Following the landmark success of the inaugural edition in 2025, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the EUSA Institute are proud to announce that the European Students Run will officially return to the streets of Ljubljana on October 17-18, 2026.

This event, integrated into the prestigious NLB Ljubljana Marathon - which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year - continues to bridge the gap between competitive university sport and grassroots physical activity.

The 2025 pilot edition of the European Students Run set a new standard for student engagement, uniting nearly 2.000 participants from 34 countries. The event was born from the Runners4All Erasmus+ project and also influenced by the Fit4Green project, both co-funded by the European Union. Its mission remains clear: to promote mental and physical well-being, youth engagement, social inclusion and environmental sustainability through the universal language of running.

"The European Students Run is a flagship example of how university sport can transcend traditional competition," says EUSA President Haris Pavletic. "By partnering with large-scale public events like the Ljubljana Marathon, we are making university sport visible to the wider public and emphasizing that physical activity is a cornerstone of a healthy academic life."

The 2026 edition features three categories: the 10 km, 21 km and 42 km runs for men and women, ensuring that students of all skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes, can represent their academic institutions.

The event will also be preceded by an educational programme, serving as a platform for experts, student mentors, students and stakeholders to discuss mental and physical health by using running as health-enhancing physical activity and a tool to combat student burnout and stress; green sports by implementing sustainable event management practices; and inclusion by creating accessible sport environments for students of all genders, capabilities and abilities.

Also for EUSA member associations and associated partner universities, the European Students Run offers a unique opportunity for international networking and institutional visibility. National university sports associations and associated universities are encouraged not only to promote the event and registration, but also to send delegations, fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the competitions and races.

Registrations for the European Students Run 2026 are now open. Eligible participants include current university students engaged in higher education institutions across Europe, as well as recent graduates (all aged 18-30).

How to register:

Step 1: EUSA Portal: Students must first verify their identity and academic eligibility at portal.eusa.eu, receiving a dedicated student discount code upon completion.

Step 2: Race Entry: Official registration is completed via the NLB Ljubljana Marathon platform; participants need to select the students' run category and enter the discount code.

For details, please visit run2026.eusa.eu and follow @EUSARun on social media channels.

As EUSA continues to lead the way in European university sports development, the 2026 European Students Run stands as a testament to our commitment to supporting and contributing towards a more active, inclusive and connected university sport community in Europe.