Overview
The Budapest Marathon is Hungary’s largest running event, held in October in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, with over 30,000 participants.
This event has been held since 1984, and the course changes every year.
Basically, it is built around a course that crosses Budapest’s World Heritage Site “Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue” and the bridges that span the Danube River.
The Budapest Marathon is an attractive marathon event where you can run while enjoying the beautiful cityscape, interact with runners from all over the world, and feel the enthusiasm of supporting the runners.
Budapest is divided into two districts, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River. The entire city was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1987, making it a historically and culturally important city.
The Buda district is home to historic buildings such as the Royal Palace, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the Magyar Parliament, while the Pest district is home to modern buildings such as the Széchenyi Baths and the National Theatre.
In addition, the night view along the Danube River is known as the “Pearl of the Danube” and attracts many tourists.
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Course
The Budapest Marathon course is known for being scenic and interesting, winding its way through the heart of Budapest and showcasing the city’s most famous landmarks. While the course can change slightly from year to year, it generally follows a loop around the city, crossing the Danube River several times and passing by the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.
One of the things that makes the Budapest Marathon course so special is that it takes runners through both Buda and Pest, the two sides of Budapest that are separated by the Danube River. Buda is the hilly side of the city, with plenty of historical sights, while Pest is the flatter side, with a more modern feel.
The charm of the city
Budapest’s charm is a captivating blend of history, architecture, culture, and a touch of whimsy. Here’s a breakdown of its magnetic appeal:
Architectural Marvels
Budapest is a feast for the eyes. The Buda Castle, standing tall on Castle Hill, offers a glimpse into Hungary’s royal past. Across the Danube, the Hungarian Parliament Building, an ornate neo-Gothic masterpiece, dominates the cityscape.Thermal Baths
Budapest is known as the “City of Baths” for a reason. Throughout the city, you’ll find historic thermal baths, some dating back to Ottoman rule, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters and unwind. Szechenyi Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe, is a must-visit with its palatial architecture and various pools.Two Sides of the Danube
The Danube River bisects Budapest, creating two distinct districts – Buda and Pest. Buda, on the west bank, is the historic quarter with Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion offering stunning panoramic views. Pest, on the east bank, is the bustling commercial area with Parliament, the Hungarian State Opera House, and a vibrant nightlife scene.Lively Culture
Budapest is a city that throbs with life. From open-air concerts and folk performances to ruin bars (bars set up in abandoned buildings) and energetic nightclubs, there’s something for everyone. The city also boasts a rich cafe culture where you can linger for hours over a cup of coffee and people-watch.Foodie Paradise
Hungarian cuisine is a delightful mix of Central European and Ottoman influences. Sample hearty goulash, creamy fisherman’s soup (halászlé), or the rich dessert, chimney cake (kürtőskalács). Don’t forget to try the local wines, Tokaji being the most famous.Thermal Spas & Wellness
Budapest’s thermal baths aren’t just historical sites; they’re a big part of the city’s wellness scene. Many baths offer spa treatments, massages, and saunas, making Budapest an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.Budget-Friendly
Compared to other European capitals, Budapest is a relatively inexpensive city to visit. You can find good value for your money on accommodation, food, and transportation.
Budapest truly has something to offer everyone, making it a city that will leave a lasting impression.