Eight symbolic marathons. One new series. The Copenhagen Marathon joins forces with seven other marathons in a new series that takes participants on running experiences across Europe.
Once you cross the finish line of the Copenhagen Marathon, it’s not the end of the adventure anymore. In fact, that’s just the beginning.
Along with seven other iconic European marathons, the Copenhagen Marathon is now part of a brand new and exciting marathon series that combines eight races into one long-distance challenge. The series is called the European Marathon Classics and was officially launched on Wednesday evening in the historic surroundings of the Schönbrunn Palace in the Austrian capital, Vienna.
One distance. Eight cities. Many cultures. One shared a European identity.
At its heart, the European Marathon Classics is about more than running. It’s a movement that promotes health and wellness, inspires people to stretch beyond their limits, and fosters a deep sense of belonging between runners and the communities that support them. The series champions responsible participation in sport and respect for the environment, values shared across eight events.
Eight classic marathons
The European Marathon Classics series consists of eight races held between March and October;
- Acea Run Rome Marathon
- Vienna City Marathon
- TCS London Marathon
- Zurich Rock’n’Roll Running Series Madrid
- Copenhagen Marathon
- Warsaw Marathon
- EDP Lisbon Marathon
- Mainova Frankfurt Marathon
The European Marathon Classics embodies our ambition to explore Europe together while crossing borders, geographical and philosophical. I am confident that this series will show that across Europe we are better together than apart and more alike than different. I hope it will inspire participants from around the world to experience Europe’s great marathons, cities and communities,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon and one of the driving forces behind the European Marathon Classics.
To earn the title of “European Marathon Classic Finisher” and receive a commemorative medal, participants must complete at least five different marathons from the list, each in a different city. There is no time limit to complete the five races.
“At the Copenhagen Marathon, we are proud to be part of the European marathon classics. It places us next to the strongest marathons in Europe, where we can exchange experiences. This will undoubtedly mean that participants can expect a race with more energy, quality and atmosphere, not only in Copenhagen, but also with our friends all over Europe”, says Dorgnje, A.Spargnje, A. who organizes the Copenhagen Marathon.
Medal and collectible magnetic coins
At the inauguration in Vienna, the European Marathon Classics medal was unveiled, embodying the series’ values of unity and shared experience. It will be awarded to participants after the completion of the fifth race in the series.
The medal design features a unique concentric structure for adding magnetic collectible badges from completed races. When runners complete marathons, they build a personalized medal that reflects their journey.
“The European Marathon Classics are an inspiring challenge, and this unique medal represents this spirit in a truly remarkable way,” said Kathryn Vidu, Executive Director of the Vienna City Marathon.
“By bringing together Europe’s leading marathons, we aim to inspire more people to take up marathon running. We are united by shared values such as a passion for sport, community, health and sustainability and driven by the energy of a new generation of runners.”
Historical results will count
One of the main principles of the program is the commitment to recognize both future achievements and the historical results of the marathon, dating back to the earliest editions of each event, from the first race in Madrid in 1978 to the beginning of Lisbon in 1986.
through cooperation with LetsDoThis.comrunners will be able to add past verified results to their EMC profiles, with the feature expected to launch in the second half of 2026.
“We appreciate everyone who has ever completed the marathon distance in our race, whether it was this year or forty years ago. It is a major operational undertaking and a significant organizational challenge, but we will enable recognition of results starting from the very first editions.
Registration for the European Marathon Classics is now open www.
Joining the series is free. Entry fees apply to individual races in accordance with each event’s regulations.
Facts: About European marathon classics
The European Marathon Classics (EMC) is a European series that brings together eight prestigious marathons in cities across Europe, from Rome and Madrid, Lisbon, London, Copenhagen, Vienna and Warsaw to Frankfurt.
The initiative combines sports, tourism and culture, encourages regular physical activity, promotes responsible participation and supports integration among runners from different countries around the world.
Participants who complete at least five marathons in five different cities are awarded the title “European Marathon Classics Finisher” and receive a special collectible medal that can be personalized by collecting unique badges corresponding to each race.
2026 European Marathon Classics calendar.
- Acea Run Rome The Marathon – March 22
- Vienna City Marathon – April 19
- TCS London Marathon – April 26
- Zurich Rock’n’Roll Run Series Madrid – April 26
- Copenhagen Marathon – May 10
- Warsaw Marathon – September 27
- EDP Lisbon Marathon – October 10
- Mainova Frankfurt Marathon – October 25
Read more about the series and see how to register.
