Košice Peace Marathon

The Košice Peace Marathon is the oldest marathon in Europe and the third-oldest in the world (after the Boston Marathon and the Yonkers Marathon).

For many decades up to now, autumn in Kosice bears witness to an event which over the course of time has become an integral phenomenon of life in this historical metropolis. The word marathon has been heard in this area since 1924, when 8 brave souls, inspired by the olympic marathon in Paris were sent off by Vojtech Bukovsky, founder of the Kosice marathon, on their first great adventure. Today this marathon, the most massive, and one of the most significant events in Slovakia takes proud in the attribute of being the oldest marathon in Europe - only the Boston Marathon in America has written more years into its annals among the continually organized marathons.

Race

• Marathon 42,195 km
• Halfmarathon
• T-Systems Inline
• Handbikers 20 km
• Wheelchair 20 km
• Minimarathon 4,2 km
• Relay 4 x ¼

History

	1924 OLDEST MARATHON IN EUROPE
	Eight Kosice Marathon Pioneers inspirated by the Olympic Marathon 1924 In Paris.

	1945 WAR IS OVER, WE CAN START AGAIN
	Only a few months after the war´s suffering the marathon runners once again lined-up for their start in Kosice marathon.

	1974 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
	The marathon lived to see its 50th birthday. Top favourite, Europian champion and Boston winner Ron Hill left the victory to his countryman Keith Angus.

	1980 FIRST START OF WOMEN
	The biggest successes were achieved by Christa Vahlensieck from Germany who is the five-time winner.

	1989 NEW CITY COURSE
	This year the marathoners faced a city circuit for the first time. Its form was optimized over the next few year.

	1999 12TH AIMS WORLD CONGRESS
	Success of the IAAF World Championships has guaranteed Kosice the right to hold another important event, the AIMS World Congress.

	2012 NEW COURSE RECORD
	Lawrence Kimwetich Kimaiyo of Kenya wins 89th edition of the Kosice Peace Marathon in new course record 2:07:01