Race-weekend planning for the Ljubljana Marathon, including distances, registration, hotels, spectators, road closures, expo timing, and what to do before and after the run.
Illustrative photograph · not a photograph of this event or edition
Dates confirmed · check individual sessions
The 31st edition, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October 2027, and the organizer says 2027 registration is open. Start times, Running Expo dates and road closures for 2027 are not confirmed here yet; in 2026 the 10 km ran on Saturday afternoon and the marathon and half marathon on Sunday morning.
31st edition on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October 2027; a 21 October 2026 news item says 2027 registration is open. 2027 start times, fees, expo dates and road closures not checked.
Usual season
October
Where
City-center course
Cost
Free to watch · paid participation
Vibe
Race weekend through the old town — run it or cheer it.
The Ljubljana Marathon is one of Slovenia's biggest sporting weekends and a strong reason to visit the city in autumn. The atmosphere is energetic, the center fills with runners and supporters, and the route changes how the city moves for a day.
For runners, the practical details matter as much as the scenery: registration deadlines, bib pickup, start times, hotel location, breakfast, and how you will get back after the finish.
Put your return journey in the plan before adding post-race sightseeing. A central location can help, but buses, taxis and access roads may be affected by the race. If you have a flight or train, check how to reach the actual departure point under the published closures and leave a buffer beyond the normal travel time.
For supporters, a simple plan is one viewing point, a warm break and the agreed reunion. For runners, keep the day before the race modest rather than adding a tiring excursion. The 10 km run starts on Saturday at 16:30 and the marathon and half marathon on Sunday at 9:00, all on Slovenska cesta near Trg Ajdovščina. Accessible spectator areas are not covered here; the organizer's closure timeline and runner notices should decide the final route.
Fit arrival around the 15–17 October Expo (9:00–19:00, Saturday to 21:00), then check your distance's collection documents, start, bag drop and finish arrangements in the runner information. Ask your accommodation about breakfast timing and luggage after checkout.
Choose one point on the current official course and a separate reunion point beyond the finish crowd. Allow time to reach it before closures; do not plan to cross the race route at will.
The 2026 weekend included the full marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and children's events, with the 10 km on Saturday afternoon and the marathon and half marathon together on Sunday morning. Check the organizer's 2027 race list, fees, and start times before you register; 2026 entries closed on September 15, so don't leave it to the last month.
In 2026 runners collected their race packs at the Running Expo, October 15–17 at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. Once 2027's collection instructions are out, plan your arrival, accommodation, and transport around them; arriving by the day before your race leaves time for pickup.
Best for experienced runners who want a full city race and a proper autumn goal.
A strong visitor-friendly option if you want race atmosphere without a full marathon build.
Good for families, mixed groups, and travelers who want a lighter race weekend.
Stay central if race weekend is the main reason for your visit. Being able to walk to the start, finish, expo, dinner, and your hotel removes many small stresses.
Spectators should check the official route and road-closure information close to race day. The city is compact, but you cannot assume normal taxi or bus movement on race morning.
Keep the post-race plan simple: shower, food, a gentle riverside walk, and maybe a cafe or spa. Ljubljana is good for recovery because the center is compact and easy to enjoy at a slow pace.
If you are adding a day trip, put it after a recovery night rather than immediately after the race. Lake Bled, caves, or the coast are more enjoyable when your legs are speaking to you again.
Keep exploring
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Ticket required
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Choose an evening of contemporary performance, music or film from Mesto žensk.
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Choose screenings, check subtitles and build a November evening around international film.
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The 2027 race weekend is Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October. Each race has its own start time; in 2026 the 10 km started on Saturday at 16:30 and the marathon and half marathon on Sunday at 9:00, so check the 2027 schedule for your race.
Yes. The organizer announced on October 21, 2026 that registration for 2027 is open. Fees and deadlines are on its registration pages; the 2026 entries closed on September 15 with no later registration, so register before you book travel.
The event usually includes the marathon, half marathon, 10 km run, and children's races. Check the current official race list before registering.
Stay in or near the city center if you want the easiest access to the start, finish, expo, restaurants, and race atmosphere.
Yes. Race weekend can bring road closures, bus changes, and taxi delays, especially on race morning. Check official route and city transport updates close to the event.
