PUMA Salzburg Marathon
The Lowdown
The PUMA Salzburg Marathon has grown since its early 2000s beginnings into one of Austria’s most beloved spring road races, drawing both competitive marathoners and recreational runners from across Europe. Held each May in the baroque city of Salzburg, the event celebrates the region’s musical and cultural heritage while promoting active tourism and community involvement. Over the years it has become known for its well-organized logistics, enthusiastic local support, and a festive expo and race-day atmosphere that welcomes first-timers and experienced athletes alike. The course weaves through Salzburg’s most iconic scenery: runners pass the mirrored facade of Mirabell Palace and Gardens, follow lengthy stretches along the Salzach River, thread through the atmospheric Old Town with views toward the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and enjoy tree-lined residential sections and parkland that keep the route varied and visually engaging. The profile is largely flat to gently rolling, making it appealing for fast efforts and first marathons. The event is measured and certified to international standards (AIMS/World Athletics measurement) and is suitable for Boston Marathon qualification. Race day features live music at several points, plentiful aid stations, and strong volunteer support, creating a friendly, energized experience for participants and spectators.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Mirabell Palace and Gardens
Runners pass the historic Baroque palace and its manicured gardens near the race start/finish area
Salzach River Promenade
Scenic riverside stretch along the Salzach offering views of the city and Hohensalzburg Fortress
Old Town (Altstadt)
The course winds through Salzburg’s UNESCO-listed medieval streets, including views of historic facades and churches
Getreidegasse and Mozart's Birthplace
Iconic shopping street and the house where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born, a cultural highlight on the route
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Elevated landmark visible from many points on the course; runners enjoy panoramic city vistas as they pass below
Hellbrunn Palace and Trick Fountains
The southern part of the course skirts the park and pond areas near Hellbrunn, known for its summer residence and gardens
Leopoldskron Palace and Lake Leopoldskron
Picturesque lakeside palace providing a tranquil, scenic segment of the marathon route
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Salzburg, Austria
AT
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 18 years old on race day to register for the full marathon
- All participants must complete online registration and sign the race waiver
- Photo ID required to pick up race bib and packet
- Participants with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to obtain medical clearance before racing
- No headphones that impede race marshal/traffic instructions are allowed (earbuds with open-ear designs may be permitted at organizer discretion)
- Strollers, pets, and inline skates are not permitted on the marathon course
- Participants must obey all race rules, traffic control, and marshal directions
- Wheelchair and handcycle athletes must register in the appropriate division and notify race officials in advance
- All runners must finish within the official course time limit to receive an official finish time and medal
- Bibs are non-transferable; transferring a bib may result in disqualification and bans from future events
Required Documents
- Government-issued Photo ID
- Signed Race Waiver / Liability Release
- Proof of Age (birth certificate or photo ID)
- Emergency Contact Information
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- On-site Registration (bib pickup at Expo)
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator Packages
- Group/Club Entry
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Full refund (minus €5 administration fee) until 60 days before race
50% refund until 30 days before race
No refunds within 30 days of race
Bib transfers allowed until 14 days before race for a €10 transfer fee
Deferral to the 2027 event permitted until 30 days before race for a €15 deferral fee
Medical withdrawal with valid doctor’s certificate may qualify for deferral or partial refund (subject to organizer approval)
The course is scenic and largely flat, taking runners past Salzburg’s historic Altstadt and providing frequent views of the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzach river.
The event weekend includes a running expo, a half marathon and marathon relay options, a kids' run, and a Saturday pasta party for registered runners.
Finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt, and the finish area features a finisher village with food, refreshments and local beer and live music.
The race is AIMS-certified and well-organized with aid stations roughly every 4–5 km, neutral water zones, and good public-transport access—plan to use Salzburg’s tram/bus system for parking convenience and arrive early for the 08:30 start.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.