Ljubljana Marathon 2026 – Road Running Event Slovenia

What to expect in 2026

The Ljubljana Marathon 2026 will celebrate the 30th edition of one of Slovenia’s largest road-running events. The NLB 30th Ljubljana Marathon takes place on Saturday, 17 October and Sunday, 18 October 2026, bringing competitive runners, recreational athletes, children, students and spectators into the Slovenian capital for a full weekend of running.

The main Sunday programme features the Heineken 0.0 Marathon over 42.195 km and the Half Marathon Generali ZAME over 21.098 km, while Saturday includes the GARMIN 10 km Run, VITA Kids Run and several school and promotional races. The event uses central Ljubljana and surrounding city roads, with the main start on Slovenska cesta and the finish at Kongresni trg.

The marathon course is officially certified by World Athletics and AIMS. Runners can expect extensive road closures, on-course refreshment points, medical support, pacemakers for selected target times and entertainment along the route. Participants with a race bib also receive free city-bus transportation on race days.

The weekend also includes the Running Expo at the GR Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre from 15 to 17 October. The Expo offers race-pack collection, running equipment, nutrition products, demonstrations, exhibitors and a special 30th-anniversary exhibition celebrating the history of the marathon.

Match/event dates

The Ljubljana Marathon 2026 is held over two main competition days:

• Saturday, 17 October 2026 – VITA Kids Run, school races and GARMIN 10 km Run.
• Sunday, 18 October 2026 – Heineken 0.0 Marathon and Half Marathon Generali ZAME.
• Thursday, 15 October to Saturday, 17 October – Running Expo and starter-pack collection.

The main marathon and half marathon both begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, while the GARMIN 10 km Run starts at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Registration for the 2026 races officially closed on 15 September 2026, and registrations are not accepted during the event. Starter packs are collected at the Running Expo with the required registration documentation.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

Ljubljana Marathon is a city road-running event rather than a stadium-based competition. The principal start area is on Slovenska cesta, close to Trg Ajdovščina, while the main finish area is at Kongresni trg in the historic centre of Ljubljana.

The courses pass through central streets and outer parts of the city, allowing participants to run through a mixture of urban neighbourhoods, roads, bridges and sections around Ljubljana’s green surroundings. The official marathon course is flat overall, although the published marathon route has approximately 159 metres of ascent.

The finish area around Kongresni trg and Zvezda Park provides services including first aid, medal collection, refreshments and other runner facilities. The 10 km event also uses Trg republike as an important service area before and after the race.

Full fixture or event schedule

The 2026 programme begins before the main race weekend with the Running Expo.

Thursday, 15 October

• 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. – Running Expo and event-pack collection.

Friday, 16 October

• 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. – Running Expo and event-pack collection.

Saturday, 17 October

• 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. – Expo and event-pack collection.
• 9:30 a.m. – VITA Kids Run begins.
• 10:50 a.m. – Inclusive promotional school run.
• 11:05 a.m. – Promotional school runs.
• 11:40 a.m. – School run for younger pupils.
• 12:30 p.m. – Primary-school run.
• 2:00 p.m. – Secondary-school run.
• 4:30 p.m. – GARMIN 10 km Run.
• From approximately 5:15 p.m. – 10 km award ceremonies.

Sunday, 18 October

• 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – DJ ZORMAN entertainment.
• 8:45 a.m. – THE STROYMACHINE percussion performance.
• 8:55 a.m. – Welcome speech from the Ljubljana mayor.
• 9:00 a.m. – Heineken 0.0 Marathon start.
• 9:00 a.m. – Half Marathon Generali ZAME start.
• From 10:30 a.m. – Half marathon awards.
• From 11:30 a.m. – Marathon awards.

The Sunday award times are provisional and can be adjusted by the organizers.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Ljubljana Marathon attracts an international field rather than conventional teams. Participants include elite road runners, Slovenian championship competitors, recreational runners, students, children and international amateur athletes.

The 2025 edition attracted runners from more than 80 countries and recorded 29,555 registered participants across the two-day event. On Sunday alone, 19,379 runners were registered across the marathon, half marathon and 10 km races.

The 2026 marathon is expected to feature a mixture of international elite athletes and leading Slovenian runners, although the official participant field can change as race day approaches.

The competition categories are divided by age and gender. The full marathon is open to runners born in 2006 or earlier, while the half marathon is open to runners born in 2008 or earlier.

Tournament format & competition structure

The event consists of several separate road races rather than one single competition.

The Heineken 0.0 Marathon covers the standard marathon distance of 42.195 km. The Half Marathon Generali ZAME covers 21.098 km, while the GARMIN race is 10 km. The weekend also includes a 200-metre children’s race and school competitions over shorter distances.

The marathon has a six-hour overall time limit. Runners who have not completed the first 20 km by 11:45 a.m. are redirected toward the finish and their result is subsequently published among the half-marathon results.

The half marathon has a four-hour limit, while the 10 km race has a two-hour limit. Starting zones from A to E are assigned according to the runner’s declared or expected performance, with participants instructed to reach their starting zone at least 45 minutes before the start.

Match/event times

The principal 2026 start times are:

• GARMIN 10 km Run – 4:30 p.m., Saturday, 17 October.
• Heineken 0.0 Marathon – 9:00 a.m., Sunday, 18 October.
• Half Marathon Generali ZAME – 9:00 a.m., Sunday, 18 October.
• VITA Kids Run – beginning at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, 17 October.

The Sunday programme begins with entertainment at 8:45 a.m., followed by the official welcome before both major races start simultaneously at 9:00 a.m.

Ticket types

Ljubljana Marathon operates primarily through race registration rather than conventional spectator ticketing. Participants register for individual running distances and receive a bib number and timing chip.

The 2026 registration packages include:

• Heineken 0.0 Marathon – 42.195 km.
• Half Marathon Generali ZAME – 21.098 km.
• GARMIN 10 km Run.
• VITA Kids Run – 200 metres.

The marathon package includes the bib and timing service, performance SMS, wardrobe bag, finisher medal, finisher shirt, Expo entry, refreshments, medical services, changing facilities, pacemakers, road closure, certified course access and free public transport on race day.

The half marathon package includes the bib, timing, medal, Expo access, refreshments, medical services, wardrobe facilities, pacemakers and free race-day public transport.

Ticket release phases

Race registration was offered through several pricing phases during 2025 and 2026. The final published registration period ran from 1 September to 15 September 2026.

The final registration prices were:

• Heineken 0.0 Marathon – $85.28.
• Half Marathon Generali ZAME – $79.59.
• GARMIN 10 km Run – $62.54.
• VITA Kids Run – free.

Earlier registration phases were cheaper. The marathon increased through $55.71, $62.54, $68.94 and $79.59 before reaching the final $85.28 rate. The half marathon similarly increased through several registration periods before reaching $79.59.

These USD figures are approximate conversions based on the September 25, 2026 EUR/USD rate and may differ slightly from a card issuer’s final conversion.

VIP & hospitality options

The Ljubljana Marathon is designed primarily as a participant-focused road race rather than a conventional ticketed stadium event, so standard VIP grandstand packages are not presented as a central public ticket category.

Hospitality is instead integrated around the event experience, including the Running Expo, city-centre finish areas, refreshments, entertainment and sponsor activations. The 2026 Expo is expected to host up to 100 exhibitors across approximately 4,000 square metres.

For spectators and accompanying visitors, the central Ljubljana location means that much of the event atmosphere can be experienced from public streets and designated areas around the course without purchasing a conventional spectator ticket.

Stadium & event rules

Participants compete under the applicable World Athletics and Athletic Federation of Slovenia rules. Violations of the competition regulations can result in disqualification. The organizer also states that participants take part at their own risk and that medical teams are positioned along the course and at the finish.

Important rules and procedures include:

• Marathon participants must meet the minimum age requirement.
• Runners must use their assigned bib and starting zone.
• Starting zones are marked from A to E.
• Participants should reach their starting area at least 45 minutes before the start.
• Refunds of registration fees are generally not available.
• Distance changes are subject to the organizer’s published conditions.
• Wheelchair and baby-carriage participants start from the final starting zone and participate at their own risk.

The event also operates extensive road closures during the races, so spectators and residents should check the official traffic information before travelling around Ljubljana.

How to get there

The main race areas are located in central Ljubljana and are within walking distance of one another. The organizer specifically recommends walking, cycling or using public transportation where possible.

The start is on Slovenska cesta, while the main finish and service areas are around Kongresni trg and Trg republike. The organizer notes that the central event areas are close together and that walking is permitted within the relevant event zone.

Visitors arriving by bicycle can use Ljubljana’s BicikeLJ bike-sharing system, which operates around the city. Those arriving by car should consider parking outside the central zone because road closures and high visitor numbers can make central access difficult.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is particularly useful during marathon weekend. Registered runners can use Ljubljana city buses free of charge on Saturday and Sunday by presenting their registration QR code, race number or accreditation.

The organizer recommends using Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts of Ljubljana and continuing into the centre by bus. This reduces the need to drive into areas affected by road closures.

A special Volkswagen transport service is also planned between P+R Barje and Križanke from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the main race day for runners with race numbers.

Parking facilities close to the city centre can fill quickly, and the organizer advises visitors to allow extra time because roads along the running routes will be closed or restricted.

Accommodation areas

Ljubljana’s compact city centre makes staying near the race area convenient for runners and spectators. Areas around the historic centre, Kongresni trg, Slovenska cesta, Trg republike and the railway-station district provide practical access to the event.

The official marathon information recommends booking accommodation early because demand increases around the event. Hotels and smaller accommodation providers are available in Ljubljana and the surrounding area.

Staying centrally can reduce dependence on transportation on race morning, particularly because the start and finish are located close to the city centre. Visitors who stay farther out can use Ljubljana’s bus network and Park & Ride facilities.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and drinks are an important part of the participant experience. Marathon and half-marathon runners receive refreshments at designated points on the course and at the finish area.

Marathon refreshments include water, tea, energy drinks and bars, along with fruit and chocolate. Medical support is also available at the course and finish areas.

The event area around Trg republike includes food and beverage stalls, while the Running Expo provides opportunities to sample energy products, isotonic drinks and healthy snacks. The 2026 Expo also introduces a Made in Slovenia avenue featuring local food producers and Slovenian crafts.

Accessibility

The event provides practical facilities for runners, including toilets, changing areas, wardrobe services, water stations, refreshments and medical support. The finish areas also provide first aid and other runner services.

Participants using wheelchairs or running with baby carriages are permitted under the published race conditions, although they must start from the last starting zone and participate at their own risk.

The event also includes an inclusive promotional run within the Saturday school programme. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should check the latest organizer information before travelling because road closures and temporary event infrastructure can affect access around the city centre.

Best matches/events to attend

For spectators, the Sunday marathon and half marathon provide the main competitive spectacle. Both start at 9:00 a.m., creating a large concentration of runners through the central start area and along the city course.

The Heineken 0.0 Marathon is the principal long-distance event, particularly for visitors interested in elite road running and the Slovenian national championship field. The Half Marathon Generali ZAME offers another major race and has historically attracted a large recreational field.

The GARMIN 10 km Run on Saturday is another accessible event to watch, while the children’s and school races create a family-oriented atmosphere earlier in the day.

Visitors should also consider the Running Expo from 15 to 17 October. Admission is free, and the Expo includes running brands, equipment, nutrition, international marathon exhibitors and a special 30th-anniversary historical exhibition.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2025 Ljubljana Marathon produced the largest participation in the event’s history at that time. More than 19,000 runners were registered for the Sunday races, while total two-day registration reached 29,555. Participants came from more than 80 countries.

In the 2025 marathon, Ethiopia’s Abadi Gebresilase Haftamu won the men’s race in 2:06:51, while Tigist Gezahagn Menigstu won the women’s race in 2:22:45.

Primož Kobe recorded 2:17:03 as the best Slovenian marathon time in the 2025 event. Jan Kokalj won the men’s half marathon in 1:02:59, setting a course record, while Vid Botolin and Klara Lukan established 10 km course records with 29:42 and 30:52 respectively according to the event’s 2025 highlights.

The event’s history also includes major international performances. The absolute men’s marathon record is 2:04:58, achieved by Sisay Kasaye Lemma in 2018, while Joyce Chepkemoi Tele set the women’s record of 2:20:17 in 2024.

Official tickets

Ljubljana Marathon uses official race registration rather than conventional spectator tickets. The official registration process was available through the Ljubljana Marathon website, with registration for the 2026 races closing on 15 September 2026.

The official event website provides information about the marathon, half marathon, 10 km Run, children’s race, schedule, routes, results, race rules, transport, Expo and runner services.

Official Ljubljana Marathon website (https://ljubljanskimaraton.si/)

The organizer’s official contact email is info@ljubljanskimaraton.si.