Gdańsk, a city with a remarkable history, is once again becoming a stage for great sporting excitement. This coming Sunday, April 19th, thousands of runners from 49 countries will tackle the royal distance during the 8th edition of the Energa Gdańsk Marathon. Today's press conference at Polsat Plus Arena Gdańsk confirmed that the upcoming weekend will be record-breaking in terms of international reach and the number of first-time runners.

Gdańsk focuses on sport and community

During a press conference, city officials emphasized the marathon's importance to Gdańsk's identity. The Energa Gdańsk Marathon is not just a competition, but a manifestation of the values that have defined the capital of Pomerania for decades. Participants in the press conference included Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk; Łukasz Bejm, Chairman of the Sports Committee of the Gdańsk City Council; Adam Greczyło, Director of the marathon; Krzysztof Lemke, President of the Management Board of AronPharma; and Piotr Sobota, Herbelin Polska.

– It's a celebration of our community and proof that Gdańsk is a city of active and determined people. I'm pleased that the race route passes through symbolic places, reminding participants of our path to freedom. This year, we're focusing on even greater openness – the record number of women and first-time runners shows that running in Gdańsk is becoming a sport for everyone. – he noted Piotr Borawski, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk.

He also expressed his support for the city's sporting spirit. Łukasz Bejm, chairman of the Sports Committee of the Gdańsk City Council: – Running is a school of character. It teaches us consistency and taking responsibility for our own choices. The Energa Gdańsk Marathon is a valuable lesson for young people; it teaches the principles of healthy competition and cooperation. Supporting each other in moments of crisis along the route is the most important lesson we will take away from this weekend.

New on the route: Shakespeare, Philharmonic and Baltic

The organizers have made the 2026 route even more spectacular and fluid. The troublesome bottlenecks at the Shipyard guardhouse and the Holy Spirit Gate have been eliminated. Instead, participants will run past architectural icons: the Gdańsk Shakespeare Theatre, the Baltic Philharmonic, and across the new footbridge to Ołowianka Island. Due to renovations, the charming section along the beach has been extended, and runners will also circle the ERGO Arena. The route is PZLA-certified, guaranteeing precise timing.

The marathon brand and the health of the whole family

The event is a key element of the city's health strategy. The presence of athletes from nearly 50 countries promotes sports tourism, but it's the focus on the health of residents that is the foundation of the event. The event partners will ensure a holistic approach to health.

– Our mission is to support the health of the entire athlete's family. For runners, we've prepared B-PAC® Cherry Recovery, which drastically shortens recovery time, and for the youngest, we offer Berroxin® Immuno Kids. We invite everyone to visit stand 1 and our Wheel of Fortune. We want everyone to leave with a smile and real support for their body. – he encouraged Krzysztof Lemke, President of the Management Board of AronPharma.

Records and Debuts in Numbers

Adam Greczyło, director of the Energa Gdańsk Marathon, presented impressive statistics of this year's edition: – We're seeing an incredible trend – 501 more women have already registered than last year! We have 2,461 people on the start list, and that number is still growing, as registration is still open at the race office. We're especially pleased with the 922 first-timers. We'll be welcoming runners from 49 countries, making Sunday's event a true melting pot of nationalities. We'll be starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.!

A weekend full of emotions – schedule:

Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Junior and Czaniec Five Day

• 10:00 – 21:00 – Pick-up of starter packages and EXPO Zone (AmberExpo).
• 16:30 – 17:15 – Starts of children’s races (Junior Energa Gdańsk Marathon).
• 19:00 – START of the Czaniecka Five (5 km).

Sunday, April 19, 2026 – The Great Running Festival

• 09:00 – START of the 8th Energa Gdańsk Marathon and Marathon Relay.
• 1:00 p.m. – Decoration of the marathon winners (general classification) at AmberExpo.
• 14:45 – Ceremonial decoration in age categories and relays.

Detailed information about traffic disruptions and interactive route maps are available at: www.gdanskmaraton.com

Feel the freedom beneath your feet. See you at the start in Gdańsk!

Photo: Przemek Świderski

Media contact:
Sławek Rykowski, Spokesperson for Energa Gdańsk Marathon 2026
+48 500 121 908 |   biuro@nikosportmedia.pl  |  gdanskmaraton.com