More than 40,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are scheduled to take part in this year’s Rimi Riga Marathon, organisers have told the LETA News Agency.
They estimate that this will be at least 25% more than in 2024.
Riga Mayor Vilnis Kirsis says that the city is offering free public transportation rides to all participants in the 35th Riga Marathon.
Last year the marathon attracted more than 10,000 foreign runners from 104 countries, generating an estimated EUR 10.5 million in economic activity and EUR 1.5 million in tax revenues for the government.
Every euro that was provided by the Riga City Council for the Rimi Riga Marathon returned EUR 130 to the economy of the city and its surrounding area. This year the council decided to boost co-financing to EUR 191,000, hoping for an even higher return from the event in future.
All those who complete the race will receive a medal designed by the artist Ivars Heinrihsons. T-shirts for participants have been designed by his wife Helena Heinrihsone.
Latvia’s most decorated marathoner of all time, Jelena Prokopcuka, who won the New York Marathon in 2005 and 2006, will be taking part in the Rimi event this year.
As has been the case in the past, Rimi is organising a Team Cup for teams from at least 500 companies in Latvia which will compete for prizes, including the title of the most active team.
The marathon weekend will kick off on Saturday, May 17, with a Children’s Day and the DPD one-mile race.
On Sunday, May 18, the Rimi Riga Marathon, the half-marathon, as well as 10-km and 6-km races will all take place.
5,000 students are expected to take part in the Latvian School Cup.
Source: BNS
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