The European Marathon Classics (EMC) series was officially unveiled yesterday (Wednesday, February 25, 2026), during an inauguration at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
The continent-wide initiative unites eight popular marathons into a single challenge that is designed to celebrate shared European spirit and to strengthen community ties.
The series features events in eight cities: Rome, Madrid, Lisbon, London, Copenhagen, Vienna, Warsaw, and Frankfurt. It aims to encourage health and wellbeing while promoting responsible participation and environmental respect across the different cultures of the host locations.
To earn the title of ‘European Marathon Classics Finisher’ and receive a commemorative medal, participants must complete at least five different marathons from the list. There is no time limit to achieve this goal.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said “European Marathon Classics embodies our ambition to explore Europe together while pushing boundaries – both geographically and philosophically.
“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.”
The series medal features a concentric structure designed to hold magnetic collectible badges from each completed race, allowing runners to build a personalised record of their journey.
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.”
A unique aspect of the EMC is the recognition of historical results. Runners will be able to include verified past race data dating back to the inaugural editions of the participating events, such as Madrid’s first race in 1978. This feature is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 through a partnership with LetsDoThis.com.
Marek Tronina, Race Director of the Warsaw Marathon, said “We value everyone who has ever completed the marathon distance at our races, whether this year or forty years ago. We see this as a sign of respect for marathon history and for the people who created it.”
Registration for the series is free of charge, though standard entry fees for individual races still apply.
2026 European Marathon Classics calendar:
- Acea Run Rome The Marathon – March 22, 2026
- Vienna City Marathon – April 19, 2026
- TCS London Marathon – April 26, 2026
- Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Madrid – April 26, 2026
- Copenhagen Marathon – May 10, 2026
- Warsaw Marathon – September 27, 2026
- EDP Maratona de Lisboa – October 10, 2026
- Mainova Frankfurt Marathon – October 25, 2026
www.europeanmarathonclassics.eu
