Wizz Air Sofia Marathon

Meta title: Wizz Air Sofia Marathon 2026 – Dates, Races & Where to Stay | inBulgaria
Meta description: Run the 43rd Wizz Air Sofia Marathon on 10–11 October 2026. Race distances, route highlights, registration info and the best hotels near the start line.

Wizz Air Sofia Marathon 2026

Every October, Sofia hands its streets over to runners. The 43rd Wizz Air Sofia Marathon takes place on 10–11 October 2026, with the start and finish at Alexander Battenberg Square, right in front of the former Royal Palace. It is Bulgaria's largest running event, and more than 10,000 runners from Bulgaria and abroad are expected this year.

Races and schedule

Saturday, 10 October
5 km FIB Mass Run – a fun, accessible loop through the city centre
10 km Garmin Run

Sunday, 11 October
ASICS Marathon – 42.195 km
Address Run Half Marathon – 21.1 km
HONOR Together Relay – 2 × 21 km, new for 2026: two runners share the marathon distance

Why run Sofia?

Sofia is one of Europe's oldest capitals. The course takes you past Roman ruins, Orthodox cathedrals and green boulevards, with Vitosha mountain as a backdrop on clear days. Short-course runners pass the Lion's Bridge, the Central Market Hall, Sofia University, the Vasil Levski Monument and St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Mid-October usually brings cool, dry running weather.

Registration

Regular registration closed on 20 September. Late entries are accepted only while places remain in each distance. Check live availability on the official site, sofiamarathon.bg. Bibs are collected at the Marathon Expo near the start area in the days before the race. There is no pickup on race day.

Where to stay

Book early: race weekend fills central hotels fast. For the easiest morning, stay within walking distance of Battenberg Square, around Vitosha Boulevard, the Ivan Vazov Theatre or Sveta Nedelya.

Hotels near the Sofia Marathon start line

Make a weekend of it

Race participants get free entry to selected Sofia museums and galleries during race week. With a day to spare, Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about two hours' drive from the city. Plovdiv's Old Town is another easy trip.

Details are based on the organiser's 2026 announcements. Always confirm times and rules at sofiamarathon.bg.