🎅 The St. Nicholas Run is here!
This Saturday, December 6, we’ll meet at the start of the opening event of the ČSOB Winter Series 2025/2026. ❄️
We’re looking forward to a festive atmosphere, great athletic performances, and the unique spirit of the St. Nicholas edition. And what would a St. Nicholas run be without St. Nicholas himself? This cheerful gentleman will visit Eurovea to delight all children – and not just the little ones!
After the awards ceremony, you can also look forward to a raffle, open to everyone who arrives in festive style. Didn’t find a costume at home? Don’t worry – a simple Santa hat will do. 🎄✨
See you at the start!
Event Information for Saturday
➡️ Venue: Eurovea (shopping center), Pribinova Street
➡️ Event Schedule – Saturday, December 6, 2025:
• 08:00–10:00 – Registration and bib pick-up (under the food court at the end of Eurovea 2)
• 09:40 – Group photo with St. Nicholas (start/finish – promenade)
• 09:45 – Kids’ warm-up before the start (riverside area near the M. R. Štefánik statue)
• 10:00 – Opening of changing rooms & bag drop
• 10:00 – Start of BILLA Kids Runs (categories A–B–C)
• 10:30 – Awards ceremony for BILLA Kids Runs
• 10:55 – Line-up in start corrals (3 waves)
• 11:00 – Start of the 10 km
• 11:10 – Start of the 5 km
• 12:20 – Awards ceremony for the 5 km and 10 km
• 12:30 – Raffle + award for the best Christmas costume
➡️ Registration / Bib Pick-up:
• Friday: 12:00–19:00
• Saturday: 08:00–10:00
Location: Inside Eurovea 2, ground floor (0), under the food court near the exit to the tower.
We kindly ask Bratislava runners to pick up their bibs already on Friday if possible.
You may also pick up bibs for friends—simply show their registration confirmation email.
➡️ Universal Bib for Series Pass Holders:
If you purchased a full-series pass, you will receive a universal bib valid for all parts of the Winter Series.
You do not need to attend bib pick-up for the Epiphany, Valentine’s, or Women’s Day editions.
If your bib gets damaged or lost, contact us before the next race to arrange a replacement.
➡️ Golden Bib Numbers:
Four randomly selected participants will receive special golden bibs, which include free professional photos from the event.
➡️ Start Corridors:
Due to the high number of participants, the race will start in three waves (approx. 1-minute intervals):
• Wave 1: 5 km up to 27 min, 10 km up to 49 min
• Wave 2: 5 km 27:01–32 min, 10 km 49:01–57 min
• Wave 3: 5 km over 32 min, 10 km over 57:01 min
❗ Corridors are voluntary, but please choose the one matching your realistic pace. ❗
➡️ Start & Finish:
Located under the M. R. Štefánik statue by the riverfront.
Kids run along the promenade toward the Old Bridge and back.
Maps for the 5 km and 10 km are available at www.bratislavamarathon.com under “Race Day – Area Map”.
➡️ Changing Rooms & Bag Drop:
Changing rooms will be disponible inside Eurovea 2, next to Decathlon, opposite McDonald’s. Open from 10:00.
For the bag drop, it will be disponible at the registration point (where you picked up your bib) from 10:00.
➡️ Refreshments:
• On the 10 km course: water station at approx. 5 km
• At the finish: Cool+ non-alcoholic radler, water, tea, and gingerbread cookies
Kids wearing a Santa hat from BILLA (given at bib pick-up) will receive a sweet reward.
➡️ Photos:
Photos are provided by GetPica. After the event, participants who agreed to photography during registration will receive a link to their personal gallery via email.
Please keep your bib number visible.
If you’re unsure whether you gave consent, keep your bib – it contains a unique code allowing you to access your photos at www.getpica.com.
➡️ Marathon Shop:
The event shop will be available during registration. You’ll find Winter Series 2025 accessories (buffs, headbands, hats, T-shirts, medal holders, Christmas ornaments, bells, etc.) and partner products. Some items are already online at shop.becool.sk.
➡️ Awards Ceremony:
• Kids: approx. 10:30
• 5 km & 10 km: approx. 12:20
➡️ Raffle:
• Every participant in festive attire will enter the raffle.
• At the finish, you’ll receive a raffle ticket.
• Valuable prizes from our partners will be drawn after the main race awards.
• You must be present at the draw; otherwise, a new winner will be selected.
➡️ St. Nicholas Mail / Santa Post:
Santa will visit the first part of the ČSOB Winter Series 2026:
- Write a letter at home describing what sports gift would make you happy
- Sign your full name + include your bib number
- Place the letter in an envelope and drop it in the Christmas mailbox near registration
A few lucky runners will have their Christmas wish granted!
➡️ Best Costume Contest:
St. Nicholas´s festive jury will keep an eye on your creative outfits! The most original ones will be rewarded on-site. Stay until the end!
➡️ How to Get to the Start:
We recommend arriving on foot or by public transport:
• Bus: 29, 50, 70, 90 (Malá scéna / New SND stop)
• Tram: 3 (Šafárikovo námestie stop)
• Trolleybus: 40 (New SND stop) – convenient from the Main Train Station
Parking is available at Eurovea (first 5 hours free on weekends), but spaces are limited. Street parking nearby is also possible.
VIRTUAL VERSION
➡️ When can I run my distance?
You can complete your 5 km or 10 km (kids: age-appropriate distance) anytime from Thursday, Dec 4 to Sunday, Dec 7, 2025.
➡️ Adults – Rules (5 km & 10 km):
Measure your run using a GPS watch or phone app. Generate a GPX file or screenshot and upload it via the link you’ll receive by email before the start of the virtual race window.
Results must reflect elapsed time – the total time from start to finish, including any pauses.
➡️ How to get your GPX file:
We prepared a guide for different devices and apps:
https://bratislavamarathon.sk/aaa/
➡️ Kids – Rules:
Kids’ virtual runs are non-competitive. Parents upload the child’s finish time via the link sent before the event.
Times will not determine ranking; kids will be listed by bib number or alphabetically. A downloadable diploma will be available next to each finisher’s name.
➡️ Deadline to upload results:
Anytime after your run, but no later than Monday at midnight. After that, the system will close.
➡️ Important Notes:
• We accept only elapsed time (including breaks).
• Elevation must not be net negative.
• Treadmill runs are not allowed.
➡️ Medals:
We will send a participant medal to everyone who properly submits their result in the system (adults and kids), to the address provided during registration.
We’re thrilled you chose to run with us. Enjoy your race!
