© European Marathon Classics
European Marathon Classics: Europe’s marathons unite, a new era begins
No one saw this coming. On February 25, 2026, in the imperial setting of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, a major announcement brought a fresh wave of energy to the global running scene: the official launch of the European Marathon Classics (EMC). Eight iconic European marathons. The ultimate distance. A continental adventure. Rome, Vienna, London, Madrid, Copenhagen, Warsaw, Lisbon, and Frankfurt have joined forces in a shared project. The goal? Connect runners across Europe, create a structured challenge, and elevate the marathon experience. The ultimate reward: complete 5 of the 8 marathons to earn the coveted European Marathon Classics Finisher status—and a unique evolving medal made of magnetic pieces collected at each finish line.
| More than a challenge: a European movement
More than a challenge: a European movement The organizers made it clear: EMC is not just a race series. It’s a collective movement.
Hugh Brasher, Director of the London Marathon and a key figure behind the project, summarized the vision at the launch: Europe’s running community is stronger united than divided.
The project rests on four pillars:
✔ Unity – Running beyond borders
✔ Health – Promoting a balanced, sustainable lifestyle
✔ Inspiration – Turning the marathon into a personal journey
✔ Sustainability – Encouraging responsible participation
The formula echoes other successful race collectives. The World Marathon Majors reshaped global marathon culture. The SuperHalfs energized European half marathons. EMC positions itself within that same dynamic.
| Why these 8 marathons?
The selection is deliberate: Rome Marathon, Vienna City Marathon, London Marathon, Madrid Marathon, Copenhagen Marathon, Warsaw Marathon, Lisbon Marathon, and Frankfurt Marathon.
The criteria:
✔ Geographic balance (north, south, east, west)
✔ History and longevity
✔ Strong organizational standards
✔ Recognized course quality and runner experience
✔ World Athletics label status
Each race is deeply rooted in its city—Rome’s ancient heritage, London’s global prestige, Lisbon’s scenic Tagus River course. The ambition isn’t to compete with the Majors—but to offer a coherent European alternative.
“European Marathon Classics embodies our ambition to explore Europe together while pushing boundaries- both geographically and philosophically. I’m confident this series will show that across Europe we are better together than we are apart and that we are more similar than we are different. I hope it will inspire participants from around the world to experience Europe’s great marathons, cities and communities.”
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon
| EMC vs Majors vs SuperHalfs : comparaison inévitable
The comparison is inevitable. The World Marathon Majors (Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Sydney) represent global prestige and elite exclusivity. The SuperHalfs created an accessible, popular half-marathon circuit. EMC sits somewhere in between:
✔ Less exclusive than the Majors
✔ More ambitious than SuperHalfs in scope
✔ Strongly rooted in European identity
The key difference? Flexibility. No time limit. Past results may count. Registration to the challenge is free. Inclusivity is central to EMC’s positioning.
| A winning model for race organizers
Race collectives are more than marketing tools. They drive improvement.
By joining forces:
➜ Race directors share best practices
➜ Innovation spreads faster
➜ Organizational standards align
➜ Global visibility increases
In an increasingly competitive running market, unity strengthens Europe’s position against expanding Asian and American events.
| An evolving finisher medal inspired by the Six Star concept
For runners, the symbol of EMC is powerful. Instead of a single medal, participants collect magnetic pieces at each completed marathon. The final medal becomes a personalized talisman—each city representing a piece of the journey.
Like the Six Star Medal of the World Marathon Majors, it gamifies the experience while telling a story.
“The European Marathon Classics are an inspiring challenge, and this unique medal represents this spirit in a truly remarkable way. By bringing together leading European marathons, we aim to inspire even more people to embrace marathon running. We are united by shared values like a passion for sport, community, health, and sustainability and driven by the energy of a new generation of runners.”
Kathrin Widu, CEO of the Vienna City Marathon
| Expansion on the horizon?
The logo features ten rings—but only eight races. That’s no accident.
Organizers are leaving the door open for expansion. Could Paris, Berlin, Athens, Barcelona, or Valencia join in the future?
For now, the geographic balance feels intentional. But to further strengthen the project’s credibility, adding other major European marathons seems a logical next step if the concept proves successful.
| A new identity for European marathoning
Beyond the marketing, what stands out is the European vision.
In a globalized, digital running world, EMC refocuses on:
✔ Travel
✔ Local culture
✔ Shared experience
✔ Meaning
Running Rome, then Copenhagen, then Lisbon becomes more than chasing times—it becomes a journey across Europe.
Even Eliud Kipchoge sent a congratulatory message during the launch, referencing his historic sub-two-hour run in Vienna and welcoming this new chapter for European marathoning.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to each and every one of you who are organizing these marathons and have come together for this project. I am delighted that the grand launch is taking place in Vienna. Vienna is a city that holds a special place in my heart, where I set foot to prove that ‘no human is limited’ by becoming the first man to run a marathon in under two hours. I wish you all the very best. I can say that the European Marathon Classics represent an exciting new journey in the world of running and marathons. My heartfelt congratulations to you all.”
Eliud Kipchoge
The World Marathon Majors continue to inspire runners worldwide. But with the launch of European Marathon Classics, a new chapter in European running history is unfolding. A project that goes beyond borders. Beyond pure performance. Europe’s marathon scene enters a new phase—built on unity. The question now: will EMC resonate with runners’ hearts as strongly as the Majors?
✔ Follow all European Marathon Classics news on the official website.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist