The newly unveiled European Marathon Classics detailed its eight race calendar on Wednesday, with the London Marathon giving the series a major boost as its headline event.
For organizers, the series is a seven-month journey through some of the region’s notable cities that have continued to build on the hype of distance racing as demand for marathons increases. Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Vienna, Warsaw, Frankfurt and Zurich are all part of the lineup with each of the eight events is meant to build community through racing.
Meanwhile, the third race in the group is the London Marathon, which instantly lends credibility and star power as one of the seven majors.
“European Marathon Classics embodies our ambition to explore Europe together while pushing boundaries — both geographically and philosophically,” Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon said. “I’m confident this series will show that across Europe we are better together than we are apart and that we are more similar than we are different. I hope it will inspire participants from around the world to experience Europe’s great marathons, cities and communities.”
Series organizers also showed a preview of the a commemorative medal that will be presented to participants who complete their fifth race. There is no set time to complete all of the races but the medal has cutouts to place magnetic badges that corresponds to the event they finished.
Runners will still receive finisher medals for the races even if they have not chosen to take part in the series and organizers have not revealed if participants who complete all of the event will get an additional keepsake.
“The European Marathon Classics are an inspiring challenge, and this unique medal represents this spirit in a truly remarkable way,” Kathrin Widu, CEO of the Vienna City Marathon said. “By bringing together leading European marathons, we aim to inspire even more people to embrace marathon running. We are united by shared values like a passion for sport, community, health, and sustainability and driven by the energy of a new generation of runners.”
2026 European Marathon Classics calendar
Acea Run Rome The Marathon – March 22
Vienna City Marathon – April 19
TCS London Marathon – April 26
Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Madrid – April 26
Copenhagen Marathon – May 10
Warsaw Marathon – September 27
EDP Maratona de Lisboa – October 10
Mainova Frankfurt Marathon – October 25
