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Run Five, Earn the Title: Europe Unveils Ambitious Eight-City Marathon Challenge

February 26, 2026
By
Anna F.

Chasing a new marathon milestone in Europe just got easier: the European Marathon Classics links eight iconic races into one challenge. Run any five cities no time limit—and earn a buildable finisher medal, with past results set to count via verification later in 2026.

​​A new multi-city marathon series has officially launched in Europe, bringing together eight well-known races under one shared challenge.

​The European Marathon Classics was presented this week in Vienna and connects established marathons in Rome, Vienna, London, Madrid, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Lisbon, and Frankfurt.

​Organizers say the goal is to unite some of Europe’s most respected races while keeping each event independent.

​To earn the title of European Marathon Classics Finisher, runners must complete five of the eight marathons, each in a different city.

​There is no time limit. Participants can spread the races over several years.

​Registration for the series is free, but runners must still pay the standard entry fees for each individual marathon.

​Finishers will receive a medal designed to reflect their progress, with separate elements representing each completed race. Organizers also confirmed that past marathon results will count, with a verification system expected to launch later in 2026.

​The 2026 race calendar:

  • Rome -- March 22
  • Vienna -- April 19
  • London -- April 26
  • Madrid -- April 26
  • Copenhagen -- May 10
  • Warsaw -- September 27
  • Lisbon -- October 10
  • Frankfurt -- October 25

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