Budapest Sport Office (Budapest Sportiroda, BSI) is back in 2026 with a packed calendar that gets Hungary moving. From lake-spanning open-water swims to glow-lit night runs and the country’s biggest marathons, tens of thousands will chase finish lines, views, and that unbeatable group buzz. Check the dates, pick your challenge, and jump in.
Four Days Around Lake Balaton
February 26 to March 1 brings the 16th Balaton Supermarathon (Balaton Szupermaraton), a four-day tour of the “Hungarian Sea.” Go solo, pair up, or form teams of 3–4 or 5–8 and circle the lake in a rolling festival of endurance and scenery. Want a taste without the ultra label? Marathon+ (Maraton+) lets you join the supermarathoners for a single day and complete the day’s full distance on your own. Base city: Siófok, 8600.
Friday Half: Bay Half Marathon (Öböl Félmaraton)
On February 27, line up for a rare weekday race: a half marathon along the shore from Keszthely to Szigliget. Yes, it’s Friday—clear your home office yourself, then let BSI handle the rest. Twenty-one kilometers of early spring Balaton vibes, start in 8360 Keszthely.
Spring Marathon on the Shore
Marathonfüred (Maratonfüred) hits on February 28 with a marathon-distance shot of spring. If ultras don’t call yet, kick off the season with 26.2 miles along the lakeside route. Expect near-perfect running weather and winter-waking views of the water. Host area: Badacsony–Badacsonytomaj, 8258.
HalfBalaton: Big Weekend, Manageable Slices
February 28 to March 1, the HalfBalaton Supermarathon (FélBalaton Szupermaraton) serves up 94.8 kilometers over two days—solo, in pairs, or with teams of 3 or 5–8. You can split daily legs however you like, so a three-person relay can wrap it with roughly 9–12 miles each per day. Same stunning lakeside payoff, fewer miles at once. Badacsony–Badacsonytomaj, 8258.
Clifftop Finish: High Bank Half Marathon (Magaspart Félmaraton)
On March 1, chase a half marathon along the celebrated high bank: start in Balatonakarattya and run into the Day 4 finish in Siófok. Parts of the course hug the lake, with that late-winter, early-spring shimmer as your pacer.
City Spring Starter: 41st Telekom Vivicittá
Budapest lights up March 21–22 with the city’s spring classic based on Margaret Island, threading past postcard landmarks. It’s for everyone—families, first-timers, and speedsters. Choose:
– March 21: Vivicittá City Tour 9.3 miles; City Tour 5 miles; 3-person relay; Minicittá 1.5 miles; Walking event; Family Run; Midicittá 4.3 miles
– March 22: Vivicittá Half Marathon; 10K; Pairs Half Marathon; Trio Half Marathon
Location: Budapest, District 13.
Corporate Night Out: E.ON Business Run
On Wednesday, May 6 at 18:00, the National Athletics Center opens for team spirit and a race-night party. The E.ON Business Run brings companies and all-comers together to move, compete, and celebrate. District 9, Ferencváros.
Ride the Lake Tisza Loop
May 9 is the 19th BorsodChem Tour de Lake Tisza (Tour de Tisza-tó): explore one of Hungary’s natural treasures by bike on 17, 40, or 62 miles. Family cruise or all-out push—your pace, your day. Start: 5350 Tiszafüred.
Climb to Hungary’s Roof
May 17 marks the 29th Kékes Peak Run and Trail (Kékes Csúcsfutás). It’s one of BSI’s most iconic: 7.2 miles with 2,201 feet of ascent to the country’s highest point, on road or trail. The Mátra air, the grind, the summit—unforgettable. Start: 3232 Mátrafüred.
Women Take the Park
June 7, the 31st ALDI Women’s Running Gala (ALDI Női Futógála) lands in City Park’s Napozórét, District 14. Celebrate together, whether it’s your first 1.6 miles or a fast 10K. Options:
– 10K solo or 10K pairs
– 5K
– 1.6 miles
– 1.6-mile walk
– 3×1.2-mile relay
– Combo distances (10+5K; 10+5K+1.6 miles; 5K+1.6 miles)
Get Muddy: Brutal Run 15.0 (Brutálfutás 15.0)
June 13 in Nyáregyháza: the most lovable chaos. It’s a playful obstacle run focused on fun, not brute strength—7 km and 2.3 km that you won’t finish dry or clean. Zip code 2723.
Urban Open-Water: MOL Campus Bay Swim (MOL Campus Öbölúszás)
June 20, dive into BudaPart at Flava Beach for the season-opening bay swim: 500, 1500, 3000, or 4500 meters, all in controlled conditions. Spectators can lounge and cheer along the Kopaszi Dam. District 11, Újbuda.
Night Lights: 32nd KIPRUN Running Night (KIPRUN Futóest)
June 27 brings summer-night running on Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square. Race a half marathon solo, as a pair, or trio—or take the quarter marathon. The course glows; the city hums. District 14, Zugló.
Balaton Crossing: 44th Lidl Lake Balaton Cross-Swim (Balaton-átúszás)
July 18 at Révfülöp: Hungary’s biggest open-water event. Swim 3.2 miles across the lake, take the half distance (1.6 miles), or SUP across the country’s largest body of water. Rain dates: July 19, 25, 26; August 1, 2, 8, 9. Zip code 8253.
Half the City, All the Buzz
September 6 is the 41st Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon in Újbuda. Run the capital’s highlights or team up for a pairs or trio half; there’s also the Szimpatika 10K. District 11.
Park Joy Run
September 20: Liget Experience Run (Liget Élményfutás) in Budapest, a feel-good community spin through the city’s green heart.
Bucket List: SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival
October 10–11, the 41st SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival (SPAR Budapest Maraton Fesztivál) takes over with two days of distances for everyone, capped by the October 11 marathon. Big-city course, big-field energy, big memories. District 11, Újbuda.
Balaton in Late Fall
November 14–15: the 23rd Balaton Marathon and Half Marathon returns to Siófok for a season-closing lakeside run. Zip code 8600.
Santa Suits On
December 6, Santa Run (Mikulásfutás) brings a festive dash to District 9, Ferencváros. Red hats, smiles, and a holiday send-off.
The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs. Venue info: BSI headquarters at 1139 Budapest, District 13, Fáy Street (Fáy utca) 4.
