Ready to dash through one of the best races in Bulgaria? 🏃➡️ The Stara Zagora Marathon awaits you, offering an exhilarating run through its stunning urban routes 🏙️. And it's not just any asphalt you'll be pounding! ☝️ Stara Zagora, Bulgaria's fifth largest city, was founded on the site of the ancient Roman colony of Irinopolis 🤓. The streets of Stara Zagora still follow the Roman plan and are perfectly straight 🛣️. This will delight you as all race courses feature a straight, flat route! We couldn't find a faster track in our Finishers stash 🤪. So get ready to set your personal best (but don't get caught up in the crowd) and aim for your best time!
But which distance will you dare to conquer? 🤔 You can choose from the marathon, half marathon, a 10 km or a 5,5 km race—there's something for everyone! 😍 All routes are the same with a turnaround point placed at varying distances depending on the race (makes sense, right? 🤓). Even if the course doesn't take a detour through the city center, you'll still get to see plenty! 😁 Stara Zagora is full of little historical secrets. Excavations have uncovered precious mosaics 🖼️, tombs, and ruins from the era! 🤯 Keep your eyes wide open during your run 👀; you might just stumble upon a historic monument! 🏛️
Moreover, after crossing the finish line 🏁, don't miss the chance to explore the region's wonders 🌆. Wander through the historic center of Stara Zagora and uncover its archaeological treasures, such as the Neolithic Museum for a journey back in time ⏳. If you're up for a little drive 🚗, don't miss the Pavel Banya spa, about an hour away, for some well-deserved recovery 💦. Finally, to cap off your day, what could be better than a taste of local specialties at one of the city's charming restaurants? 🥘
We know you've always dreamed of being a running star, so get ready to shine at Stara Zagora! ⭐
Starting at the Stara Zagora City Hall, you'll head out on a straight out-and-back course! Perfect for setting a new personal record! ⏱️
Starting from the city hall of Stara Zagora, you'll embark on a straight out-and-back course! A perfect opportunity to beat your personal record! ⏱️
Starting from the town hall of Stara Zagora, you'll embark on a straight out-and-back course! A perfect opportunity to set a new personal best! ⏱️
Starting from the town hall of Stara Zagora, you'll embark on an out-and-back along a long straight road! It's the perfect setup to beat your personal record! ⏱️
You can collect your race bib at the technical information center, which will be set up on Tsar Simeon Veliki Boulevard (across from the town hall):
Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9 AM to 7 PM
Sunday, March 29, 2026, starting at 9:30 AM
The races will commence on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 9 AM in front of the Stara Zagora town hall.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter.
For the marathon:
Before February 16, 2026: €35
Before March 23, 2026: €40
From March 27 to 29, 2026: €45
For the half marathon:
Before February 16, 2026: €25
Before March 23, 2026: €30
From March 27 to 29, 2026: €35
For the 10 km:
Before February 16, 2026: €20
Before March 23, 2026: €25
From March 27 to 29, 2026: €30
For the 5.5 km:
Before February 16, 2026: €15
Before March 23, 2026: €18
From March 27 to 29, 2026: €20
You will have 5 hours and 30 minutes to complete the marathon.
Refreshment stations offering drinks, fresh and dried fruits will be available every 5 km and after the finish line.
You can check the race rules here
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