EuropeLithuania

Vilnius Marathon

A flat, fast tour of the baroque Lithuanian capital on the Neris.

4.8/10 Difficulty
224m Elevation Gain
2004 Founded

Course Map

Elevation Profile
km
mi

Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.

About this Race

The Vilnius Marathon is a flat, fast course through the Lithuanian capital, tracing the baroque old town and the banks of the Neris on smooth, level roads. The forgiving profile makes it a reasonable personal-best target. Held in September, it offers crisp early-autumn conditions well suited to racing. The handsome old town and friendly crowds define the day. It suits the PB-focused runner who wants a fast, scenic Baltic capital race in a cool-weather window.

city flat historic scenic

Course Insight

Vilnius is a flat-ish autumn marathon through the Lithuanian capital, runnable on largely level ground. The gentle terrain leaves restraint to you on the open early miles. Crisp autumn air suits fast running. The baroque old town is a beautiful backdrop. Pace it evenly and the course rewards a measured effort.

Pro tip: Hold even pace on the gentle course and soak in the baroque old town in the crisp autumn air.

Difficulty Breakdown

4.8/10

Mostly due to tough late hills, lots of turns.

Elevation
5.4
Hill Placement
7.5
Weather
0.9
Turns
5.0

How we calculate difficulty →

Course Details

Course type
Loop
Elevation gain
224m
Elevation loss
222m
Highest point
134m
Lowest point
88m
Net elevation
+2m
Start
Starts at Cathedral Square (Katedros aikste).
Cutoff time
5h 30m

Race History

The Vilnius Marathon began as a 10k race in 2001 before growing into a full marathon in 2004, a flat, fast course through the Lithuanian capital tracing the baroque old town and the banks of the Neris. Its forgiving profile and cool early-autumn timing made it a reasonable personal-best target. It grew into Lithuania's premier marathon. Held each September, it draws a field to the handsome old town.

Plan Your Trip

Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.

Nearest airport(s)
Vilnius (VNO), Kaunas (KUN)
Best area to stay
The Old Town for atmospheric stays near the route, Užupis for trendy, characterful options, and Naujamiestis for value stays.
Getting to the start
The start is near the centre; walk from central hotels to the start.

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