HRON RIVER MARATHON 2026 “For the Prize of Olympian Marián Havlíček” 

DATE AND VENUE

Race Date: May 9, 2026 (Saturday)

Location and Course Description: Hron River, WW I–II

• Course A: Nemecká – Zvolen (bridge), 45.9 km

• Course B: Šalková - Zvolen (bridge), 22 km

Registration: March 1, 2026 – May 8, 2026

The race is open not only to competitive paddlers.

RACE PROGRAM

Nemecká (Course A):

• 8:30 – 9:30 Registration and race number distribution

• 9:35 Course briefing

• 10:00 Mass start – Hron River Marathon (Course A)

Šalková (Course B):

• 9:30 – 10:45 Registration and race number distribution

• 10:50 Course briefing

• 11:15 Mass start – Hron River Marathon (Course B)

15 min after finishing: Return of race numbers in Zvolen (right bank, Biedronka parking lot)

30 min after finishing: Results announcement in Zvolen (right bank, Biedronka parking lot) 

SCORING

• Total elapsed time is measured.
• The top three competitors in each category receive prizes.
• A category is evaluated if at least 4 boats compete.

Boat Categories:

• K1 – Kayak with double-bladed paddle (except K1-SEA)
• C1 – Canoe with single-bladed paddle
• K2 – Two-person kayak with double-bladed paddles
• C2 – Two-person canoe with single-bladed paddles
• K1-SEA – Sea kayak (any construction), single paddler
• RAFT – Crew of 2–6 people, no age or gender restrictions
• SUP – Paddleboard, single rider, no board size or construction limits

Age Categories:

• Juniors (15–18 years)
• Men & Women (19–45 years)
• Veterans (46–99 years)

• For K2 and C2, the boat is classified according to the age of the older crew member.
• Junior categories start only on Course B (Šalková – Zvolen).
• In K2 and C2, a child aged 10–15 may start on the Šalková section accompanied by an adult. The crew will be classified as Mixed.
• Raft is always classified as Mixed and starts only on Course B.

SAFETY REGULATIONS

• Life jackets, helmets, and a mobile phone are mandatory.
• They must be worn and properly fastened on the entire Course A and B.
• Mandatory boat portage control in Šalková + refreshments for competitors