Learn about the history of the Warsaw Marathon
Every year since 1979
The Warsaw Marathon is one of the oldest marathons in Europe and certainly one of the few that has been held continuously for nearly fifty years. It is also the largest marathon in Central Europe. It all began in 1979, when more than two thousand runners set off on the route of the first Peace Marathon in the capital – an unprecedented event not only in Eastern Europe at the time, but on the continent as a whole. Since then, year after year, hundreds and later thousands of runners have been writing the history of Poland’s most important road race.
An incredible history is unfolding before your eyes
The Warsaw Marathon entered the 21st century modestly, but quickly began to gain strength. With the establishment of the Warsaw Marathon Foundation, it embarked on a triumphant rise to the European stage. Breaking participation records, raising sporting standards, and introducing continuous organisational innovations all helped cement its position as the number one marathon in Poland. The actual breakthrough occurred during the pandemic year. Since 2020 (and the most extraordinary marathon run in history), participation has grown rapidly, reaching the milestone of 10,000 marathoners in 2025.
These days
The course takes runners through the most iconic landmarks of Warsaw – starting at the Palace of Culture, crossing the Poniatowski Bridge, running along the Praga side of the Vistula River, past the National Stadium, across the Gdański Bridge, and through Wola, Bemowo, Bielany, and Żoliborz. In the final kilometres, the route leads participants into the very heart of the capital: along Krakowskie Przedmieście and onto the long finishing stretch on Świętokrzyska Street. The Warsaw Marathon is not only a sporting challenge but also a unique journey through a city where tradition meets modernity.
Today, the event attracts thousands of participants from around the world and has become a true celebration of running. It is accompanied by shorter-distance races, the support of thousands of volunteers, and charitable initiatives that provide aid to hundreds of people and organizations.
We are all champions
The Warsaw Marathon is the story of a city, the story of Polish running, and the story of people who believe that sport has the power to change the world, both on an individual and a collective level.
