SHORT STORY OF THE MARATHON IN KOŠICE

The idea for the Košice Marathon came from Vojtech Braun Bukovský, a sports enthusiast, journalist and organizer from Košice. After witnessing the marathon event at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, he was inspired to set up a similar race back at home. The very first marathon took place on 28 October 1924, with eight runners lining up at the start below the ruins of Turňa Castle. From the start, the course followed the official marathon distance of 42.195 km.

Growth and Early Prestige
Already in the second year, international runners joined, signalling the event’s growing importance. In 1931, the young Argentinian runner Juan Carlos Zabala won in Košice and set a course record of 2:33:19; this was before he would go on to win the Olympic Marathon in 1932.

Name, Continuity, and Later Developments
After WWII, the race adopted the name “Marathon of Freedom,” but later, in 1952, in the time os Czechoslovak Socialistic Republic it is reverted to “Košice Peace Marathon”. It is remarkable for its uninterrupted run nearly every year since 1924. Even during wartime there were some editions of the race (though with limited or no foreign participants).

Key Milestones
1980: first time women officially competed. The course is relatively flat, runs within or around the city centre in two loops, and it is traffic-free. Over the years, many famous marathoners like Russian Sergey Popov, Olympic champion Abebe Bikila, European champion Ron Hill, German Christa Vahlensieck or Olympic winner Waldemar Cierpinski have ran here, and many historic performances have taken place.

Modern Status
Today, the Košice Peace Marathon is certified by AIMS and holds the status of an official World Athletics event.
It is widely recognised as the oldest European marathon, and is the second oldest in the world (after Boston). Its centenary editions were celebrated with full awareness of the marathon’s heritage and its role in athletics history.