Sofia is preparing to welcome up to 11,000 runners for the Wizz Air Sofia Marathon 2026, which will turn the capital into a major sporting venue on October 10 and 11. The event, Bulgaria’s largest running competition, will feature five disciplines over two days, including a new 2 x 21 km relay race.
The organizers are expanding capacity following the record 2025 edition, which attracted more than 8,000 participants from 66 countries. International interest is expected to grow further this year, with the marathon also receiving a World Athletics Road Race Label in recognition of its organization, safety standards, course and participation of elite athletes.
Wizz Air will serve as the marathon‘s general sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. The airline, which has the largest market share in Bulgaria, said its involvement reflects its support for an active and healthy lifestyle while helping promote Bulgaria as a sports and tourism destination.
The first competitions will take place on October 10, when participants can choose between the 5 km mass run and the 10 km race. The following day will feature the 21 km half marathon, the traditional 42 km marathon and the new Relay Run, in which two runners divide the full marathon distance by completing 21 km each.
The route will take runners past some of Sofia‘s best-known landmarks. The course includes the National Art Gallery at Prince Alexander I Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Assembly, the Largo, Sveta Nedelya Square, Alabin Street, Vasil Levski Boulevard and Lion’s Bridge.
The organizers say the route will turn the race into a moving tour of the capital, with thousands of spectators expected along the streets. The marathon weekend will also include an expo, music stages at the start and finish area and along the course, activities organized by partners and designated support zones.
Every runner who successfully completes their chosen event will receive a medal. Cash prizes will also be awarded to competitors finishing third, sixth and 10th in the 10 km, 21 km and 42 km races, respectively. Each starting package will additionally contain a 20-euro Wizz Air travel voucher.
Wizz Air Corporate Communications Manager Salvatore Gabriele Imperiale said the airline was pleased to continue its partnership with the marathon, describing running as “one of the most accessible and inclusive sports.” He said those qualities correspond with Wizz Air‘s aim of making travel in Europe and beyond more accessible, while the expanded 2026 program and international participation demonstrate the event’s growing importance.
“We are proud to support an initiative that brings together people from different parts of the world, united by the courage to accept challenges, the pursuit of new horizons and discovery,” Imperiale said.
Anatoly Iliev, chief organizer of the Wizz Air Sofia Marathon, said the partnership with the airline helps the event attract competitors, companies and elite runners from around the world. He also pointed to the efforts to make the marathon accessible to more participants this year.
Iliev said the marathon‘s recognition by World Athletics, together with Wizz Air‘s continued support, demonstrates the event’s quality and growing standing.
Wizz Air‘s involvement in running events extends beyond Sofia. For more than a decade, the airline has supported its WIZZ Run Series, which includes marathons across Europe and promotes participation in running as part of an active lifestyle. Amateur runners can collect points based on the distance they complete in Wizz Air-sponsored European marathons.
The top male and female runners in the European series will be eligible for additional prizes, including an All You Can Fly subscription and Wizz Air travel vouchers worth 1,000 euros and 800 euros, respectively.
Registration for the Sofia Marathon remains open through September 20 on the event’s official website. Groups of at least five runners can receive discounts ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the number of participants registered together.
A late-registration period is scheduled for September 21-30, provided starting places remain available. For the first time, participants will also be able to monitor the number of remaining places in each discipline in real time.