The formation of the European Marathon Classics (EMC), a prestigious new series connecting eight iconic European marathons, was officially announced in Vienna. This initiative allows runners to earn a unique trophy by completing five races with no time limit to finish the challenge.
Eight Marathon Capitals in One Calendar
The official launch of the European Marathon Classics project took place on February 25, 2026, within the historic walls of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The initiative unites eight renowned races across the continent, stretching from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe. According to organizers, the goal is not only to promote the sport but also to build a shared European identity and encourage sports tourism.
| Order | Date | Marathon Name | City | Season |
| 1 | March 22, 2026 | Acea Run Rome The Marathon | Rome | Spring |
| 2 | April 19, 2026 | Vienna City Marathon | Vienna | Spring |
| 3 | April 26, 2026 | TCS London Marathon | London | Spring |
| 4 | April 26, 2026 | Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid | Madrid | Spring |
| 5 | May 10, 2026 | Copenhagen Marathon | Copenhagen | Spring |
| 6 | Sept 27, 2026 | 48th Warsaw Marathon | Warsaw | Fall |
| 7 | Oct 10, 2026 | EDP Maratona de Lisboa | Lisbon | Fall |
| 8 | Oct 25, 2026 | Mainova Frankfurt Marathon | Frankfurt | Fall |
The 2026 calendar features events spread throughout the entire racing season. The spring season kicks off with Acea Run Rome The Marathon on March 22. Runners then move to Vienna (April 19), followed by London and Madrid, which both host their marathons on April 26. The spring segment concludes with the Copenhagen Marathon on May 10.
The fall series begins on September 27 with the 48th Warsaw Marathon. Subsequent stops include Lisbon, where the EDP Maratona de Lisboa takes place on October 10, and Frankfurt, which hosts the Mainova Frankfurt Marathon on October 25. Reports indicate that many spring races have already reached their registration limits, confirming the massive interest in this new series.
Participation Rules and the Unique Trophy
Participation in the European Marathon Classics is open to all runners, and registration for the project itself is completely free. Participants only need to pay the standard entry fees to the individual race organizers. Registration for the challenge is handled through the official platform at www.europeanmarathonclassics.eu.
To earn the prestigious title of “European Marathon Classics Finisher,” a runner must complete at least five different marathons out of the eight in the series. A key detail for ambitious amateurs is that there is no time limit to complete the required number of starts. This means the challenge can be pursued over several years, allowing runners to plan their races according to their fitness levels and travel schedules.
The reward for completing the challenge is an innovative, personalized medal with a concentric design. The trophy is a large shield with slots for five magnetic coins. Each coin is awarded for finishing a specific race in the series, creating a unique souvenir of a runner’s journey across Europe. The main medal must be collected in person at the race office of one of the series events after submitting an online request.
Respecting Running History
One of the most innovative aspects of the European Marathon Classics is the recognition of historical results. Organizers decided to honor runners who have finished marathons in these partner cities in previous years. According to Warsaw Marathon Director Marek Tronina, results dating back to the earliest editions will be considered—as far back as 1978 for Madrid and 1986 for Lisbon.
Verifying historical achievements will be possible through a partnership with the LetsDoThis.com technology platform. The feature to add archival results to a runner’s EMC profile is set to launch in the second half of 2026. This means many runners who have previously competed in Rome, London, or Copenhagen could find themselves close to “Finisher” status almost immediately after joining.
The visual identity of the series is also noteworthy, featuring ten circles in its logo despite currently consisting of eight races. Sources state this is a deliberate choice to leave room for future expansion to other European cities. Currently, the initiative focuses on building an integrated community and promoting responsible participation, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ecology.
A New Level for the European Running Community
The European Marathon Classics project represents a milestone in the integration of mass-participation marathons in Europe, blending sport with culture and tourism. Thanks to its open format and the inclusion of historical results, every runner has the chance to join this elite community, regardless of when their marathon journey began.
