The city with a
million hearts

The World Masters Athletics Marathon Championship is coming to Zagreb, bringing together experienced runners from around the world in a celebration of sport, endurance, and community. The 2026 Championship will be held in conjunction with the Zagreb Marathon, creating a dynamic atmosphere where elite Masters competitors and recreational runners share the same course and the same passion for the sport. For many runners, it will be a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime championship experience.

The course showcases some of Zagreb's most recognizable landmarks, combining historic streets with modern city scenery. Its balanced profile and reliable race conditions make it attractive for athletes aiming for strong performances, while the vibrant race-day environment ensures a true championship setting. Beyond the race itself, Zagreb offers a rich cultural experience. Celebrated for its history, café culture, green parks, museums, and outstanding cuisine, the Croatian capital provides an ideal setting to combine world-class competition with relaxation and exploration.

The Zagreb Marathon was first held in 1992, during a significant period in Croatia's modern history, and has since grown into the country's leading marathon event. What began as a modest race organized by local running enthusiasts has developed into an internationally recognized competition attracting thousands of participants each year.

Organized by the Zagreb Athletic Association, the marathon quickly established itself as a key fixture in the regional running calendar. Over the decades, it has welcomed elite athletes, recreational runners, and international competitors, steadily building a reputation for strong organization, a fast city course, and an enthusiastic atmosphere.

Today, the Zagreb Marathon is known not only for its competitive quality but also for its welcoming spirit, reflecting the growth of distance running in Croatia and the city's commitment to sport and active lifestyles.

World Masters Athletics (WMA) is the global governing body for masters athletics, representing athletes aged 35 and older in track and field, road running, cross country, and race walking. Founded in 1975, the organization promotes lifelong participation in athletics, healthy living, and international friendship through sport.

The Zagreb Marathon is Croatia's largest and most established long-distance running event, bringing together professional athletes, recreational runners, and international participants each autumn in Zagreb.