Cracovia Marathon

Location: Kraków
Country: Poland
Website: https://cracoviamaraton.pl
2025 Marathon Date: 06/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 19/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:17:52
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 100–499
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Cracovia Marathon is held each spring in Kraków, one of Poland’s most historic and culturally rich cities. The event is part of a broader weekend of running that draws thousands of participants from across Europe, and it has become a central fixture in the Central European road racing calendar.

The course offers a full loop of the city, beginning and ending near the Tauron Arena and weaving past the Vistula River, the medieval Old Town, and key landmarks such as Wawel Castle and the Kosciuszko Mound. While not a laser-flat course, it is designed to be fast, with long flat stretches and only minor elevation changes. Surfaces are predominantly paved and wide, supporting steady pacing and low congestion for runners aiming at time goals.

Weather conditions in April are typically cool and manageable for racing. Start-line temperatures tend to range between 7–12°C, with dry air and moderate breezes. Rain is possible but rarely persistent, and Kraków’s inland climate offers a relatively low risk of humidity or heat.

The event has grown in stature in recent years and is known for its solid organisation, clear signage, and reliable support stations throughout the route. Crowds gather particularly in the Old Town and along the riverbanks, contributing to an encouraging race-day atmosphere. While international elite presence is limited, the Cracovia Marathon attracts a deep domestic field and a strong showing from amateur club runners.

For sub-3 aspirants, the Cracovia Marathon presents a realistic target. The field is large enough for pacing support but small enough to avoid major bottlenecks, and the looped format offers plenty of rhythm-friendly sections. Kraków itself is a convenient and affordable travel destination, with excellent transport links and a compact city centre close to the race infrastructure.

Overall, the Cracovia Marathon is a practical and atmospheric choice for runners looking to race hard in a culturally rich European setting without the crowds or costs of the big-city majors.