St. Petersburg's Legendary White Nights Marathon Opens Registration for July Race

Registration is now open for one of Russia's most iconic running events, the White Nights Marathon in St. Petersburg. The race is scheduled for July 4, 2026, and will once again transform the city's historic avenues under the famed midnight sun.

The event, organized by the St. Petersburg Committee for Physical Culture and Sport with backing from the Running Community and the local Athletics Federation, expects a field of 35,000 runners. Participants can choose between the classic 42.2-kilometer marathon distance or a 10-kilometer race. The program also includes amateur and student relay events.

"The White Nights Marathon is far more than a sporting competition for us," said race director Dmitry Tarasov. "It's a beloved, symbolic event, rightly considered one of the oldest and most atmospheric in the nation. This marks the fifth year of our involvement, and we value the chance to be part of its history, to preserve its traditions, and to create that unique atmosphere with the runners—the very reason people keep coming back."

The marathon course offers a stunning summer tour of St. Petersburg's architectural landmarks, providing a running experience unmatched by any other event in the country. With registration now live, spots for the July race are expected to fill quickly.