, offering a rare cross-section of the city’s geography and atmosphere. Over the decades, the course has evolved many times, adapting to the city’s growth and infrastructure. The version introduced in 2025 is widely regarded as the fastest and most scenic in the event’s history and is planned to remain the benchmark layout for the coming years.
Iconic sections define the race experience: runners cross two major bridges, pass along the historic Royal Road, run by the National Stadium, the Warsaw ZOO, and through the vicinity of the Old Town, blending speed with strong visual identity. The course is further energized by 42 fan zones, ensuring at least one cheering point per kilometer and creating continuous crowd support from start to finish.
This combination of speed, scenery, and atmosphere has driven strong recent growth, with the Warsaw Marathon reaching 9,500+ finishers in 2025, underlining its status as a modern, fast, and runner-focused European classic.
Tourism & Destination Highlights
The Warsaw Marathon is designed as more than a race weekend – it is a cultural and social experience rooted in the city. A signature element is the Pierogi Party, a one-of-a-kind festival of local cuisine and culture held the day before the race, open not only to runners but also to their families and friends. Another distinctive feature is the finisher’s medal, entirely designed by a local sculptor and uniquely composed of two parts – one for the runner and one intended as a symbolic “thank you” gift for someone who supported the journey to the finish line.
The marathon village and race office are located in a truly symbolic setting: Plac Centralny, a newly opened central square that has quickly become a modern meeting point in the heart of the city. This location places runners and visitors directly inside the urban rhythm of Warsaw. The main airport (Chopin Airport) is located close to the city centre, so you can reach the downtown area near the starting point in under 25 minutes.
Warsaw itself is a city of strong contrasts and character, where rich history meets modern energy. From the meticulously reconstructed Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the glass towers around United Nations Crossing (Rondo ONZ) and the lively streets of Śródmieście, past and present coexist side by side. Walking along Castle Square, Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat reveals museums, cafés and landmarks at every step.
Nature is an integral part of the city’s identity. The Vistula River flows through Warsaw with wide, partly wild boulevards, green paths and sandy riverbanks. It is the only European capital where you can sit on a natural river beach, legally light a grill and look across the water at a modern skyline. Nearby parks such as Łazienki Królewskie and Pole Mokotowskie offer space to slow down, relax or stay active.
With world-class cultural institutions, a diverse food scene, efficient public transport and compact distances, Warsaw delivers a balanced, authentic and memorable marathon destination – one that runners experience with all senses, not only through the race itself.
Event History
The inaugural race was launched under the name Peace Marathon and from the very beginning went beyond sport: the first edition combined a road marathon with a modern art exhibition, and the top finishers were awarded paintings and sculptures by contemporary Polish artists instead of traditional trophies. This fusion of sport, culture, and social meaning became a defining trait of the event.
Across more than four decades, the Warsaw Marathon has repeatedly proven the determination of its organizers. The race was held in 1982 during martial law, when tanks were present on the streets of Warsaw, and again in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the event was delivered in a special, adapted format rather than cancelled. This continuity reflects a rare organizational resilience and a deep-rooted commitment to the running community.
Today, the Warsaw Marathon holds a unique position among European city marathons: it is the European Classic with the highest number of uninterrupted editions, having been staged every single year since 1979 without a break. Over time, it has grown from a symbolic peace initiative into a major international marathon, while preserving its original spirit of openness, cultural depth, and perseverance.
Race Director’s Quote
Marek Tronina, CEO of the Warsaw Marathon Foundation:
“It has taken years to build the Warsaw Marathon into what it is today: a perfectly organized, much-loved city brand. Warsaw truly loves its marathon, and every year more people become part of it — as runners, volunteers, and spectators. Make no mistake: the Warsaw Marathon is one of Europe’s true marathon classics, still waiting to be discovered by runners from across the continent. Visit Warsaw at the end of September — and you will never regret it.”
Transport & race tips
Arriving by train is one of the easiest options. Warszawa Centralna is located within walking distance of the Palace of Culture and Science. From the station, it takes around 10 minutes on foot to reach Świętokrzyska Street.
Warszawa Zachodnia also offers convenient connections. From there, you can take a direct train to Warszawa Śródmieście or use the metro and reach the event area in about 15 to 20 minutes.
On marathon day, access to the city center is restricted and it is not possible to drive directly to the event area. Multiple streets around the Palace of Culture and Science will be closed due to the race course.
If you are arriving by car, the best solution is to leave it at a park and ride facility on the outskirts of the city and continue by metro. The Świętokrzyska metro station, served by both M1 and M2 lines, is located directly next to the event area and provides easy access.
From Chopin Airport, you can take a direct train to Warszawa Centralna. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From there, the event location is within walking distance.
From Warsaw Modlin Airport, buses connect to central Warsaw. Travel time is longer, so allow extra time.
The Palace of Culture and Science is located in the very center of Warsaw and is well connected by metro, tram, and bus. You can also use city bikes (veturilo). On race day, public transport (free for marathoners) will usually be the most reliable way to reach the start area on time.
Logistics & Arrival
Pick up your race kit early at the Palace of Culture and Science to avoid last-minute queues. On race day, take advantage of free public transport for participants and arrive with plenty of time for the bag drop. Study the course map in advance so you know exactly where to find water stations, toilets, and cheering zones.
The Golden Rule: Nothing New
Stick to what you know. Don’t experiment with new shoes, clothes, or energy gels on race day—use only what you’ve tested during training. This applies to breakfast, too; choose something familiar and easy to digest. Dress in breathable layers appropriate for the September 27th forecast and don't forget sun protection.
Strategy & Start Line
Be patient at the start; your chip time only begins when you cross the line, so stay calm in your assigned pace group. Start gradually and avoid letting adrenaline ruin your pacing. Remember to perform your usual warm-up routine, and most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel serious pain, prioritize your health over your time.
Mental Game & Experience
Break the 42.2km into smaller, manageable chunks—like reaching the next water station. If you’re running for #IRUNWELL, let your charity mission fuel you when it gets tough. Soak in the energy from the crowds, smile for the cameras, and remember to enjoy your moment!
Ways to get involved
REGISTRATION
CHarity ENTRY
Tour operator
looking for more details about the race?
Race Website
Media gallery
Photos
