Event Guide

OLYMPIC KIDS’ DAY AND DPD MILE BIB PICKUP

• Start bibs for Happy babies course 200m and 400m distances can be picked up from April 30 at one of three Rimi stores (TC Akropole Alfa, TC Spice or Pulkveža Brieža Street Rimi Hyper info center) or at the EXPO (Rimi Olympic center May 17th from 10:00 – 20:00 or May 18th from 10.00-13.30), by presenting the registration confirmation email
• Start bibs for 60m “Sprint King and Queen” can be picked up at the Rimi Olympic Center on May 17th 10:00 – 20:00 and May 18th 10.00-13.30.
• DPD Mile start bibs can be picked up at the Rimi Olympic Center on May 17th 10:00 – 20:00 and May 18th 8:30 – 9:30

MARATHON DAY BIB PICK-UP

• At the EXPO (Rimi Olympic center) on May 17th and 18th 10:00-20:00.
• In a DPD parcel locker if you do not live in Riga and have chosen this service when registering.
• In the office if your company team has applied for bib delivery to the office.

If you intend to pick up a bib on someone else’s behalf, or if someone else will be picking it up for you, the registration confirmation email along with a written authorization must be presented at the EXPO.

To avoid unnecessary congestion and to ensure that the bib pickup line moves quickly, we will only issue up to 5 bibs per person. If you wish to pick up more (for example, for all your colleagues) – we’re sorry, but you will have to queue again! And thanks to all those teams who chose the DPD service “Team numbers to the office”!

IF YOU ARE A FAST RUNNER – GET THE DPD FAST STICKER

At the Rimi Riga Marathon EXPO, fast runners have the opportunity to receive a ‘DPD FAST’ sticker, which will allow them to take a place at the front of the starting corrals (in the special ‘DPD FAST’ starting corral).

To enter the “DPD FAST” corral you will have to show proof of your qualifying time (set after January 1, 2022) at the specially designated desk at the Rimi Riga Marathon EXPO. After approval you’ll receive a “DPD FAST” sticker which will let you enter the corral on the start day.

The Rimi Riga Marathon EXPO will take place in a new location this year – at the Rimi Olympic center!

This means that you should head to Grostonas Street 6B to pick up your race bib, catch up on the latest news, meet the extensive community of Rimi Riga Marathon runners as well as Latvian and foreign elite runners, and enjoy the pre-race atmosphere!

And keep it in mind – EXPO is definitely worth a visit even if your team’s bibs will be delivered to the office!

To receive the bag for gear check, you had to apply for it during registration! If you haven’t done it, sorry, but you won’t receive the bag because, in an effort to conserve environmental resources, we haven’t produced it. Thank you for being an environmentally friendly runner!

What else to expect at the EXPO?

• Ease pre-race stress by purchasing a new pair of running shoes and other running essentials at Sportland, Nike, Garmin, and Science in Sport.
• Visit the marathon store and purchase official marathon running shirts from previous years, designed by Latvian artists such as Kristians Brekte, Jānis Šneiders, MARE&ROL’S, Maija Kurševa, Gustavs Klucis, Ilmārs Blumbergs, Andris Vītoliņš, Krišs Salmanis, Ritums Ivanovs, Paulis Liepa, and others.
• Find your name on the special wall with the names of Rimi Riga Marathon participants 2024
• Discover the “Sustainability manifesto” at the ‘Run for Future by Neste’ photo booth and get a photo
• Buy health products at the Mēness aptieka stand
• Learn the latest about INDEXO pension funds
• Take the opportunity to have a last-minute physiotherapy consultation
• Check out and get into the new Toyota cars
• Find out more about the trail running series ‘Stirnu buks’
• Relax at the chill zone
• Boost your energy with coffee and snacks

The Baltics’ biggest running festival will open on May 18th with the DPD Mile and Olympic Kids’ Day!

DPD MILE

Start at 10:00 AM at the Latvian National Museum of Art and finish – at the Freedom Monument.

Take a photo after the finish line at the DPD photo booth in the charming corner where Kaļķu and Vaļņu Streets meet.

OLYMPIC KIDS’ DAY

10 AM – 2 PM at the 11th November Embankment

At the Rimi Riga Marathon Olympic Kids’ Day, we will gather thousands of little runners to move race the 400m, 200m, and Happy Babies courses and also the 60m distance “Sprint King and Queen” to crown the fastest sprinters in different age groups.

Happy Babies course

From 10 AM

An activity area suitable for running and climbing for children aged 0 – 3 years.

Start: run whenever you want.

Finish: commemorative medal, CIDO juice, Happy photo stand.

200m and 400m courses

From 10 AM

Children can participate in the 200m distance with their parents, while parents are invited to wait for their children at the finish line for the 400m distance.

Start: First start at 10 AM, last start at 1:50 PM. Please follow the start time indicated on your race bib!

Finish: a commemorative medal, CIDO juice, Mangaļi water

60m “Sprint King and Queen”

From 10 AM

Anyone can participate in the sprint distance of the Olympic Kids’ Day. Results will be noted for those who have a sprint distance bib (with a timing chip). The little ones will become “Sprint King and Queen” in their age groups. Winners will be announced after the marathon. Follow the information on Rimi Riga Marathon’s social media and website.

Please note that start bibs for children must be collected in advance!

ACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM AT THE OLYMPIC VILLAGE AT THE 11th NOVEMBER EMBANKMENT

Leading up to the Paris Olympic Games, 11th November Embankment will turn into an Olympic Village.

At the Olympic Village, kids will have the opportunity to try out various Olympic sports activities: boxing, football, skateboarding, table tennis, and weightlifting. Moreover, they can also enjoy a game of disc golf and safely scale a climbing wall reaching heights of up to seven meters.

In the Latvian Olympic Committee tent children can create their own Olympic torches and write letters to Latvian athletes headed for the Paris Olympic Games this summer. All letters will travel to Latvian Olympians at the Paris Olympic Games athletes village.

Also, at the 11 November Embankment, everyone can explore and even hop into fire trucks, national guard vehicles, police cars, and medical transport vehicles!

At the Rimi zone you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at free throws both in the basketball hoops and even in a shopping cart!

Also children can enjoy an active entertainment program with friendly mascots like the Riga Rooster, Rimi Corn and Apple, and others.

CARE FOR KIDS’ DAY PARTICIPANTS

Our main partner Rimi will provide wrist bracelets for children to help if they get lost. We invite parents of every participant to write their contact information on the bracelets (found in the envelope with the starting bib) so that volunteers can help the little runners who may get lost to meet the family at the info tent.

If you come with your family to the Olympic Kids’ Day by bicycles, we invite you to use the bike parking, located at Dome Square and operating on Saturday, May 6, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Meanwhile, for new parents, Happy has provided a changing area by the Happy babies course, which can be easily used throughout the Olympic Kids’ Day!

SNACKS FOR PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPORTERS

You’ll have the opportunity to purchase delicious snacks, drinks, and enjoy a tasty meal provided by Bao, Vīnkalnu picērija, and MI 1001 (with chef Ivan Šmigarevs).

CHARGE YOUR DEVICES AT THE INFO TENT

Our partner Elektrum will take care of a charging station for phones and other smart devices in the info tent, so that you can reach your friends and family throughout the day and capture everything for memories! Feel free to come and charge your smart devices!

Partner offers

The partners of the Rimi Riga Marathon have prepared special offers for all runners, which we invite you to use in the lead up to the marathon.

Download the mobile app powered by INDEXO

A mobile app developed with the support of INDEXO is designed for every marathon participant and supporter. In the mobile app, anyone interested can track the progress and location of their relatives, friends, or colleagues on the track, thereby giving the opportunity to meet their supporters at the most suitable places on the track. Immediately after the finish, the mobile app will show both the runner’s and the leaders’ results.

The mobile app also provides the program of the marathon weekend, course maps, an overview of music points on the track, as well as other news of this year. The mobile app will be available for free download on both Apple Store and Play Store.

If you plan to run the course with your mobile phone so supporters can track your location in real-time, share your Tracking ID code with them – you’ll find it in your registration confirmation email!

“Spice style podium” for stylish runners

All runners who arrive on marathon day wearing eye-catching costumes are invited to the awards ceremony at 3:30 PM at the medal podium on 11 November Embankment.

In cooperation with the shopping centre ‘Spice’, we are organizing the ‘Spice Style Podium’ contest, where the most outstanding runners in eye-catching outfits during the marathon will compete for valuable gift cards from the shopping centre ‘Spice’.

The three best outfits will receive ‘Spice’ gift cards – the first place winner will receive a ‘Spice’ gift card worth 200 €, the second place – 150 €, and the third prize – 100 €.

Rimi Teams Cup

At the Rimi Teams Cup we will determine the most active Latvian companies in three categories – small, medium and large teams.

The winners of the teams cup will be determined by evaluating the individual results of all teams with at least 15 registered participants in the Rimi Riga Marathon on May 18-19. The best teams will be awarded with gift baskets from Rimi, as well as other surprise prizes.

Teams with at least 15 participants will automatically qualify for the Rimi Teams Cup.

DPD Mile: May 18th, 10:00 AM

To organize the flow of runners on the course, the DPD Mile will be divided into several start waves:

1. The Women’s elite (10:00 AM),
2. The first wave with the men’s elite and DPD FAST at the forefront (10:03 AM)
3. The second wave (10:10 AM)

Together with the second start wave, the participants of the “Inclusive Marathon” program in cooperation with Mēness Aptieka will also start.

Follow the instructions and announcements regarding the start corral allocation at the Latvian National Museum of Art.

Marathon (42km) and half marathon (21km), May 19th, 8:00 AM

The start of both long-distance courses will be divided into 5 corrals, which will start onto the course sequentially. Pay attention to the instructions, review the maps, and select a spot in the corral that best aligns with your abilities. If at the time of the start you are still outside the start corrals, don’t worry – gradually all participants will go on the course (wait at the entrance of corral D)

The starting corral for “Inclusive Marathon” programme in cooperation with Mēness Aptieka – participants with functional disabilities and their assistants will be located between corrals C and D.

10km, May 19th, 12:30 PM

The start of the 10km will be divided into 5 corrals, which will start onto the course sequentially. Pay attention to the instructions, review the maps, and select a spot in the corral that best aligns with your abilities. If at the time of the start you are still outside the start corrals, don’t worry – gradually all participants will go on the course (wait at the entrance of corral D).

The starting corral for “Inclusive Marathon” programme in cooperation with Mēness Aptieka – participants with functional disabilities and their assistants will be located between corrals C and D.

5km, May 19th, 2:30 PM

The start of 5km will be divided into 5 corrals, which will proceed onto the course sequentially. Pay attention to the instructions, review the maps, and select a spot in the corral that aligns with your abilities. To manage the flow of runners on the course, participants from corrals C and D may be released onto the course with a time delay – follow the instructions at the start.

In order to organize the flow of runners on the course, the 5km start will be divided into 2 waves – if you plan to run faster, we invite you to take your place in the start corral that suits you in the first wave. Shortly before the start of the first wave, we will close the start corrals. Those who will not be in the start corrals at that moment, will start in the second wave (2:40 PM). Don’t worry if you haven’t managed to start in the first wave – all the remaining participants will start in the second wave!

The starting corral for “Inclusive Marathon” programme in cooperation with Mēness Aptieka – participants with functional disabilities and their assistants will be located between corrals C and D.

All distances will start at the 11 November embankment near the Stone Bridge.

DPD FAST FOR FAST RUNNERS

With the support of our partner DPD we’ve created a special program “DPD FAST” in the Rimi Riga Marathon which will allow the fastest runners to take place in the frontmost starting corral to avoid the crowd and be set for a quick result.

To enter the “DPD FAST” corral you will have to show proof of your qualifying time (set after January 1, 2022) at the specially dedicated desk at the Rimi Riga Marathon EXPO. After approval you’ll receive a “DPD FAST” sticker which will let you enter the corral on the start day.

Mangaļi energy points

At all energy points there will be:

• In white cups – natural mineral water Mangaļi,
• In yellow and red cups – Science in Sport (SIS) electrolyte drink (berry flavor)
• Fruits provided by Rimi

At the energy points the goods will be provided in the following order:

1. Elite drinks
2. Mangaļi water
3. SiS electrolyte drinks
4. Fruits
5. Mangaļi water
6. SiS energy gels (only at kilometers 12 and 33)
7. Sponges (only at kilometers 12 and 33)

Please be aware that there won’t be hydration stations along the 5km course. However, for the 10km runners the energy point will be located after the 3km mark. Water and other refreshments will be available for all finishers at the finish!

Energy gels for the 42 km un 21 km

SiS energy gels (blackcurrant flavor) will also be provided at the 12th and 33rd kilometer energy points for half marathon and marathon runners.

Toilets on the course

Toilets will be available before each Mangaļi energy point.

Water sprinkler points

Since the second half of May often tends to be hot, water sprinkler points will be located throughout the course to help runners get refreshed and avoid overheating.

INDEXO Music points

To support the runners throughout the entire Rimi Riga Marathon course, which covers both banks of the Daugava River, INDEXO has taken on the responsibility of creating a network of music points for runners. Popular DJs and radio personalities such as Jana Kalniņa, Jānis un Mārtiņš Kozlovski, Fiņķis, Patrisha, Ketija Šēnberga un Uģis Joksts will serve as moderators at these INDEXO points, actively cheering on runners by playing popular music and engaging fans and city residents in the festivities.

Elektrum energetic finish

Where there is a large gathering, there is a lot of emotions and a positively charged atmosphere! There is passion and energy! But where there is high energy, there is Elektrum!

In collaboration with Rimi Riga Marathon’s partner Elektrum, this year at the finish of all distances on May 19th, an unprecedented energetic finish will be created, providing positive emotions in such an important moment – the last meters of the distance.

We invite every supporter to come along and cheer up other runners at the Elektrum grand stand by the finish, taking advantage of the opportunity to watch the finish from the best possible spot.

Garmin Pace team

With the support of Garmin Latvia and VSK Noskrien, pace team will help maintain a steady running pace for the marathon and half marathon distances. Look for the red (42km) and green (21km) flags in the starting corrals – the fastest runners will be located closer to the starting line, while the slower ones will be at the end of the starting corral.

Smile for the photographers

If you spot a photographer in a yellow vest on the course, smile and wave! All photos with the ability to search for yourself by your start bib will be available for purchase on the Sportfoto.com website after the race.

Latvijas Zaļais Punkts recycling points

This year, we will carefully monitor our waste sorting. Therefore, we invite you to pay attention to the labeling on the Latvijas Zaļais Punkts waste containers along the course.

Toyota leader convoy

In cooperation with WESS, Toyota cars equipped with an official clock that will display the time on the course from the starting shot will accompany the leaders on the course.

PARTICIPANT SERVICES AT THE DOME SQUARE

How to hand over and receive the marathon bag:

• Stick the label with your bib number on the official Marathon bag where it says “PLACE FOR YOUR NUMBER.” You will receive the label in the EXPO envelope together with the participant bib.
• Go to the Bag Storage tent at Dome Square, which is numbered with the last digit of your start bib. Hand over your bag in this tent and you will receive your Marathon bag back after the run.
• The Marathon bag will not be issued without presenting the participant bib number.

The organizers do not take responsibility for items left in the storage area, so we kindly ask not to check in wallets, phones, and other valuables there.

Participants of the ‘Inclusive Marathon’ program

Rimi Riga Marathon has been dedicated for several years to ensuring that athletes and participants with functional impairments can fully engage in the event.

This year, together with the marathon’s health partner and supporter, ‘Mēness aptieka,’ we have established the ‘Inclusive Marathon’ program. Through this initiative, we provide unprecedented support and opportunity for participants with functional impairments and their assistants to take part in the marathon. 400 participants – 200 individuals with mobility and other health impairments, and 200 assistants – will take part in Rimi Riga Marathon distances according to their abilities.

On May 19th, participants of the program will have the opportunity to gather at the special ‘Inclusive Marathon’ tent near the starting line at the 11 November Embankment, to proceed together to their designated starting corral. For the participants of the program, we have prepared a special starting corral along with other runners at the mass start.

All finishers of the Rimi Riga Marathon will receive medals designed by internationally acclaimed Latvian artist Germans Ermičs.

As every year, the partners of the Rimi Riga Marathon have made sure that there are plenty of activities and opportunities for rest and recovery in the finish area. After the run, enjoy the finish line goodies, take photos for lasting memories, visit the recovery zone, rest areas, and showers, and be environmentally friendly by sorting and handing over items for recycling.

Rimi finish line goodies

This year, with the support of the marathon’s main partner Rimi, each participant will receive a banana and an energy bar, Lido nuts mix, while Mangaļi will provide finishers with natural mineral water and Vita Fruit drink.

Lido rest zone for marathon (42km) runners

All finishers are invited to the marathon rest zone to meet, share fresh emotions and enjoy a complimentary tasty meal and beer.

Rimi photo arcs with your finish time

After you cross the finish line, don’t forget to capture yourself with this year’s finish time at the Rimi photo arcs. Since the photo arc has always been in high demand, to avoid standing in a long queue, Rimi has prepared two photo arcs this year.

Mangaļi rest zone and photo wall

Our official water partner Mangaļi has provided runners with a special rest zone to catch a breath. We also invite you to take cool photos for the memories at the Mangaļi photo wall.

Mangaļi water bottles in deposit containers

To protect the environment at the finish line, please remember to throw away your Mangaļi water bottle in the deposit container instead of the general waste bin.

Run for Future by Neste stand at Dome Square

After the race, we invite you to head over to the Run for Future by Neste tent at the Dome Square and turn in your race bib, safety pins, bag, and anything else you no longer need. You turn it in, we collect it, sort it, and recycle it so that the recyclable waste returns to the circular economy (instead of being dumped in landfills). We will also reuse items like safety pins, and as a gift, we will give you a tree! Remember, trees absorb a lot of CO₂e!

Please remember to hand over your race bib for recycling only after you have received your bag from the bag storage!

We remind you that this year’s Rimi Riga Marathon is part of the sustainability program Run for Future by Neste, and the carbon footprint will be calculated and compensated. We invite you to participate in the calculation of the carbon footprint by filling out the evaluation questionnaire after the event.

Showers

Make sure to take the opportunity to shower after the marathon or half marathon. The showers will be located at the 11 November Embankment.

Sportland and Nike tents

Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment at the finish line and reward yourself with a stylish Nike running shirt or other equipment for an active summer at the Sportland or Nike tent.

Food and relaxation area for participants and supporters

At the 11 November Embankment, runners, their supporters, and friends can try a variety of tasty meals and snacks provided by Bao, Vīnkalnu Pica, MoonBar Catering, MI 1001 (with chef Ivans Šmigarevs). We invite everyone to refuel and hydrate after crossing the finish line!

Charge your devices at the info tent

Our partner Elektrum will take care of a charging station for phones and other smart devices in the info tent, so that you can reach your friends and family throughout the day and capture everything for memories! Feel free to come and charge your smart devices!

AWARD CEREMONY ON MAY 19TH

9.45 AM half marathon award ceremony
11.30 AM marathon and Latvian Marathon championships award ceremony
1:30 PM 10km award ceremony
3:30 PM 5km award ceremony
3:45 PM “Spice Style Podium” winners award ceremony

SEE THE PRIZE FUND

The winners of the 60m ‘Sprint King and Queen’ distances at the Olympic Kids’ Day event will be announced in all age groups in the week after the marathon.

Keep tuned for specific traffic restrictions on the week of the marathon. Follow the information on our social media and the website.

To easily move around the center of Riga during the Rimi Riga Marathon, we invite you to use the WAZE app, which will show all planned traffic restrictions. The WAZE app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

Considering that participant transportation had the greatest impact on the total CO₂e footprint in the Rimi Riga Marathon 2023, we encourage everyone to choose a more environmentally friendly way of getting to the starting line.

1. Walk or run: If EXPO or your distance’s start line is close to your home or hotel, walk or run there! This is the most environmentally friendly way to reach your destination while also getting some exercise and enjoying the sights of Riga in the springtime.
2. Bike or use electric vehicles: If you have a bike or access to one of the mobile electric vehicles, use it to get to EXPO! If you’re going to your distance’s starting line, leave your bike at Dome Square. Bike parking hours: Saturday 8:30 to 15:00, Sunday 6:30 to 17:00.
3. Public transportation: To conserve energy before hitting the course, we recommend using public transportation to get to your destination. To find your route, use Riga’s public transportation route planner or the route planning function provided by Google Maps. Ticket prices: one 90-minute ticket (€1.50), one 24-hour ticket (€5.00), or one 3-day ticket (€8.00).
4. Personal car or taxi: If you must use a personal vehicle, bring another participant with you to reduce your total emissions. Of course, driving yourself in your own vehicle is the most convenient option, but please consider whether it’s necessary. Also, please remember that city traffic will be limited during the marathon week. And please compensate for your carbon footprint in your registration profile!

REQUIRED MEDICAL INFORMATION

Fill out the medical information on the back of your running bib!

All participants are required to fill out the medical questionnaire on the back of their start bib. The information on the questionnaire will greatly facilitate the work of medical personnel if you need assistance on the course.

CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE THE MARATHON

If you cannot apply any of these statements to yourself, we recommend that you withdraw from the race, especially if you plan to run the half and full marathons.

1. I have a normal body temperature.
2. I do not feel tired.
3. I slept well last night.
4. I have eaten appropriate food and fluids before the run.
5. I do not have any symptoms of a cold.
6. I do not have any pain or discomfort in the chest area.
7. I do not have any stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea.

If you need help on the track, look for helpers wearing “MEDICAL HELP” shirts at each water point.

Although the Baltic’s biggest running celebration will conclude on the evening of May 19th, the medal week will continue until May 26th at the Spice shopping center. During this week, you can enjoy pleasant discounts and offers at various Spice stores by presenting your finisher’s medal. Get ready for the summer season in style!

A HEARTFELT AND ENDLESS THANK YOU!

To our partners, sponsors, product partners, cooperation organizations, volunteers, and of course, runners from more than 90 countries around the world for being together and creating the most beautiful running festival in the Baltics!

See you next year at the 35th anniversary season of the Rimi Riga Marathon on May 17-18, 2025!