Behind the race - An insight into the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon with Árpád Kocsis
The Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon route passes iconic city landmarks
In this interview series, Ahotu will be speaking with the people behind some of the most unique races across the globe. We’ll be discussing the history of the event, challenges and how to overcome them, attracting sponsors, reaching new runners and more!
Thank you for joining us Árpád. Could you introduce those who aren't familiar to yourself and the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon?
My name is Árpád Kocsis, Managing Director of Budapest Sportiroda (BSI). BSI is the largest organiser of road running events in Hungary, responsible for iconic races like the Wizz Air Budapest Félmaraton, SPAR Budapest Marathon and Vivicittá Halfmarathon. In 2016, I was elected to the Executive Board of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races).
The WizzAir Budapest Half Marathon is one of the largest road races in Hungary, with around 20,000 participants expected this year. Every year thousands of runners from across Europe and the globe take part in our flat course. The route is scenic, the atmosphere is electric, the music points are lively, and the cheering crowds are enthusiastic. If running the half marathon individually is not your goal, you can participate as a pair or trio, or opt for the classic 10K distance.
How long has the race been taking place and how did you personally get involved?
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Budapest Half Marathon. The first one took place in 1984 as a part of the marathon event, but later it became an individual event.
I am a former road cyclist with national ranking, was the Vice President of the Hungarian Triathlon Federation (1989–1996).
I began as a race director at Budapest Sportiroda (BSI) in 1993, after joining the organization in its early days. Initially serving as the marketing director, before taking the role of managing director and race director organizing major running events in Hungary. BSI has become a leading organizer of road running events in Hungary, attracting thousands of participants annually and earning recognition both nationally and internationally, which I’m very proud of.
What makes the race unique?
I think we have one of the most picturesque routes in the world. The Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon winds through the heart of the capital, passing several UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since the route runs along both sides of the Danube, you can look up to the castle hill, to Matthias church or to the Parliament on the other side. The route is fairly flat with some light elevation over the bridges. As you run across the bridge, the breathtaking views of Budapest unfold before you. The start and finish location are the same, which is great for supporters, as they can meet you before and after the event with ease.
We’re also very proud of the atmosphere throughout the city on race day and in the lead-up to the event. Budapest makes for a great city-break race weekend!
Árpád Kocsis kicks off the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
How many participants do you expect for 2025 and from how many countries? Which countries do you see particularly strong attendance from?
Since registration hasn’t closed yet, we can’t tell you an exact number, but we have runners from 100 countries so far. The top 3 countries as of today are; the UK (more than 500 runners), Slovakia and Germany, but roughly the same number of runners (around 300) come from the Czech Republic, Poland and France. We expect around 20,000 participants for the 2025 edition!
What kind of post-race experience do you aim to deliver for runners - from the moment they cross the finish line to receiving their medals and results?
The moment participants cross the finish line, they’re welcomed with enthusiastic volunteers, music, and a well-organized finish area. We ensure medals are handed out immediately, along with hydration, snacks or recovery food.
We prioritise fast and accurate results delivery. Most runners receive their preliminary time via SMS or app notification within minutes. Beyond the logistics, we want the finish area to feel like a celebration with music, photo opportunities, and a festive atmosphere that lets runners, their friends, and families enjoy the moment together.
What are some of the most complex logistical challenges you face organizing a half marathon in a major capital city, and how do you overcome them?
Budapest is the capital of Hungary with around 1.5 million inhabitants. Organizing a half marathon in a major capital city, like Budapest comes with many challenges, particularly with road closures. Since the route runs along both sides of the Danube, blocking cars from accessing the embankments, the event significantly complicates urban traffic. We try to shorten the time roads are closed. We have to work together with city authorities, police, and transport departments months in advance. We create detailed traffic rerouting plans and notify the public via media, social media. Managing tens of thousands of participants and spectators is no small feat and we coordinate with emergency services (ambulance, fire, police etc) to mitigate risks.
As the number of the participants is growing year by year, we have to modify our race in different ways. What worked for a few hundred runners might not be safe or efficient for several thousand. We’ve learned to prioritise wider start zones, staggered wave starts, increasing the number of aid stations, medical points, volunteers etc. We use UHF chip timing systems backed by multiple mats across the course. Whilst we have a structured plan, we’ve also learnt to be adaptable, weather, crowd behavior, and last-minute changes all require flexibility.
20,000 participants are expected for the 2025 edition of the Wizz Air Budapest Half
What marketing channels and campaigns have been most effective in attracting new runners (especially international ones) to Budapest?
We use different channels to promote the race and to reach runners. Of course social media through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Since radio is very popular in Hungary, a large number of people can be reached through advertisements broadcast there, so we also use this channel. Four years ago, we launched a new, modern registration system. With its help, participants can register and pay by card from anywhere in the world. We also integrated a shop into the system, allowing users to purchase products and make donations to various charitable organizations at the time of registration. We also launched a new tracking platform for the major distances together with our timing provider.
Of course we work with Ahotu and World’s Marathons to reach international participants, which has been great for our reach and growing participation from outside of Hungary.
What role does your title sponsor, Wizz Air, play in shaping the race’s branding and reach? How do you ensure that sponsorships add value for participants?
Our race was the first event sponsored by Wizz Air - we've been working together since 2014. As a company with Hungarian roots, it was important for them to support an event held in Budapest. The city is easily accessible from almost every European country with Wizz Air flights.
Since then, they’ve started working with other cities/races too, and that’s how the Wizz Run Series was created. Wizz Air has been supporting runners since 2014 with a €20 voucher, which participants can use the following year after the event.
The Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon is part of the Europe-wide WIZZ Run Series
What would you recommend participants do whilst in Budapest for the weekend (or longer)?
It is hard to narrow it down as there are many cultural attractions in Budapest. But definitely a bath in one of Budapest’s famous thermal baths after the run, it’s a perfect recovery activity. A walk up to the Castle and admiring the lights of Budapest at night. There are many museums and beautiful buildings to visit, so definitely stay for a few days!
What are your ambitions for the race over the coming years?
We would like to increase the number of the participants, especially from outside Hungary. We are also actively looking to grow the 10km distance at this event, as this caters to the growing wave of those new to the sport and is a natural precursor to participating in the Half Marathon distance.
Personally, I look forward to each edition of the race. You’ll find me at the start line, seeing the faces of our participants as they start and finish the race is always a personal highlight!
Runners from over 100 countries are currently signed up for the 2025 edition
The Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon takes place in September each year.
Interested in taking part? You can register for future editions at https://www.ahotu.com/event/wizz-air-budapest-half-marathon
To feature in our interview series you can drop us an email on content@worldssportsgroup.com
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