Ipoly Marathon – the first great running experience of spring
There’s a place on the edge of the Danube Bend where spring still carries the crisp air of the riverside, where winding cycling paths disappear into the wild landscapes of the Ipoly region, and where marathon kilometers are shaped not by city noise, but by the rhythm of nature.
The Ipoly Marathon is not a crowded city race.
It’s a unique early-season running experience for those who love fast courses but also want something memorable and inspiring.
Starting from the town of Szob, the course follows the EuroVelo 6 route along the Ipoly River, passing through buffalo reserve areas, gravel sections and scenic riverside paths — with the atmosphere of spring and the Danube Bend surrounding you almost the entire way.
Whether you choose the half marathon or the full marathon, this race is more than a distance — it’s an experience.
Date
March 21, 2026
Start – Finish
Szob – Köztársaság Square
Organizer
Proathlon Bt.
Partners
Municipalities of Szob and Ipolydamásd
Why is the Ipoly Marathon special?
Wild riverside scenery
The course follows the Ipoly River far from the noise of the city. Winding bike paths, peaceful embankments, riverside stretches and untouched natural landscapes create a truly unique running atmosphere from start to finish.
Running through a buffalo reserve
One of the most iconic parts of the race leads through the area surrounding the buffalo reserve — a rare and unforgettable experience you won’t find at a typical spring marathon.
The perfect season opener
An early spring date, a fast and runnable course, and true marathon atmosphere. An ideal first long race of the season for runners looking to start the year with motivation and momentum.
Danube Bend atmosphere without the crowds
No city chaos. No overcrowded streets.
Just running, nature and a unique course in one of Hungary’s most scenic river landscapes.
The course experience
The Ipoly Marathon starts in Szob, one of the quiet small towns of the Danube Bend, before quickly joining the riverside cycling path where the noise of everyday life fades away and the rhythm of nature takes over.
Much of the course follows the EuroVelo 6 route: winding bike paths, riverside sections, embankments and wide open panoramas alternate throughout the race. Longer distances also include gravel and dirt sections, adding to the raw and adventurous character of the event.
One of the most unique parts of the course leads through the buffalo reserve area, where the Ipoly region reveals its wildest and most special side. This is not a classic urban marathon atmosphere — it’s a long, flowing running experience through nature.
The route remains fast and highly runnable throughout, making it a perfect choice for runners looking for their first serious race effort of spring or a strong early-season marathon challenge.
The Ipoly Marathon combines peaceful nature, premium organization and a unique atmosphere that’s difficult to capture in photos — it has to be experienced in person.
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Szintkülönbség
A pálya legmagasabb és legalacsonyabb pontja között mindössze 10 méter a különbség.
Az összes szintemelkedés:
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40 méter a 10,5 km-es körön
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80 méter a félmaraton távon
A pálya így végig gyorsan futható, lendületes és ideális egy kora tavaszi hosszabb versenyhez vagy maratoni erőpróbához.
COURSE
Start – Finish: Szob, Köztársaság Square
Turning point: Ipolydamásd
7.5 km & 15 km distances
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100% asphalt cycling path
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Route section: 0–3.75 km
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7.5 km = 1 lap
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15 km = 2 laps
Time limits:
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15 km → 2:15
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7.5 km → 1:30
21 km & 42 km distances
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80% asphalt cycling path
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20% hard-packed dirt road and gravel sections
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Route section: 0–10.5 km
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21 km = 1 lap
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42 km = 2 laps
Time limits:
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42 km → 5:30
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21 km → 2:45
Aid stations
Available refreshments:
water, isotonic drink, cola, banana, apple, biscuits and glucose tablets.
Aid station locations:
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0.3 km
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3.75 km
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5.3 km
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9 km
Finish line refreshments will be available at the Cultural Center.
Race center & atmosphere
The race center of the Ipoly Marathon is located in Szob, close to the Danube riverbank, in a calm and natural environment far from the crowds of large city races.
The atmosphere already feels special before the start: crisp spring air, the silence of the riverside, runners warming up and preparing for the challenge ahead. Everything here is about the joy of running — simple, clean and authentic.
Even after crossing the finish line, there’s no need to rush away. The Ipoly Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a full-day outdoor experience where it feels good to arrive, stay and celebrate the beginning of a new running season together.
This event is not only about kilometers.
It’s about that feeling when, after a long winter of preparation, running finally feels truly good again.
Program
The day of the Ipoly Marathon is about more than just the race itself.
An early morning arrival by the Danube, preparing at the race center, meeting fellow runners, and then heading out for a unique spring running experience along the Ipoly River.
The schedule below will help you arrive relaxed and fully prepared for the day.
2027. március 21. Vasárnap
7:30 -9:30 -ig Rajtszámátvétel - Művház
8:00- 15:30-ig Ruhatár, Öltöző - Művház
9:30 Rajt 42 km Szob Köztársaság tér
9:35 Rajt 21 km Szob Köztársaság tér
9:45 Rajt 15 km Szob Köztársaság tér
9:50 Rajt 7,5 km Szob Köztársaság tér
12:00 Eredményhirdetés 7,5 - 15- 21 km - Művház
15:00 Eredményhirdetés 42 km - Művház
10:30- 15:00-ig célfrissítés a művházban
Registration
Start your running season with a truly special marathon experience on the edge of the Danube Bend.
Let your first major challenge of the year take you through the wild and scenic landscapes of the Ipoly region.
Online registration starts 2026. január 01.
Létszámlimit: 800 fő
Entry fees:
7,5 + 15 km
2027.01.01-2026.01.31-ig 25,- EUR
2026.02.01-2026.03.14-ig 30,- EUR
21 km
2027.01.01-2026.01.31-ig 30,- EUR
2026.02.01-2026.03.14-ig 35,- EUR
42 km
2027.01.01-2026.01.31-ig 40,- EUR
2026.02.01-2026.03.14-ig 45,- EUR
Awards
The top 3 overall female and male finishers will be awarded on every distance.
Awards will only be handed over during the official award ceremony. Unfortunately, prizes cannot be collected later or shipped afterward.
Green race
We believe that running in nature also means protecting it.
Read more about what we do — and what we consciously avoid doing — to reduce the environmental impact of the event and preserve the beautiful surroundings of the Ipoly region.
[Link]
Race regulations
Please read the official race regulations at the following link.
This document also contains the rules regarding registration cancellation and transfer options.
Marathon. Spring. Ipoly.
See you at the start line.
Important information
Registration & bib number pickup
Registration and bib pickup will take place at the Cultural Center in Szob, where changing rooms, a bag drop and restrooms will also be available for participants.
(Showers will not be available.)
To collect your bib number, a photo ID is sufficient — confirmation emails are not required.
Please check the старт list on the website in the days before the race under the “Races” menu section. Live timing and results will be available under the “Live” menu during the event.
Start & finish area
The start and finish area will be located at Köztársaság Square in Szob, only a few minutes’ walk from the race center.
All distances start and finish at the same location. The Panorámafutás finish arch will be easy to spot — this is where the Ipoly Marathon experience begins and ends.
Parking
Several free parking areas are available near the race center, approximately 200 meters toward the Danube from the start-finish zone. Additional restrooms will also be available in the market hall building throughout the event.
Szob is a small town, so parking is also possible in nearby streets. Please be respectful toward local residents and avoid blocking driveways or traffic.
Important: parking is not allowed on Köztársaság Street, where both the race center and parts of the course are located.
