On November 15, 2026, runners from Bulgaria and around the world will gather in Burgas for Burgas Marathon 2026 – a certified road race on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
If you are looking for a new marathon destination, planning your next race abroad, or simply want to combine a fast course with a weekend by the sea, Burgas offers something different.
From the coastal route and choice of distances to the race-day atmosphere and the city itself, here are 5 reasons to make Burgas your next running destination.
1. Run Along the Black Sea
One of the biggest reasons to choose Burgas Marathon is the setting.
The course takes runners through some of the most scenic parts of the city, with the Black Sea, Sea Garden and coastal promenade creating a unique backdrop for race day. The combination of a coastal setting, a flat route and the atmosphere of a seaside city makes Burgas an attractive destination for runners looking for both a memorable experience and the opportunity to chase a personal best.
Whether you are running 42.195 km or joining one of the shorter distances, the Black Sea is part of the experience.
Want to see exactly where you will run?
Explore the Burgas Marathon 2026 course
2. Choose the Distance That Fits Your Goal
Burgas Marathon is designed for runners with different goals and levels of experience.
You can choose between:
42.195 km – Full Marathon
The classic marathon distance for experienced runners looking for a new race destination or a new personal best.
21.097 km – Half Marathon
A challenging but accessible option if you want to experience the Burgas course without committing to the full marathon.
10.5 km
A great choice for runners who want to take part in the event while keeping the distance manageable.
5 km Mass Run
An accessible race for runners of different levels, including friends, families and groups travelling together.
1 km Decathlon Fun Run
A fun family and children’s run, making it possible for the whole family to be part of race weekend.
This variety makes Burgas Marathon particularly suitable for running groups, couples and families who want to travel together while choosing different distances.
See all Burgas Marathon distances
3. A Race Experience Designed Around Runners
Travelling abroad for a marathon means more than finding a start line. You want to know that the event is professionally organised and that the essentials are taken care of.
At Burgas Marathon, runners can expect support throughout the course, including aid stations, water and refreshments, volunteers, medical teams and music zones. Every registered participant receives a race package including partner and sponsor gifts, an official ASICS race T-shirt, race number and professional timing.
The organisers – Burgas Municipality and Association “Sport in Free Time” – work to create a safe and enjoyable race environment for participants.
For international runners, that means you can focus on the most important part of the weekend: enjoying the race.
4. Take Home a Medal – and a Memory
For marathon runners, a medal is more than a souvenir.
It represents the training, the early mornings, the long runs and the moment you finally cross the finish line.
Every eligible finisher at Burgas Marathon 2026 will receive a specially designed finisher medal created for the 2026 edition.
It is one more reason to add Burgas to your race calendar – and another medal to your collection.
And unlike a race that you fly in and out of on the same day, Burgas gives you the opportunity to turn race weekend into a short Black Sea getaway.
5. Turn Your Race Into a Weekend in Burgas
This is perhaps what makes Burgas different from a typical marathon destination.
You are not only travelling to a race. You are travelling to Burgas.
The city combines the Black Sea, Sea Garden, coastal walks, restaurants, culture and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. You can arrive before race day, explore the city, run on Sunday and stay a little longer afterwards.
For international runners, this makes Burgas an opportunity to combine running and travel in one trip.
Bring your partner. Bring your family. Come with your running club. Or simply discover a new European running destination on your own.
And on race day, you will not be running alone.
Runners, spectators, volunteers and supporters come together to create the atmosphere that makes Burgas Marathon more than a competition – it becomes a celebration of running.
Why Burgas Marathon?
If you are looking for your next international race, Burgas offers a combination that is difficult to find in one place:
🌊 Black Sea views
🏃 A certified road race
📍 A scenic coastal city
🏅 A special 2026 finisher medal
✈️ A destination you can turn into a running weekend
Whether your goal is a personal best, another marathon medal or simply a new place to run, Burgas Marathon 2026 is ready to welcome you.
Ready to Run Burgas?
On November 15, 2026, Burgas will be running.
The only question is: will you be at the start line?
Register for Burgas Marathon 2026
Plan your race. Plan your weekend. Discover Burgas by running through it.
Run with the Pulse of Burgas.