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Marathon Details - Cracovia Marathon

International Marathons > Poland > Krakow > Cracovia Marathon

Cracovia Marathon

Krakow, Poland

April 6, 2025

http://www.pzucracoviamaraton.pl

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Race Details

Marathon and Half Marathon. Race course in one loop, marathon and half. Along the vistule river you can appreciate the very beautiful view of the Castel of Wawel, finishing in the Medieval square, rynek Glowny.

Contact Information

Name:
Address:	Cracovia Maraton Office OSiR "Krakowianka" 31-523 Kraków Eisenberga 2 str. Poland
Phone Number:	+48 (12) 616-63-00
Fax Number:	+48 (12) 616-63-01
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (18)

Course 3.9

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Fergus Hodgson from Fort Collins, Colorado (5/1/2023) "For Fun, Not PRs" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was awkward with lots of U-turns, small hills, and lumpy roads to contend with, and the temperature averaged in the mid-70s (23.5 celsius). People were smoking cigarettes right by the start, which I guess is a very European habit, but otherwise I enjoyed the race and appreciated the vocal crowd. I would not do this course for a personal best, even if I achieved one for myself, but I would do it to enjoy an old city with plenty of culture and a friendly atmosphere. The entries were capped at 6,300, making it Poland's flagship marathon, although only about 5,100 runners finished on the day. The large field made a seriously congested start, so I recommend getting nearer to the front. I stayed at Bracka 6, only a block from the start, and that also saved me from the long lines for the bathrooms.
R. R. from Near Chicago, USA (5/27/2016) "An enjoyable race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 An enjoyable race, with the start and finish in Krakows main square, and over 5000 finishers; the weather this year was ideal. The course was two laps, with a several kilometers on lower-level non-automobile roads alongside the river. There were lots of spectators near the start/finish area, but few in other areas; the many very enthusiastic helpers at the frequent water stops were excellent. The entry fee is low (by typical US standards), although it is not possible to pay by credit card: you either pay by bank transfer or by cash at the Expo, both of which are more expensive. The entry fee is 0 for those over 60 years old. The Expo is away from the city center, but accessible by taxi or tram. I was helped in picking up my packet at the Expo by a Polish-speaking colleague, although I had the impression that I could have done it by myself if necessary. Krakow is a very interesting city, with a long history, and well worth a visit.
R. D. from Austria (5/20/2014) "A difficult year" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The organization of this race was not great. First, there is no easy way to enter online, and you must transfer registration fee via bank transfer. You can register but pay on the weekend, but this costs more and means that your predicted time is not included on your bib. This can make getting entry into the correct starting corral tricky. Eight days before the race, the oranisers sent an update (in Polish), that the route had been changed, from a single loop, to a double loop. Two days after this, the route was modified again, containing two loops with many out and back sections. The week before the race saw heavy rain in Krakow and the river flooded. As the route partially went along the river, we expected another change. This came less than 24 hours before the race. The race itself started dry, but we were soon hit with pouring rain. Despite dreading the course, it wasn't so bad. The many out and backs weren't so bad, and the uninspiring section along the motorway was well attended with spectators. Support from the organization staff during the race was second to none. They stood in the rain, handing out water and energy drinks and cheering. It made a difficult course on a difficult day bearable. I was impressed with my time, although my Garmin said I had only run 41.7k. A quick view of the facebook page showed that other people's watches had measured the same - so the course was just short of the full marathon distance. Despite these complaints, I enjoyed the race, and there was great team spirit through adversity. Organisation on the day was fantastic - however - the organization prior to the event was poor. The location of the expo and bib pickup was not at all clear. It could be that this was a bad year, and certainly the weather didn't help. However, as fantastic as the low-level organization was (supporters, water, energy drinks, medals, kit drop off), the high level organization (updates about the race, last minute route changes not caused by weather, inability to pay online, information for runners) was quite lacking.
L. H. from London (10/25/2013) "Really good" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great experience throughout. The course was interesting, drinks stations plentiful, support and encouragement everywhere, very cheap to participate and the goody bag above average. There was even a free beer at the finish line. Paying entrance fee more difficult for non-polish participants, but plenty of guidance online about this.
J. S. from Doha, Qatar (5/6/2013) "Excellent Weekend" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race was extremely well organized from registration through check-in to the race day pre and post race. Relief stations were well stocked and had more volunteers than I've ever seen at a race. The course was well marked and barricaded with ample police and military staff on hand. The meals were tasty. The people of Krakow were warm and inviting throughout our weekend visit. I highly recommend this race.
S. R. from Poznan, Poland (4/26/2012) "A good race but it could have been better organize" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 First off I came to this race with no prior knowledge of Krakow and the website didn't help me find anything like a map to the registration hall or anything like that. So I was horribly lost when I got to looking for it. Paying via a bank transfer and not a credit card is also a bit annoying because if you don't have a Polish bank the transfer fees are phenomenal (that being said you can pay the day of the race it just costs more- obviously). The course was good but the spectators weren't as active as I've seen them in some places and running through the rynek was a bit dissapointing as no one was there. If you were near the end of the race they ran out of water at some aid stations and it was HOT this year. I thought I was going to have to drop from dehydration and I've never felt that in a race before.
I. J. from Kraków, Poland (4/23/2012) "Great First Marathon" (about: 2012) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organised run with very regular fruit/drink stands manned by eager volunteers. Good enthusiastic support along most of the way and the whole application process was remarkably hassle-free. Medal was nice, too, as were the welcome and finishing packs. Course very flat. Great first marathon to do in a great city. Plus, at a cost of 80zB (if you book in advance) it's incredibly cheap, especially since they provide all runners with free accommodation.
J. L. from Dublin (5/8/2010) "Nice marathon; well organized" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a nice marathon. The start and finish in the park were great (although the extra lap of the park at the end is brutal... you actually run right next to the the finish line and have to go in for another 3 or 4 kilometers). It was a little boring in the middle, but the parts in the park, by the river and old town were great... and the free beer afterwards was the nicest pint I've ever had!!!
Anton Reiter from Vienna (4/26/2010) "A small marathon with perfect organization" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Cracovia Marathon is based on perfect organization. They do a very good job there. I felt like I was in a familiar running community after the race when we got a typical Polish soup, bread and a beer in the big marathon tent. The course leads through the old city at the beginning and then goes along the river. You won't find so many people outside the city along the course who shout at you, but that didn't disturb me at all. There was plenty of water, three different iso-drinks and bananas. I had run the marathon in Vienna the week before - I was 9 minutes quicker in Krakow, so the course invites you to speed on. I love the wonderful, precious medal, so I'll come back next year.
Arold de Vries from Warsaw, Poland (4/27/2009) "Great course, well organized, plenty of water!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a relatively small marathon, with about 2,500 participants, and a well organized water and food supply (it was very hot!!). They have a nice course through the old town, and along the river to a suburb (with plenty of shade). Then you run back along the river and do a killer extra lap around the park before the finish. The only negative thing for me was the inclusion of the roller-bladers, who occasionally forced me to make life-saving moves to avoid clashes. But, at least partly because of the weather, it was great! I will be back next year!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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Fergus Hodgson from Fort Collins, Colorado (5/1/2023) "For Fun, Not PRs" (about: 2023) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The course was awkward with lots of U-turns, small hills, and lumpy roads to contend with, and the temperature averaged in the mid-70s (23.5 celsius). People were smoking cigarettes right by the start, which I guess is a very European habit, but otherwise I enjoyed the race and appreciated the vocal crowd. I would not do this course for a personal best, even if I achieved one for myself, but I would do it to enjoy an old city with plenty of culture and a friendly atmosphere. The entries were capped at 6,300, making it Poland's flagship marathon, although only about 5,100 runners finished on the day. The large field made a seriously congested start, so I recommend getting nearer to the front. I stayed at Bracka 6, only a block from the start, and that also saved me from the long lines for the bathrooms.
R. R. from Near Chicago, USA (5/27/2016) "An enjoyable race" (about: 2016) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 An enjoyable race, with the start and finish in Krakows main square, and over 5000 finishers; the weather this year was ideal. The course was two laps, with a several kilometers on lower-level non-automobile roads alongside the river. There were lots of spectators near the start/finish area, but few in other areas; the many very enthusiastic helpers at the frequent water stops were excellent. The entry fee is low (by typical US standards), although it is not possible to pay by credit card: you either pay by bank transfer or by cash at the Expo, both of which are more expensive. The entry fee is 0 for those over 60 years old. The Expo is away from the city center, but accessible by taxi or tram. I was helped in picking up my packet at the Expo by a Polish-speaking colleague, although I had the impression that I could have done it by myself if necessary. Krakow is a very interesting city, with a long history, and well worth a visit.
R. D. from Austria (5/20/2014) "A difficult year" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 The organization of this race was not great. First, there is no easy way to enter online, and you must transfer registration fee via bank transfer. You can register but pay on the weekend, but this costs more and means that your predicted time is not included on your bib. This can make getting entry into the correct starting corral tricky. Eight days before the race, the oranisers sent an update (in Polish), that the route had been changed, from a single loop, to a double loop. Two days after this, the route was modified again, containing two loops with many out and back sections. The week before the race saw heavy rain in Krakow and the river flooded. As the route partially went along the river, we expected another change. This came less than 24 hours before the race. The race itself started dry, but we were soon hit with pouring rain. Despite dreading the course, it wasn't so bad. The many out and backs weren't so bad, and the uninspiring section along the motorway was well attended with spectators. Support from the organization staff during the race was second to none. They stood in the rain, handing out water and energy drinks and cheering. It made a difficult course on a difficult day bearable. I was impressed with my time, although my Garmin said I had only run 41.7k. A quick view of the facebook page showed that other people's watches had measured the same - so the course was just short of the full marathon distance. Despite these complaints, I enjoyed the race, and there was great team spirit through adversity. Organisation on the day was fantastic - however - the organization prior to the event was poor. The location of the expo and bib pickup was not at all clear. It could be that this was a bad year, and certainly the weather didn't help. However, as fantastic as the low-level organization was (supporters, water, energy drinks, medals, kit drop off), the high level organization (updates about the race, last minute route changes not caused by weather, inability to pay online, information for runners) was quite lacking.
L. H. from London (10/25/2013) "Really good" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great experience throughout. The course was interesting, drinks stations plentiful, support and encouragement everywhere, very cheap to participate and the goody bag above average. There was even a free beer at the finish line. Paying entrance fee more difficult for non-polish participants, but plenty of guidance online about this.
J. S. from Doha, Qatar (5/6/2013) "Excellent Weekend" (about: 2013) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race was extremely well organized from registration through check-in to the race day pre and post race. Relief stations were well stocked and had more volunteers than I've ever seen at a race. The course was well marked and barricaded with ample police and military staff on hand. The meals were tasty. The people of Krakow were warm and inviting throughout our weekend visit. I highly recommend this race.
S. R. from Poznan, Poland (4/26/2012) "A good race but it could have been better organize" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 First off I came to this race with no prior knowledge of Krakow and the website didn't help me find anything like a map to the registration hall or anything like that. So I was horribly lost when I got to looking for it. Paying via a bank transfer and not a credit card is also a bit annoying because if you don't have a Polish bank the transfer fees are phenomenal (that being said you can pay the day of the race it just costs more- obviously). The course was good but the spectators weren't as active as I've seen them in some places and running through the rynek was a bit dissapointing as no one was there. If you were near the end of the race they ran out of water at some aid stations and it was HOT this year. I thought I was going to have to drop from dehydration and I've never felt that in a race before.
I. J. from Kraków, Poland (4/23/2012) "Great First Marathon" (about: 2012) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very well organised run with very regular fruit/drink stands manned by eager volunteers. Good enthusiastic support along most of the way and the whole application process was remarkably hassle-free. Medal was nice, too, as were the welcome and finishing packs. Course very flat. Great first marathon to do in a great city. Plus, at a cost of 80zB (if you book in advance) it's incredibly cheap, especially since they provide all runners with free accommodation.
J. L. from Dublin (5/8/2010) "Nice marathon; well organized" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a nice marathon. The start and finish in the park were great (although the extra lap of the park at the end is brutal... you actually run right next to the the finish line and have to go in for another 3 or 4 kilometers). It was a little boring in the middle, but the parts in the park, by the river and old town were great... and the free beer afterwards was the nicest pint I've ever had!!!
Anton Reiter from Vienna (4/26/2010) "A small marathon with perfect organization" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Cracovia Marathon is based on perfect organization. They do a very good job there. I felt like I was in a familiar running community after the race when we got a typical Polish soup, bread and a beer in the big marathon tent. The course leads through the old city at the beginning and then goes along the river. You won't find so many people outside the city along the course who shout at you, but that didn't disturb me at all. There was plenty of water, three different iso-drinks and bananas. I had run the marathon in Vienna the week before - I was 9 minutes quicker in Krakow, so the course invites you to speed on. I love the wonderful, precious medal, so I'll come back next year.
Arold de Vries from Warsaw, Poland (4/27/2009) "Great course, well organized, plenty of water!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Cracovia Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a relatively small marathon, with about 2,500 participants, and a well organized water and food supply (it was very hot!!). They have a nice course through the old town, and along the river to a suburb (with plenty of shade). Then you run back along the river and do a killer extra lap around the park before the finish. The only negative thing for me was the inclusion of the roller-bladers, who occasionally forced me to make life-saving moves to avoid clashes. But, at least partly because of the weather, it was great! I will be back next year!

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Marathon Details - Cracovia Marathon