Budapest is one of the most gorgeous cities in the world to run in. I’m actually not surprised that thousands of people travel from all over the world to run one of the races in Budapest. Imagine running past UNESCO World Heritage sites, crossing the iconic Chain Bridge, or winding through the city’s streets—all while surrounded by that electric race-day energy.
I used to be terrified of running a public race, but after my first Spar 10k, I never looked back. If you’re looking to race this year, Budapest has a handful of major races to choose from. And if you’re like me, and thought it was so intimidating, please try it anyway! The sense of accomplishment and the thrill of running with so many people makes it worth it. Plus, with race distances ranging from 3 km to full marathons, you should be able to find the right race for you.
Are you ready to make plans and start training? Here are some of Budapest’s must-run races!
Classic Races in Budapest
NN City Run
- When: March
- Distances: 3 km, 5 km, 11km, half marathon
- About the Run: Kick off Budapest race season with the NN City Run in March! There are a couple of things that set it apart. Firstly, this race offers the shortest distance of 3 kilometers. If you’ve never run a race before, this could be a great starter event for you! Secondly, the routes focus more on the Buda side than the other races.
Vivicittá Spring Half Marathon
- When: April
- Distances: 7 km, 10 km, half marathon
- About the Run: It’s fitting that this is in spring since it is one of Budapest’s greenest runs! The Vivicittá run starts and finishes on Margaret Island, while also taking some time down the Pest riverside. After your race, you can celebrate in the green, flower-filled park and explore the island! You can even find a nice patch of grass and stretch out for a nap in the sun (that post-race nap is the best, trust me).
Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
- When: September
- Distances: 10k, 21.1 km (half marathon), relay options for teams of two or three
- About the Run: Hungary’s flagship budget airline sponsors this favorite activity. Perfect for those who want a challenge but aren’t ready for a full marathon, this race takes you through the city center, past iconic sights like Parliament, the Chain Bridge, Gellért Hill, and more. The half marathon is known for its great energy and international crowd, drawing thousands of runners from around the world.
SPAR Budapest Marathon
- When: October
- Distances: 42.2 km (full marathon), 30 km, 14km, 10 km, 5 km
- About the Run: This is known to be Budapest’s biggest running event! People come from all over the globe to complete this marathon, and I can see why–the route is absolutely gorgeous. Runners will go up and down the Danube, passing Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and more. If a full marathon isn’t for you, the event offers shorter distances so everyone can find a race that challenges them.
Other Races in and Around Budapest
Salomon Ultra-Trail Hungary
- When: Summer
- Distances: Ultra-distance races covering trails outside Budapest-22k, 30k, 54k, 84k, 111k, kids trail
- About the Race: If you want to challenge yourself to ultra-long distances that are off the beaten path, this is the race for you. The event has six different trails to choose from (including a kid’s race), which stretch across different parts of the Hungarian countryside surrounding Budapest. This is a favorite for runners looking to test their endurance!
Crazy5k Budapest
- When: Multiple times per year
- Distances: 5 km
- About the Run: This takes “fun-run” to a whole new level! If you want to challenge yourself physically but still want to have loads of laughs, then the Crazy5k could be for you. Basically, you run 5k while navigating a bunch of inflatable obstacles. So bring your energy and get ready to run!
Night Run Budapest
- When: Late August
- Distances: 6 km, 10.5 km, half marathon
- Why Run It? Remember those iconic Budapest landmarks we were talking about? Well, they take on a whole other kind of beauty when you see them illuminated at night! Taking place at the end of August, this is a great way for runners to wrap up the summer. If you’ve never tried a night race before, this is your perfect opportunity!
Find Your Perfect Race in Budapest
So, are we agreed? Budapest is a great place to test your endurance and run a race! Not only do you get to run past castles and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but there are different events to choose from, so that you can find your perfect challenge. So whether you’re looking for a marathon, a 5k fun run, or anything in between, try out one of these races in Budapest. Happy training!
Xx Denae
Btw, check official race websites for the most up-to-date details on registration deadlines.
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