European Students Run 2026 registration in full swing
After a successful pilot edition in 2025, the European Students Run returns to Ljubljana for another weekend of sport, community and inclusion.
On October 17 and 18, 2026, students-athletes from across Europe will flood the streets of the Slovenian capital, taking part in the student-run category of the 30th NLB Ljubljana Marathon.
Registration for the European Students Run and the NLB Ljubljana Marathon is now open, and interest is strong. Nearly 700 student-athletes from 20 European countries have already signed up, choosing between three available race distances. The half-marathon is once again leading in popularity, with more than half of the already registered participants choosing the 21 Km as their challenge. They will run on Sunday, October 18, alongside over 200 student-runners already registered for an unforgettable full marathon.
The weekend will kick off one day ahead, on Saturday, October 17, with the 10 Km. The shortest distance is an exciting opportunity for students who have recently got involved in running to take part in an international event. We are sure many of them will successfully complete their first-ever running event!
Currently, around 9% of all registered participants in the NLB Ljubljana Marathon will race in the students' run category, representing their own universities. This participation data confirms the interest in this event, aiming to promote mental health, physical well-being and social inclusion through sport.
To join the European Students Run, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18-30 (based on year of birth).
- Be enrolled in the 2025-26 academic year at a university or higher education institution in Europe, or have graduated in 2025 or 2026.
Nationality is not a limit; you can take part in the students' run as long as you are studying or have recently graduated in Europe. If you don’t meet these criteria, you won’t be able to register for the student-run category, but you can still join the NLB Ljubljana Marathon as a general participant. Indeed, participation in the standard marathon races is open to everyone, making it a perfect occasion to run with friends and family.
Eligible students can benefit from special student discount codes provided by EUSA. To receive a code, register on EUSA Portal latest by September 1, verify your identity and upload proof of academic eligibility. After your eligibility has been verified, you will receive your personal discount code. At this point, go to the official website of the NLB Ljubljana Maraton and register by September 15, selecting the student run category and using your discount code.
Please note that registrations may close earlier if capacity is reached, so don't wait and secure your spot now! Join us in Ljubljana and help us make the European Students Run 2026 a success!