Competition rules

Location: Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 12, 4028

Race Center: HALL Debrecen – Nagyerdei Stadium, North Event Area

Date: March 29, 2026

Objectives

The Debrecen Marathon aims to provide an unforgettable experience for runners while allowing them to be part of a unique environmental research project. Air quality and CO₂ emission measurements conducted during the event's traffic restrictions offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for the city of Debrecen to scientifically demonstrate the climate protection benefits of traffic calming. Measurements carried out by researchers from the University of Debrecen may lead to publishable results, establishing a national best practice for sustainable urban event management.

The University of Debrecen contributes to the development of universal science and Hungarian society through its multidisciplinary training, research, and development. Its mission is realized through the collective commitment of faculty, staff, and students, cooperating with domestic and international partners. Development of sports and health is a key strategic area in its mission statement. In this spirit, the idea of the Debrecen Marathon was conceived by the university's experts. The event aims to step outside the institution's walls to promote sustainability, sports, and the joy of running in cooperation with the City of Debrecen and the Ministry of Energy.

The University of Debrecen has recently joined the international elite as the first and currently only Hungarian higher education institution to win the Platinum level of the FISU Healthy Campus program—a privilege held by only 38 universities worldwide. Consequently, the institution's sports activities serve as a world-class model in competitive and leisure sports, facility development, and education and research alike. Together with the City of Debrecen, the University plays an active role in encouraging movement in the daily lives of thousands of university and city citizens.

Organizer: MSE Cluster Nonprofit Ltd., the University of Debrecen, and Debreceni Sportcentrum Nonprofit Ltd.

Choose the distance that suits you! The Debrecen Marathon is a leisure sport event where athletes and dedicated amateur runners can experience the power of running together while passing the sights, historical buildings, and atmospheric squares of the "Civis City." Be part of the first one and join us for an unforgettable experience!

Start Info & Daily Schedule

Friday, March 27.

16:00 – 20:00 Race pack pickup for pre-registered participants
16:00 – 20:00 On-site registration

Saturday, March 28.

12:00 – 20:00 Race pack pickup for pre-registered participants
12:00 – 20:00 On-site registration
12:00 – 18:00 Sports & Sustainability Expo - HALL
17:00 – 20:00 Pasta party (for 5k, quarter marathon, half marathon, and marathon participants) - HALL
12:00 – 20:00 Submission of individual refreshments to be placed by organizers (Marathon) - HALL

Sunday, March 29.

06:00 Start of race pack pickup
07:40 Closing of race pack and bib number pickup - Marathon
07:45 - 08:05 Start area opening and warm-up - Marathon
08:05 Start area closing - Marathon
08:10 Marathon Start

08:45 Closing of race pack and bib number pickup - Half Marathon
08:50 - 09:10 Start area opening and warm-up - Half Marathon
09:10 Start area closing - Half Marathon
09:15 Half Marathon Start

09:20 Closing of race pack and bib number pickup - Quarter Marathon
09:25 - 09:45 Start area opening - Quarter Marathon
09:45 Start area closing - Quarter Marathon
09:50 Quarter Marathon Start

09:55 Closing of race pack and bib number pickup - Short Distance
10:00 - 10:20 Start area opening - Short Distance
10:20 Start area closing - Short Distance
10:25 Short Distance Start

10:30 Closing of race pack and bib number pickup - Charity and Kids' Race
10:40 - 10:55 Start area opening - Charity and Kids' Race
10:55 Start area closing - Charity and Kids' Race
11:00 Charity and Kids' Race Start

09:00 - 12:00 Sports & Sustainability Expo – HALL

Award Ceremonies

11:50 Raffle for Charity and Kids' Race participants
12:00 Short Distance (5 km) award ceremonies
12:15 Quarter Marathon award ceremonies
12:30 Half Marathon award ceremonies
13:45 Marathon award ceremonies

The organizers reserve the right to change the schedule depending on the number of entries!

Distances

• Charity 1.7 km (individual)
• Kids' Race 1.7 km (individual)
• Short Distance 5 km (individual)
• Quarter Marathon 10.54875 km (individual)
• Half Marathon 21.0975 km (individual, duo)
• Marathon 42.195 km (individual, duo, quartet)*

*internationally certified course

Time Limits

• Half Marathon: 3 hours
• Marathon: 6 hours

Registration Fees & Deadlines

Route and Refreshment Stations

Refreshment stations will be set up in the start/finish area and on the track section next to the Great Church, providing water, isotonic drinks, and fruit.

The organizers provide individual refreshment options for marathon participants. Individual refreshments can be placed by the athletes or their assistants on designated tables at the refreshment points near the start/finish area and the Great Church. Assistants may hand over refreshments within the marked zones. Refreshments submitted to the organizers by 20:00 on Saturday will be placed by staff on the designated tables the following morning in ascending order by bib number. Refreshments must be clearly marked with the participant's bib number, and athletes must pick them up from the tables themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the organizer?

MSE Cluster Nonprofit Ltd. The University of Debrecen, the City of Debrecen, and Debreceni Sportcentrum Ltd. are also cooperating in the organization.

What are the age limits and is parental consent required?

Participants for the Kids' Race must be under 14 years old. For the Short Distance (5 km) and Quarter Marathon, participants must have reached the age of 14 by race day. For the Half Marathon (21.1 km), the minimum age is 16, and for the Marathon (42.2 km), the minimum age is 18. For participants under 18, a signed parental consent form is required upon bib pickup. Download parental consent form.

How are the awards categorized?

Short Distance (5 km) – Individual
Absolute: Male & Female 1st–3rd place
Age groups: 14–34, 35–49, 50+ (Male & Female 1st–3rd place)

Quarter Marathon – Individual
Absolute: Male & Female 1st–3rd place
Age groups: 14–34, 35–49, 50+ (Male & Female 1st–3rd place)

Half Marathon – Individual & Duo*
Absolute: Male, Female, Male Duo, Female Duo 1st–3rd place
Age groups: 16–34, 35–49, 50+ (Male & Female 1st–3rd place)

Marathon – Individual, Duo & Quartet*
Absolute: Male, Female, Male Duo, Female Duo, Male Quartet, Female Quartet 1st–3rd place
Age groups: 18–34, 35–49, 50+ (Male & Female 1st–3rd place)

*Mixed gender duos/quartets are categorized as Male teams. Absolute results are based on gross time, age groups on net time.

Can I order a race T-shirt?

Optional race T-shirts can be pre-ordered during registration for an extra fee. Basic T-shirts (5,990 HUF) are available until March 15, 2026. Premium Running T-shirts and University of Debrecen Premium T-shirts (14,990 HUF) are available until February 16, 2026. T-shirts cannot be exchanged for size after ordering.

What does the registration fee include?

• Participation in the event and access to the pasta party
• Closed and secured route with medical supervision
• Bib number and chip timing
• Unique finisher's medal (for successful finishers)
• Gifts from sponsors, refreshment, finisher video, and online photos/diploma

Relay Information

Each team member receives their own bib, but timing is measured by a dedicated relay bib. Transition happens at the designated relay point near the start/finish area by passing the relay bib. Each member completes a 10.548 km lap.

Withdrawal and Transfer

Registration fees are non-refundable. Transfers to another person or team member modifications are possible until midnight on March 9, 2026, by emailing info@debrecenmaraton.hu.