40th Powerade Belgrade Marathon

Nestled within the vibrant streets and historic landmarks of Serbia's capital, the Belgrade Marathon (Beogradski Maraton) stands as one of the country’s premier sporting events. Conceived by passionate advocates aiming to revive a race that first took place in 1910 between Obrenovac and Belgrade, this modern marathon has grown into an annual celebration of running.
The inaugural contemporary edition of the Beogradski Maraton was held on May 8, 1988, covering a distance of 46.7 kilometers with its start and finish in front of the Federal Parliament Building. Since then, it adhered to the standard marathon length of 42.195 km starting from 1990.
Despite facing significant challenges during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999, the race continued as a symbolic gesture of resilience. On April 17 that year, approximately forty runners representing nine countries crossed the finish line after covering an exact metered distance together. Among them were representatives from NATO nations such as Zane Branson (USA), Michael Turzynski and Heinz Lorber (Germany).
The Yugoslav Sport Society "Partizan" played a pivotal role in organizing these events, ensuring that runners could experience the unique spirit of Belgrade’s running community despite challenging times. The event's continuation through adversity highlights its importance not just as a sporting competition but also as a cultural and historical milestone.
Since 2003, the City of Belgrade has officially recognized the marathon as an event of special significance to the city. This acknowledgment underscores the race's broader impact on community pride and international recognition. The organizing committee is responsible for additional events such as the Belgrade Race Through History, which began in 1996 around Kalemegdan fortress.
Today’s Powerade Belgrade Marathon offers participants a chance to run through some of Belgrade’s most iconic sites while enjoying the atmosphere reminiscent of major European championships. Runners can expect an engaging course that showcases both modern and historical architecture, providing not only athletic challenge but also cultural immersion.