The excitement is building up as the Ljubljana Marathon 2025 approaches, with this year’s edition set to break records and welcome participants of all ages - featuring also the inaugural edition of the EUSA European Students Run.

Ahead of the NLB Ljubljana Marathon and the European Students Run which will be held on October 19 in the Slovenian capital, an official press conference of the Marathon and the European Students Run was held at the Ljubljana City Hall on September 17.

The press conference for the 29th NLB Ljubljana Marathon focused on marking several milestones in the event’s history. The marathon, known for breaking records, will once again capture the hearts of runners on October 18 and 19, 2025. This year’s edition is impressive in numbers: 16.762 runners registered so far, including 3.544 marathon participants and featuring 6.079 foreign runners from 84 countries, featuring also over 1.500 student runners. With a remarkable 88 out of 100 runner satisfaction score, the event also boasts Top Team members, official cooperation with university institutions and university sport bodies in the Runners4All project, a Guinness World Record attempt, and the support of over 1.500 people in the organization.

The press conference featured Barbara Zeleznik, Project Manager of the NLB Ljubljana Marathon; Blaz Brodnjak, CEO of NLB; Zoran Jankovic, Mayor of the City of Ljubljana; as well as representatives of youth, university sport, and a special team of elite runners who are writing a new chapter of the marathon this year.

Representatives of the University of Ljubljana, the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and Timing Ljubljana also took part in the press conference, helping to inform the wider public about the Runners4All - European Students Run, which will be included for the first time in this year’s Ljubljana Marathon.

The event was used to highlight the record-breaking participation of students, children, and running enthusiasts. The press event provided key insights into the marathon’s organization, safety measures, and community initiatives that make the event a major sporting highlight in Europe.

A day prior, on September 16, 2025, all partners of the Runners4All – European Students Run project gathered for an online partnership meeting to review the latest developments and coordinate activities ahead of the marathon weekend. The meeting focused on the project’s current status, partner reports, the upcoming Project Conference on October 18, and the European Students Run on October 19.

The 1st edition of the European Students Run, organized as part of the Ljubljana Marathon, is already shaping up to be a landmark event. With more than 1.500 students registered so far, the race is expected to contribute to an anticipated total of nearly 20.000 runners making this year’s edition the largest in the marathon’s history. The European Students Run will provide a unique opportunity for young runners and recent graduates aged 18-30 to experience the thrill of running in a major international event, alongside thousands of other participants from across Europe.

In addition to the Students Run, the Ljubljana Marathon program also features relevant side-activities, including Kids Runs, School Runs and Inclusion Run giving children, primary and secondary school students, and also special needs individuals the chance to participate in a fun and safe race environment. The official events and disciplines offer to the participants a choice of distances: 10 km, 21 km (half marathon) or 42 km (full marathon), ensuring that runners of all levels can take part in this celebrated event.

On Saturday, October 18, visitors and participants can attend the Project Conference, organized in cooperation with the European University Sports Association and the Ljubljana Marathon. The conference will feature experts in youth sports, running promotion, and healthy lifestyles, offering in-depth discussions and professional insights. Additionally, student ambassadors from 15 European countries will share their experiences, presenting innovative local initiatives to encourage youth participation in running. On the same day, the Running Expo will open its doors, allowing participants and visitors to explore the latest in running gear, sports technology, and projects promoting sport and wellbeing.

Organized in cooperation with Timing Ljubljana, the City of Ljubljana, and EUSA, and co-funded by the European Union, the European Students Run and this edition of the Ljubljana Marathon demonstrates the power of sport to unite people across generations and countries. The Runners4All – European Students Run aims to promote running, healthy lifestyles, and international collaboration among students, while also celebrating the broader running community.

Registration for all events is open for everyone until September 20, 2025, via the official website: www.ljubljanskimaraton.si.