Rīga marathon coming up this weekend

Take note – story published 3 years ago

On October 10 and 11, the Rimi Rīga marathon events are taking place, while taking into account various precautionary measures, organizers said Wednesday.

Rīga marathon facts

  • Rīga marathon was born in 1990.
  • 1994 saw the hottest Rīga marathon in history, at 35 degrees Celsius.
  • From 1997 to 2006, the marathon was at a standstill with few runners and meager sponsorship.
  • Aigars Nords revived the marathon in 2007 and is still the organizer today.

Although approximately 15,000 participants will participate in the Rīga marathon weekend, the distance start times are staggered so that no more than 2,500 runners come together.

The organizers invite all participants to come to the start by the Freedom Monument in face masks. All participants are also invited to download the “Stop COVID” app and assess their health on marathon day.

All activities along the route and at the finish will be aimed at ensuring that the participants are dispersed and not crowded together. Hand disinfectants will also be available everywhere.

The Rīga marathon will take place this year without extensive participation of elite runners typical of the international Athletics Gold Label marathons, and without the participation of foreign runners who will participate elsewhere using an online platform. 

The Rimi Rīga marathon was originally scheduled for May 16 and 17, but it was moved to October 10 and 11 due to the pandemic.

On marathon days, traffic on 11. novembra krastmala will be suspended from Akmens bridge to Muitas street. Parking will be prohibited on Doma square, so motorists and other road users are advised to use alternative routes.

Nevertheless, as the event days approach and Latvia's COVID-19 case figures increase sharply, social media channels have been abuzz with members of the public questioning the wisdom of holding the event, even with the announced precautions. Infectologist Jurijs Perevoščikovs also stated October 9 that especially children's presence in the event would not be recommended.

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