25. Nike Budapest Félmaraton 2010
More than 5500 runners flooded the streets of Budapest in last year's edition of Hungary's largest half marathon. The race is held three weeks before the Budapest Marathon. Both events are organized by BSI, the Budapest Sportiroda ("Budapest Sport Office").
The attractive and traffic-free route takes in many landmarks and is mostly flat and fast, but it includes two bridges and two turning points. There's live music all along the course as well.
The start and the finish are in the City Park (Városliget) close to the Széchenyi Baths, which are widely known for its palatial architecture and men playing chess in steaming hot water.
The entry fees are relatively high but you get free entry to the thermal baths to ease your legs after the race. Large discounts are available for those who have previously participated in a BSI event.
You run the first 3km just straight along Andrássy út, Budapest's longest and grandest avenue. After crossing the River Danube you run along the embankment with the Buda Palace and the Citadella towering on hills high above the course.
At the old Gellért Baths you cross the Danube again and soon pass the magnificent 268m-long Parliament building. From the turning point at Margit sziget, an island and popular recreation ground in the river, you run back to the Parliament and then home to the finish in the City Park.
In 2009, Ethiopia's Ashenafi Erkolo, who is based in Hungary, won the race in 1:07:24. First woman was Krisztina Papp, multiple Hungarian champion over various distances, in 1:15:27.
Country: Hungary
Venue: Budapest
Date: 5 September 2010 (Sunday)
Distance: 21.1km (certified by AIMS); 21.1km relay (2 runners: 13.8+7.3km); 3.5km (Fun Run)
Start time: 10.00 (half marathon and relay), 10.15 (Fun Run)
Start and finish (Map): Olof Palme sétány, Városliget (City Park), Budapest
Entries: online, by e-mail or by post; late entries on the day
Entry fees (21km): 35/40/50 EUR (until 3 July/until 29 August/until 5 September)
Entry fees (Relay teams): 60/70/80 EUR
Entry fees (3.5km Fun Run): 8/10/15 EUR
Timing: ChampionChip - use your own chip or rent a chip (no rental fees but 1000 HUF deposit)
Race centre: Széchenyi Baths in the City Park
You get (21km): timing chip, finisher bag, medal, free entry to the Széchenyi Baths after the race
Showers, changing facilities, baggage storage: yes
Number of finishers 2009: 4848 (21km), 373 relay teams
Event website: www.budapestmarathon.com/en/halfmarathon/
No guarantee is made as to the accuracy or thoroughness of the information on this page.