On October 13, 2024, thousands of runners from around the globe gathered in the Bulgarian capital to participate in the 41st edition of the Wizz Air Sofia Marathon. This year’s event brought several key innovations – a new course, an all-time high in participant numbers, and live music stages positioned along the race route.

Held annually in Sofia, the event attracted over 6,000 runners from 63 countries, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. This growth reflects the rising appeal of the Sofia Marathon, not only among Bulgarian athletes but also on the international running scene. The marathon has become one of the region’s most prominent sporting events, giving participants the chance to race past some of the city’s key landmarks while enjoying the energizing atmosphere of a large-scale competition.

In 2024, the route was revised to include Sofia’s western districts due to the construction of a new metro line, which required adjustments to the original course. For the first time, participants ran along Todor Alexandrov and Tsaritsa Yoanna boulevards, reaching the area near West Park and the Lyulin residential complex. The expanded route offered runners a new view of the city and helped ease congestion by better-distributing runners across the course.

One of the most exciting additions this year was the introduction of music stages along the route. Eight stages with live performances were placed at key points along the course, providing motivation and creating a festive vibe. Runners shared that the music made the experience more dynamic and uplifting, helping them maintain rhythm and energy throughout the race.

The event featured multiple race distances, allowing both professional athletes and amateur runners to participate. Alongside the traditional 42.195 km marathon and 21.1 km half marathon, the 41st Sofia Marathon also offered more accessible options – 10 km and 5 km runs. This gave more people the opportunity to experience the excitement of marathon day. The newest 5 km distance attracted over 700 participants, confirming the growing popularity of shorter runs within major race events.

The Wizz Air Sofia Marathon has solidified its status as one of the largest sporting events in Bulgaria. Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s edition, aiming to attract even more sports enthusiasts and elite runners.

The 42nd edition of the Sofia Marathon will take place on October 12, 2025, and registration is already open. All interested participants can sign up through the newly redesigned website.