SPAR Budapest Marathon

2025 SPAR BUDAPEST MARATHON

Distances: 2.3km, 5km, 10km, 14km, half marathon, 30km, marathon, & relay, hiking and walking options

Vertical: max. 158m

https://www.sparbudapestmaraton.hu

ABOUT THE Spar Budapest Marathon

The SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival is Hungary’s biggest running celebration, bringing together over 30,000 runners from more than 100 countries each October. For two days, Budapest transforms into a festival of sport, music, and culture, with races ranging from the full 42.2 km marathon to fun runs as short as 2.3 km. The route showcases UNESCO World Heritage landmarks along the Danube, including the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, and the city’s iconic bridges. Runners experience both the flat boulevards of Pest and the scenic hills of Buda, making for a course that’s as beautiful as it is varied. Beyond the race, the event buzzes with concerts, cheering crowds, and activities for families and first‑time runners. Multiple race formats — including relays, half marathon, 30 km, and shorter distances — mean there’s something for every ability. Cooler autumn temperatures at around 15 °C make it ideal for setting personal bests or simply enjoying a comfortable run. The festival atmosphere extends beyond the finish line, with local food specialties like goulash, lángos, and chimney cake waiting to refuel you. Whether you’re chasing a PB or soaking in the sights, this is a must‑do race in one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.

Itinerary

Friday, 10 October – Arrival Day

Welcome to Budapest! ❤️

Our private transfer partners will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. We’ll meet you there to welcome you and help you get settled in. You’ll also meet other “ostriches” and we’ll go on a big walk around the hotel together. Dinner will be provided at the hotel and we’ll have an optional team building game before going to bed.

Saturday, 11 October – Short-distance Race Day + Sightseeing

We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel together. Then, those of you participating in the 5k, 10k or the 10+5k races will head to the start line and make us proud. We will be there to cheer you on.

Those racing on Sunday will join a relaxed warm-up run with our expert coach. This is a great time to exchange running tips here and ask any questions that you have.

After some free time, the whole team will go on a boat tour on the Danube for sightseeing and other fun activities. After dinner at the hotel, our finishers will enjoy celebratory drinks (on us!), while the long-distance runners will take it easy to stay fresh for the big day.

Sunday 12 October – Race Day + Sightseeing

After a quick breakfast and final briefing at the hotel, we’ll head to the start line together. Just like Saturday, we’ll be there cheering while you chase your PB. If you’re not racing, you can sleep in or head out to explore. We’ll share a list of our favourite activities at Budapest – think hidden gems, nothing too touristy. You can also consult our dedicated physiotherapist for recovery tips.

Those running will enjoy the most beautiful route a marathon can offer (okay, we might be a bit biased) and have your finish-line victory captured by our lovely camera crew (Saturday finishers, we’ve got you too).

A couple of PBs, lost toenails and celebratory drinks later, we’ll debrief at Rudas, one of Budapest’s best spas with stunning views of the city. After a well-deserved dinner, the real celebration begins, powered by our love for Budapest’s nightlife and our maybe-too-extensive knowledge of great local pubs.

Now check your Strava kudos, then off to bed we go.

Monday 13 October – Until The Next Time

Not all goodbyes have to be sad. After breakfast at the hotel, you can make the most of your last day in Budapest with your new friends. We haven’t planned anything, so you’re free to explore, but we’re never too far if you need support (or if you want to hang out 🥺).

When you’re ready to say goodbye, you’ll be taken from the hotel to the airport. You’ll be sad to leave but so glad you came.

Time to plan your next quarter-life crisis activity, or simply book another trip with us.

FAQ

General

Do I need to be a professional athlete to join?

Not at all! Our packages cater to all experience levels and most of our members are not professional athletes. So, whether this is your first mile or tenth marathon, we would love to have you on board.

What is included in my package?

We have designed our packages to take the stress out of travel. Think race entry, accommodation, airport shuttles, meals, social activities and more. Click here to see exactly what’s included.

What is not included in my package?

- Flights and other means of travelling to your destination
- Certain meals, depending on your accommodation package. Don’t worry, we will always make this clear during booking.
- Travel insurance –please make sure you have this. We also recommend you bring a GHIC card. You can request one on this link.
- Visas and other boring-but-important travel-related documents

I have some suggestions – who can I reach out to?

We would love to hear from you. Please DM us on social media or reach out on [email protected]

What should I bring on my trip?

We have created a list of essentials - from running shoes to toothpaste (no, you can’t borrow ours) - to help you pack.

Booking & Payment

How can I sign up?

You can sign up for our packages by clicking on the “book now” button under each trip.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes! We have partnered with Klarna to make sure upfront costs don’t scare anyone from joining. Simply choose Klarna at checkout to split your payments.

Is my money protected?

Yes! Our insurance partner, Atlas Voyage Secure (AVS) provides financial protection to all of our customers. We are absolutely confident that it will never have to come to this, but in the unlikely event that something goes wrong while you are on a trip with us, AVS will make sure you are looked after.

What other expenses should I expect?

Our packages include accommodation, entry fees, breakfast, airport transfers and entertainment. You will only need to budget for flights, a few meals and anything extra you fancy.

Community & Events

Who will I be travelling with?

You will be travelling with fun, goal-chasing runners like you – most living in the UK. We are committed to building a community and we have designed our trips to help you make long-lasting friends. And if you’re up for it, we’ll pop you in a WhatsApp group so you can hype each other up and prepare with people on the same trip.

Are there social activities?

Yes! While nothing is mandatory, we pack our trips with opportunities to meet awesome people like you. Think joint warm-up runs, sightseeing, post-race celebrations and many more fun activities. And of course, everyone stays in the same hotel so bumping into your new crew is guaranteed.

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Most people come solo – and honestly, it’s one of the best ways to make new friends.

My friend wants to come to support me during the race. Can they join?

For sure! Friends and family can join on a spectator package. Same hotel, same meals, same fun – but no race entry. You can also sleep in the same room or separately, simply select the package that suits your needs the best.

I am organising my own trip. Can I still join social events?

Yes, you can! If you are sorting out your own trip, just DM us on social media or send an email and we’ll figure out how to get you into the socials. We don’t want anyone to miss out.

Travel & accommodation

Are flights included?

No, flights (or any other means of getting to your destination country) are not included in your package so make sure you organise this for yourself. Need help finding the best route? Just drop us a message.

Is airport transfer provided?

- Yes, transfers between the airport and your hotel are covered. Your booking confirmation will include a link where you can tell us about your flight details and we will arrange for someone to wait for you at the airport.
- Transfer is only provided between Budapest Airport and your hotel. If you are arriving to a different airport or chose a different mode of transportation to Hungary, get in touch and we will help you organise your transfer to the hotel.

When can I check in to the hotel?

Check-in starts at 3 pm. If you arrive earlier, simply leave your luggage at reception and explore the city. Click here for our top Budapest recs.

Support and Safety

Will there be any support during the race?

Yes, our 42ostriches crew will be supporting you during the race and at the finish line. You can also buy spectator tickets with us if you want to bring friends or family to support you.

What if I get injured or can’t run?

If you get injured or can’t run for any other reason, please reach out to us. We will always do our best to help you make alternative plans. To find out more about our cancellation policy, please click here.

Is travel insurance included?

Travel insurance is not included in your packages and while it is not an entry requirement, we recommend getting one. Also bring your GHIC card (you can request one here) for free emergency care in the EU.

Is Budapest safe to travel to?

Yes, Budapest is a very safe city to travel to. Just pay close attention to your belongings and apply common sense when visiting busy places. If you have any questions, please reach out. For emergencies, always call 112.

Is Budapest LGTBQ+ friendly?

Budapest has a rich queer community and it is safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community to travel to. However, same-sex couples are may face the occasional uncomfortable interaction. While this is very unlikely, for your safety, we advise avoiding public affection (such as holding hands or kissing) between same-sex couples.

Who can I turn to if I have any issues with the service that’s provided by 42ostriches?

- If you have any issues, questions or complaints regarding your booking or anything else, please know that we are always just a message away. You can reach us on social media or via email on [email protected] and we will respond ASAP.
- If you are not fully satisfied with our response or think that we haven’t addressed your complaint, you can always reach out to Citizen’s Advice for help. First, however, we encourage you to give us a chance to solve your problem.

I have a disability. Can you accommodate my needs?

We will always do our best to accommodate all of our customers’ needs and circumstances. If you have a disability that you believe could impact how you travel or participate in our trips, just get in touch – we’ll figure it out together.

Is there an age limit for participants?

Yes, you have to be 18 or older to join our trips. No upper age limit – though if you’re considering applying for US president, you might be pushing it.