Race Sports Director Militsa Mircheva will lead the 5K field on the opening day of the event, October 10

More than 12,000 runners from 70 countries have registered for the 43rd edition of Wizz Air Sofia Marathon, which will take place in the Bulgarian capital on October 10 and 11. This puts Sofia’s largest sporting event on a scale comparable to marathons in Bologna, Bruges, Seville, Leeds, Edinburgh and others.

This year’s edition marks significant growth both in the overall number of participants and in international participation. Nearly 2,000 international runners are on the start list – 50% more than in the previous edition – while the total number of registered participants in 2026 is twice as high as in each of the previous two years.

“This year, we have significantly surpassed last year’s record for the number of participants, but for us, this scale is an even greater reason to work towards ensuring that the event is well organised for the people who live in the city,” said Desislava Zhelyazkova, Deputy Mayor for Education, Sports and Youth Activities, at a special press conference today.

“Sofia has repeatedly proven that it can host events of this calibre. We saw this with the Giro d’Italia this spring, as well as with volleyball and boxing – we are getting better and better, not only as spectators and participants, but also as organisers. With participants from 70 countries, Sofia is becoming a favourite sports destination for many international visitors, which is a tremendous source of pride. We will see many children and families along the course on both race days, so we encourage everyone to come out onto the streets, cheer and support the runners.”

“One piece of great news for us today is that the Marathon’s Sports Director and one of Bulgaria’s elite athletes, Militsa Mircheva, will lead the 5K field on the opening day of the Marathon, Saturday, October 10. This will be a symbolic culmination of this year’s organisation, as we have been working hard on it since the very beginning of 2026 and have made every effort to ensure that every detail of the race is even better planned and organised, so that runners can feel comfortable and focus on what matters most – the course and their performance,” announced Anatoli Iliev, chief organiser of the Marathon from the Sport in Leisure Time Association.

Iliev added that this year the organisers have worked to give participants an entirely new perspective on the Sofia Marathon and an opportunity to discover Sofia beyond the race course. For the first time, runners will be able to use their race bib to visit four iconic cultural venues free of charge – The Palace – National Gallery, Kvadrat 500, the Museum of Christian Art and the Regional History Museum – Sofia.

The four cultural venues will welcome marathon participants on October 9, 10 and 11, with each visit marked by a special stamp on the back of the race bib. In this way, thousands of international and Bulgarian participants will have the opportunity to discover Sofia in a new light – not only as the host of a major sporting event, but also as a cultural and tourist destination.

Continuing a standard established over the past two years, the organisers have also prepared opportunities to support runners along the course, as well as an entertainment programme for spectators and families. This year, nine entertainment zones will be located near the aid stations, offering music and activities for spectators. While the runners are out on the course, an attractive programme will also take place in the start-finish area.

The Marathon is also continuing its social cause. Part of the proceeds from this year’s edition will go towards supporting eight-year-old Hristo Hristov, who has cerebral palsy and needs urgent treatment in Germany. The event traditionally provides opportunities for people with disabilities and children with disabilities to take part alongside the other participants.

The competitive programme will bring together 25 elite athletes of different nationalities. Last year’s 42K winners, Shedrack Kimayo in the men’s race and Cheuwangat Sang in the women’s race, will also return to Bulgaria. The total prize fund exceeds €30,000, with special bonuses available for performances under 2:13 in the men’s race and under 2:33 in the women’s race.

“This year is shaping up to be a very strong race. Eight of the elite athletes have personal bests in the 2:09–2:15 range. This means we could witness a very fast race and potentially an attempt on the course record,” said Marathon Sports Director Militsa Mircheva.

She also highlighted the strong Bulgarian presence in the women’s field, represented by Marinela Nineva, for whom there are high expectations in the marathon distance.

“I believe the moment when we see a Bulgarian victory in the long-distance races is not far away,” Mircheva added.

To improve the organisation of the event, this year the 10K race will take place on the first race day, October 10, together with the mass 5K run. The 21K, 42K and relay will take place on Sunday, October 11. There are no changes to the course this year.

More than 5,000 runners have registered for the two long-distance races combined, nearly 4,000 for the 10K, 2,300 for the 5K and more than 120 for the new relay. The participants also include more than 150 corporate entries from company teams.

“We appeal for the understanding and cooperation of Sofia residents during the two race days, so that at least once a year we can give the streets to the runners. There will be changes to public transport and road closures. On Saturday, these will be limited to the city centre, while on Sunday the full course towards Sveta Troitsa and Lyulin will be closed,” said Nikolay Stoilov, Technical Director of the Marathon.

Eight aid stations offering food and drinks will be positioned along the course, and the organisers expect Sofia residents and visitors to come out along the route to support the participants.

“Aid stations are a key part of organising a race of this scale. Just like last year, highly motivated employees from prestigious companies will be stationed at these points. Each station will have its own identity and will offer food, isotonic drinks, sweet and savoury options – everything the runners need will be provided. Near the stations, there will also be a variety of attractions, concerts, bagpipers and drummers, which we hope will bring joy to Sofia residents on Sunday,” said Georgi Stanoilov, founder of the 5kmrun movement and coordinator of the aid stations.

Marathon week will officially begin on Tuesday, October 6, with the traditional Marathon Expo, which will welcome participants and visitors for six days, from October 6 to 11. The Expo zone will be located in the parking area at Alexander Battenberg Square, opposite the National Art Gallery and immediately next to the start-finish area.

Exhibitors will include manufacturers of sports equipment, nutritional supplements and accessories, representatives of sports organisations and clubs, as well as other companies and organisations connected with sport and active lifestyles. Visitors will be able to discover new products, receive professional advice and prepare for race weekend.