WHY THIS CHORE
SHOW UP READY.
Marathon history you can feel underfoot — run continuously since 1924, with a fast, flat course and the charm of a gothic old town.
WHAT TO EXPECT
VERIFIED EVENT DETAILS · DAILY CHORE EDITORIAL COMMENTARY
History
The Košice Peace Marathon was founded in 1924 and is Europe's oldest continuously held marathon, and one of the oldest anywhere (after Boston). It has run the official 42.195 km distance since its very first edition — without interruption since 1941.
The Route
Start and finish on Hlavná ulica, right in the old town. The course is a flat, two-loop route through the historic city centre and adjoining residential areas — paved, traffic-free, with only around 74 m of total elevation gain. The course was originally laid out for the 1997 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and remains fast to this day.
Races & Start Times
- 20 km Handbike — start 8:45
- Marathon (42.195 km) & Relay — start 9:00, time limit 6 hours
- Half Marathon (21.1 km) — start 10:30
Who it's for
Runners looking for a fast, flat city course with historic character — Košice has been named European Capital of Culture (2013) and Best European City of Sport (2016). Also well suited to first-time marathoners thanks to the gentle elevation profile.
Around the event
After the race, take a stroll through the gothic old town to St. Elisabeth's Cathedral or visit the Košice Botanical Garden.
WHO IT'S FOR
KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SIGNING UP FOR.
- DIFFICULTY
- Beginner
- FIRST-TIMERS
- Suitable for a first attempt at this format.
- BEGINNER FIT
- 4/5
DAILY CHORE TAKE
OUR TAKE, OUT OF 10.
THESE ARE OUR OWN EDITORIAL ASSESSMENTS, NOT OFFICIAL RATINGS.
