Running has long ceased to be just physical exercise and has turned into an excellent reason for travel. Exploring new cities on foot, feeling the support of thousands of people, and receiving a well-deserved medal at the finish line – this is a special kind of pleasure. To help you plan your sports season in advance, we have compiled a guide to the most significant marathonsof 2026. It's worth buying tickets to Yekaterinburg or finding affordable tickets to Vladivostok in advance, as demand for flights traditionally increases on the days of major races.

Sirius Autodrom Sports Festival

If you miss warmth and perfect pavement, this race is for you. The track is laid out on the legendary racing circuit, where Formula 1 car engines roared not long ago. There are no sharp ascents or treacherous turns – just smooth asphalt and a sea breeze. This is the best chance at the beginning of the season to test your form and, perhaps, set a new personal best in a 10K or half-marathon, while most of the country is still bundled up in jackets.

Date and location: April 4, 2026, Sirius Federal Territory

Volgograd Marathon

This race is a deep dive into history. The route runs along the Volga River embankment. The main feature of the race is its atmosphere: participants run past the legendary “Dancing Wall” and head towards the foot of Mamayev Kurgan. The May sun in Volgograd is already starting to get warm, but the support of volunteers and the awareness of the place's scale provide strength for the final push. This is a race where sporting excitement meets sincere respect for the past.

Date and location: April 19, 2026, Volgograd

Moscow Half Marathon

The main running event of spring in the capital. If you want to feel the scale of the industry, this is the place for you. The 21.1 km distance is laid out in a single loop along the city's most picturesque embankments: Luzhnetskaya, Frunzenskaya, Prechistenskaya, and Kremlyovskaya. You will run beneath the Kremlin walls, see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and Stalin's skyscrapers from an unusual angle. A huge number of participants and an incredible concentration of fans turn this race into a true carnival of sport.

Date and location: April 25-26, 2026, Moscow

Kazan Marathon

Kazan is rightfully considered a sports capital, and the marathon here is organized at a world-class level. The route covers almost all iconic places: from the walls of the ancient Kremlin and the white-stone Qolşärif Mosque to the futuristic “Kazan” Family Center. The elevation changes are moderate, allowing you to enjoy the views. And after the finish, a well-deserved reward awaits you – a gastronomic tour of local coffee shops with obligatory chak-chak and Tatar pastries.

Date and location: May 2, 2026, Kazan, Millennium Square

Tsarskoye Selo Marathon

For those who prefer the aesthetics of classicism and the quiet of parks to noisy megacities. The route runs through the historic center of Pushkin. You will run along shady alleys past the Catherine and Alexander Palaces, where emperors and poets once strolled. The air here is clean, and the track is considered one of the fastest in the country due to the absence of steep climbs. This is an ideal option for a family weekend getaway.

Date and location: May 10, 2026, St. Petersburg (Pushkin)

ZaBeg.RF

A unique event – the world's most massive simultaneous half-marathon. At the same moment, thousands of people in dozens of cities from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka take to the course. This is an excellent opportunity to feel a sense of unity with the entire running community of the country. In 2026, the project celebrates its tenth anniversary, so participants can surely expect special medals and a festive program.

Date and location: May 23, 2026, over 80 cities in Russia

White Nights Marathon

Running through St. Petersburg during the white nights is pure magic. In recent years, the start has been moved to the evening, which added to the event's atmosphere. The route runs along the Neva, through Palace Square, and past St. Isaac's Cathedral. The cool Baltic air and the setting sun help to endure the distance more easily, and the support of spectators in the city center does not subside until late at night.

Date and location: July 4, 2026, St. Petersburg, Palace Square

Alpindustria Elbrus Race

This race is the complete opposite of urban road races. Here, your opponent will not be the time on the clock, but the harsh nature of the high mountains. Distances pass around Elbrus through mountain passes, rivers, and rocky trails. Participants see not the neon of billboards, but the snow-capped peaks and starry sky of the Elbrus region. This is a challenge for the strong-willed, requiring special training and equipment, but the views of the glaciers compensate for any difficulties.

Date and location: August 1, 2026, Terskol village (Kabardino-Balkaria)

Europe-Asia Marathon

The main running event of the Urals, which literally allows you to run from one part of the world to another. The route is laid out along the central streets of Yekaterinburg and a federal highway to the iconic obelisk at the border of the continents. Be aware that the terrain here is quite tricky – long ascents will test your endurance.

Date and location: August 9, 2026, Yekaterinburg, Oktyabrskaya Square

Samara Marathon

If you love running along the water, Samara will captivate you. A significant part of the route runs along the famous Samara embankment – one of the longest in Russia. You will run, feeling the freshness of the great river, past sandy beaches and historical buildings of the old city. The organizers always prepare a vibrant show program, so support is guaranteed at every kilometer. This is a great reason to extend summer and enjoy the velvet season on the Volga.

Date and location: August 23, 2026, Samara

Perm Marathon

Perm closes the season of major city marathons with special grandeur. For the duration of the race, the city transforms into a single sports venue. The route runs along the central streets – Lenina and Sibirskaya, which are completely closed to cars. The Perm Marathon is famous for its exclusive animal-style merchandise and the incredibly warm welcome from residents. This is a worthy highlight in the 2026 running calendar.

Date and location: September 6, 2026, Perm

Galaxy Vladivostok Marathon

If you are looking for exotic experiences and are ready for serious challenges, head to the Far East. This marathon is called the “bridge race” – the route passes over the legendary Russky and Zolotoy bridges. The elevation gain here is impressive (over 900 meters), but the views of the ocean and hills compensate for any physical exertion.

Date and location: September 26, 2026, Vladivostok, Central Square

A Few Tips for Preparation

• Register in advance. Slots for popular marathons often sell out six months before the event.

• Prepare documents. To participate in official races in Russia, you will definitely need an original medical certificate and insurance.

• Book accommodation. Try to choose hotels within walking distance of the start, so you don't waste extra energy and nerves on travel on the morning of the race.