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A 2 euro commemorative coin of the Slovak Republic, issued in 2024 in a circulation of 1,000,000 copies. Dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Košice Peace Marathon. Minted at Mincovňa Kremnica. Bimetallic, diameter 25.75 mm, weight 8.5 g.
Obverse
The center of the coin depicts a stylized figure of a marathon runner in dynamic motion. Next to it is the outline of the city of Košice or the finishing ribbon. At the top is "MEDZINÁRODNÝ MARATÓN MIERU", at the bottom is "KOŠICE" with the dates "1924-2024". Mark of the Kremnica Mint. On the outer ring are 12 five-pointed EU stars.
Reverse
The reverse is the common side of the 2 euro coins of the second type, designed by Luc Luix (Royal Belgian Mint). It depicts a map of Europe as a single continent without internal borders - a symbol of European unity. On the left - a large denomination "2" and the inscription "EURO", on the right - a map with six thin horizontal lines. On the outer ring - 12 stars of the European Union. The band - with thin ribbing and the inscription "SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA" with two linden leaves.
Historical context
The Košice Peace Marathon (Medzinárodný maratón mieru, MMM) is the oldest marathon in Europe and the second oldest marathon in the world (after the Boston Marathon from 1897). Founded on October 28, 1924 by Vojtech Bukovský in the city of Košice, then Czechoslovakia. The first marathon was held on October 28, 1924 with 8 participants; the winner was Hungarian runner Karel Halla with a time of 3:01:35. Today, the marathon is held annually on the first Sunday of October. Distances include a full marathon (42.195 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), a mini marathon (5 km), and relay races. In 2019, the marathon attracted over 12,000 participants from over 50 countries. Winners of different years include Emil Zatopek (Czechoslovakia, four-time winner), Grigory Ayvazyan, and Ali Rezvanian. The name "peace marathon" was added in the 1950s to emphasize the peaceful nature of the sport. 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of this historic sporting event.