Warsaw Marathon

Race context for 2026

The 48th Warsaw Marathon is scheduled for September 27, 2026, with a 9:00 a.m. start on Swietokrzyska Street near the Palace of Culture and Science. The official race information confirms a certified 42.195-kilometre course and a field limit of 14,000 runners.

Course overview

The start and finish sit at the Palace of Culture and Science. The route crosses central Warsaw, the Royal Route, the Vistula, Praga, Zoliborz, and Bielany before returning downtown. The organizer reports about 83 metres of total elevation gain, with long sections designed for consistent pacing.

Opening section: a gentle drop from the center

The race begins at about 113 metres above sea level. The organizer describes the first kilometres as flat or slightly downhill, dropping toward roughly 85 metres. Use that free speed carefully. The wide early roads are a place to find rhythm, not to spend energy chasing runners in faster corrals.

Middle section: river crossings and the main climb

The route uses the Poniatowski Bridge, passes the National Stadium, and continues through the districts east and north of the center. Around kilometre 16, the organizer identifies the most demanding rise, a short climb of roughly 500 metres. Keep the effort level and regain pace after the crest.

Northern section: Praga, Zoliborz, and Bielany

After the main climb, the course continues through long runnable stretches in Praga, Zoliborz, and Bielany. The official description emphasizes smooth roads and only gentle rolling changes across most of the marathon. This is the section to protect cadence and keep fueling on schedule before the late return.

Final section: late rises before the Palace

Near kilometre 38, a viaduct rises from about 98 to 105 metres, followed by a short descent. Another gentle incline appears between kilometres 38.9 and 39.5, then the road rises from roughly 106 to 111 metres between kilometres 40 and 41. The final stretch is flat.

Elevation and terrain

Warsaw's reported 83 metres of climbing is low for a marathon, but the timing of the rises still matters. The sharpest climb arrives near kilometre 16, while several smaller increases come after kilometre 38. Treat the early descent as controlled running and keep enough strength for those late changes.

Aid stations and race support

Official race information lists frequent aid from the early course through kilometre 40, with water, isotonic drink, bananas, glucose, or sugar depending on the station. Toilets are placed near every aid station. Use the published sequence to plan intake, then check the final runner instructions for any updates.

Practical pacing strategy

Settle during the opening descent and avoid running faster than goal effort. Stay patient through the kilometre 16 climb, then use the long middle roads to lock in cadence. Keep the final adjustment until after the rises around kilometres 38 to 41. The flat finish rewards runners who still have form.

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