The Rimi Riga Marathon will bring together more than 45,000 runners from nearly 120 countries on the streets of the capital for the first time this weekend, organisers announced Friday during the event’s opening ceremony.
In the 36th year of the Riga Marathon, the organisers aim to prove that the goal of reaching the top of Europe’s most coveted running destinations is truly achievable.
Describing the scale of the event, Aigars Nords, head of the Rimi Riga Marathon organising team, noted that the race will take place simultaneously across four distances recognised by World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics – a feat unmatched anywhere else in the world. In addition, the youngest runners will have the opportunity to participate in Children’s Day.
“Over the course of a single weekend, we welcome representatives from 120 nations, and this year we have a record number of participants, as well as, of course, the unique synergy of art and sports that is characteristic of Riga,” said Nords.
Last-minute registration is still open, but organisers have already estimated that the longest distances have seen a significant increase in the number of runners. The classic marathon will bring together at least 3,500 participants, while the half-marathon will have more than 7,000 runners. About 7,000 participants will take part in the 10 km race, while the popular 5.7 km run will have around 10,000 participants.
The relays, where participants in pairs or groups of four will complete the half-marathon or marathon, will bring together nearly 200 teams.
The largest-ever “Rimi” Riga Marathon will also bring together up to 10,000 young participants on Children’s Day, as well as more than 6,000 runners in the mile race.
Every race participant, upon presenting their race number, will be able to use Rīga’s public transportation for free during the marathon weekend on May 16 and 17.
Rimi Riga Marathon Programme
Saturday, May 16
9 a.m.–2 p.m. Children’s Day runs and activities on 11. novembra Embankment
11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Mile Run starts at the Art Museum, finish at the Freedom Monument
Sunday, May 17
Start at the foot of the Akmens Bridge
7:30 a.m. Professional runners – 21 km
7:35 a.m. 42 km marathon and marathon relay
9:30 a.m. 21 km half-marathon and half-marathon relay
12:30 p.m. 10 km run
2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 6 km run
Finish on 11. novembra Embankment
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