Vilnius Marathon

The Vilnius Marathon (title sponsor: Swedbank) is the Baltic region's premier running festival, attracting over 11,000 runners across all distances to one of Europe's most underrated capitals. The marathon starts and finishes at Cathedral Square, directly beneath the imposing Gediminas Castle Tower — the historic symbol of Lithuanian sovereignty — and follows a single-loop course through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, along the serene banks of the Neris River, and through the leafy neighborhoods of Valakampiai. With its baroque churches, narrow cobblestoned lanes, and the only surviving medieval gate — the Gate of Dawn — Vilnius's Old Town is one of the largest and best-preserved in Eastern Europe. The course is gentle and mostly flat, though September's cool temperatures demand thoughtful clothing choices. Now in its 23rd edition, the marathon has earned respect for its authentic local atmosphere and excellent value — entry fees are among the lowest of any comparable European city marathon. Vilnius University, founded in 1579 and one of the oldest in Northern Europe, is among the cultural landmarks runners pass. For those seeking a genuine, crowd-supported city marathon without the inflated prices of Western European races, Vilnius delivers charm, history, and a fast course.