Albania? Really?
Our first look at Dublin Marathon alternatives takes us to the vibrant capital city of Tirana, Albania, for the Tirana Marathon! Generally taking place the second last Sunday of October every year, this marathon may still be classed as a relative newcomer to the scene in terms of European capital marathons. However, unlike some of its pricier counterparts in Western or Mediterranean European countries, Tirana offers guaranteed entry, affordable accommodations, eating out, and sightseeing at a very reasonable cost. Plus, with a plethora of museums, galleries, and monuments scattered throughout the city, there's no shortage of sights to explore once you've crossed the finish line.
Much of this charts Albania’s past, including its crackpot ex-leader Enver Hoxha. The man who turned paranoia into an art form and transformed Albania into a socialist state for nearly half a century. Who knew running a marathon would offer such an educational experience?
The Marathon Route
The marathon usuallu startd at 9am on from Skanderberg Square, reminiscent of the hugely imposing squares found in past and present communist authoritarian regimes. The route then takes you through Tirana’s fascinating thoroughfares before doing a long loop of Tirana park round the artificial lake before taking you back into the city center. You get to run past the eerily dystopian Tirana Pyramid, once a symbol of Hoxha's regime, and be reminded of Albania's complex past. The route culminates in a return to Skanderberg Square.
Things to See & Do in Tirana
No marathon trip is complete without sightseeing, and Tirana has no shortage of museums and galleries offering insight into the country’s troubled decades under Enver Hoxha, from the aftermath of World War II until the late 1980s.
Recommended stops include:
Skanderbeg Square
The vast central square that anchors Tirana, recently redeveloped into a sweeping open civic space surrounded by key landmarks such as the National History Museum and Et’hem Bey Mosque, and named after Albania’s national hero, it reflects the city’s shifting identity across fascist, communist, and post communist eras.
Tirana Pyramid
Once a symbol of the communist regime, this striking structure was originally built as a museum honouring Enver Hoxha. Today, it stands as a stark reminder of Albania’s recent past and remains one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.
Enver Hoxha’s Former Residence
Located near the city centre, Hoxha’s former home can still be viewed from behind its gates. A brief stop offers a glimpse into the private world of Albania’s longtime dictator.
House of Leaves Museum
This museum tells the story of Albania’s secret police, the Sigurimi. Housed in their former headquarters, it offers a chilling account of surveillance, informants, and life under constant suspicion.
National History Museum
Spanning prehistoric times to the modern era, this museum provides a broad overview of Albania’s history, including its struggle for independence and decades of political upheaval.
The Food is Unreal
In Tirana and indeed in Tirana as a whole, Ottoman influenced food is everywhere. Mornings often begin with burek, a rich pastry found across the Balkans, typically filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. These are sold in bakeries throughout the city each morning.
For dinner, Albanian cuisine leans heavily on grilled lamb, beef, and chicken, familiar to anyone who has travelled in the region. Salads are plentiful, and regional dishes such as goulash, ferghese, and pule are widely available. On my last visit, I found several good value eateries along Kavaja Street, just off Skanderbeg Square. But fear not, given Albania's proximity to Italy, there is also a plethora of Italian restaurants in Tirana to get your carb loading sorted before race day.
Practical Information for Participants
Event Date: Most likely October 18th, 2026
Cost: $30 in 2025
Registration
Registration is expected to open in summer 2026 at the latest via the Tirana Marathon website.
Getting There
From Ireland: Ryanair offer direct flights for the summer/autumn season and fortunately for the weekend of the marathon, flying out Thursday the 15th and back on Monday the 19th.
From the UK: Ryanair and Wizz Air operate direct flights from Stansted and Luton respectively. British Airways also flies directly from Heathrow, though fares tend to be higher.
Taxi transfers from the airport to the city centre cost around 20 euros. A bus also operates from the back of the domestic terminal, costing 300 LEK.
Accommodation
Tirana offers excellent value accommodation, with three star hotels available from around 50 euros per night. Good quality apartments can be booked at even lower rates via Airbnb.
Visa Requirements
Albania is visa free for all EU citizens, with visas required only for a small number of nationalities. It is always worth checking with your airline if you have any concerns.
Fancy Something Different?
If you have missed out on the Dublin Marathon or are simply looking for something different, the Tirana Marathon offers an incredibly compelling alternative. The city combines layered history, strong food culture, and affordability in a capital that still feels refreshingly under the radar. Pack your gear and prepare for a 42.2k journey that blends running with a deep dive into one of Europe’s lesser known capitals.