Košice Peace Marathon

The Košice Peace Marathon stands out as the oldest marathon in Europe and offers a remarkable experience for athletes. This marathon is distinct from many others with its strictly maintained length of 42.195 km since its inception in 1924. Athletes can expect a flat, fast, and completely asphalted course that loops twice through the historic heart of Košice, Slovakia, remaining entirely traffic-free.The Košice course is renowned for meeting challenging athletic criteria, with minimal direction changes and a gentle elevation profile, similar to the conditions seen in record-setting venues like Berlin. Yet, it distinguishes itself with a mere 16.35 m difference between its highest and lowest points and a total elevation gain of just 74 meters throughout the race. This makes it an excellent choice for athletes aiming for a personal best or even setting records, as evidenced by the course records set by Kenyans Hellen Mugo at 2:29:59 and Lawrence Kimaiyo at 2:07:01. The Košice Marathon offers a unique blend of history, speed, and athletic challenge, making it a must-experience event for competitive runners seeking a memorable race in a picturesque European setting.