Rimi Riga Marathon

Rimi Riga Marathon is an annual road marathon held in Riga, Latvia, since 1991. A flat, single-lap marathon course in the Baltics’ largest city. The marathon course has been measured and certified by AIMS, the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.  is categorized as a Label Road Race by World Athletics in 2023.

Information about the event:

Rimi Riga Marathon will take place on the first weekend of May. Currently the program hosts the marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km, DPD Mile race and a Kids’ Day race – whose registration usually opens nearer to the event.

In 2023 all races start on the Sunday of the event, except the DPD mile race, on Saturday.

Riga is located in Northern Europe and is part of the Baltic Republics, – three countries of Europe, with a long history and diverse culture between regions. Riga is easily accessible by plane with direct flights from most major European cities.

If you have never been to Riga then running a marathon or half-marathon could be a good reason to visit one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea coast.

Marathon running has a long history in Riga City. Ater more than 30 years it has grown to welcome more than 30.000 runners from more than 80 countries!  Every participant will receive a finisher medal as a memory of this great weekend.

Prices:

The prices of the runs increase as the event draws closer. For the marathon in 2023 the fee ranges between 59€ to 79€, and for the half marathon: 45€ – 59€. Prices on the low end compared to many others similar events in European capitals. There is also the possibility to buy a voucher, to give the experience of running as a gift to a loved one (or a lazy one that you really hate 🙂 )

The course:

The route of the Rimi Riga Marathon is located in the center of Riga city.  The start and finish area – the Embankment – is the Gate to Old Riga and is right on the main river Daugava. It’s wide, spacious, and in the heart of the city making it easily accessible for all runners, fans, and spectators!

Right after the start we cross the Akmens tilts (Stone Bridge), allowing perfect UNESCO Heritage Old Riga views, and head to Pārdaugava, the other bank of river Daugava, known for its contrasting architecture combining the National Library, wooden architecture, and skyscrapers with romantic gems like Dzegužkalns, the Cuckoo Hill.

We return to Old Riga over Vanšu bridge (Suspension Bridge) offering a spectacular Panorama of the City. The good news is that Vanšu bridge and Stone bridge are pretty much the only hills on the course: rest of Riga is pretty flat.

The compact course includes most of Riga’s central landmarks making it exciting not just for participants, but spectators too. Along the course you’ll see the National Museum of Arts, National Theatre, The Monument of Freedom and the very central avenue of Riga – Freedom Street. Before finishing off – the world-famous Art Noveau architecture on Elizabeth street.

Fastest times:

Year 2022 was remarkable for the half marathon. Sikiyas Misganaw (ETH) set the male record with time of 1:00:30. Beatrice Mutai (KEN) won, setting the new course record for women in 01:09:12.

Waiting to be improved, the current (2022)   marathon records have also been set in the same year (2019). Andualem Belay Shiferaw (ETH)  ran the 42K in 02:08:51. Birke Debele Beyene (ETH) won in the same year the women race with a remarkable 02:26:18.

Did you like this post? Please contact me for any question or feedback.

Subscribe to the page to make this community an even better place 🙂

All images: © Rimi Riga Marathon