The “My First Marathon” program has once again assembled a strong team of 12 ambassadors this year.

 

The program participants, who are not professional athletes but advocates of a healthy lifestyle, will spend 16 weeks preparing for their first major long-distance challenge – the half marathon (21 km) or full marathon (42 km) – under the guidance of coaches and specialists.

“My First Marathon” Program

Participants:

Aija Andrejeva

Singer

I want to fall in love with running, because in reality I hate running, but I know that with the right training plan running can become very enjoyable. Also because I’m turning forty, I want to do something cool before that!

Mārtiņš Spuris

TV3 TV personality

Maybe it sounds cliché, but I really wanted to challenge myself, so overcoming my initial doubts and surprise about the offer, I agreed to take part in the program! Lately I’ve started to exercise more and more, so the opportunity during this program to finally learn how to run is excellent.

Reinis Nitišs

Racing driver

I wanted something completely new and a real challenge for myself. I used to run before, but never such long distances. Now there are coaches, equipment, and everything needed – there are no more excuses. Everything is in my hands. And if I reach the finish line, I’ll be able to say to myself: I did everything I could.

Kristaps Zvejnieks

Olympian and sports psychology coach

I have a feeling that in recent years I’ve needed increasingly bigger challenges to strive for and goals to achieve. So at the moment when the Rimi Riga Marathon team asked me, I honestly didn’t think long – I simply said: ‘Yes!’

Arta Uma Upmale

Head of Social Media

I feel like my life lacks discipline, so this program seemed like the best way to throw myself into a big challenge and find the sporty, healthy discipline I’m looking for. As a non-runner and an ordinary office worker, I want to prove that anyone can do it.

Krists Spruksts

Photographer/videographer and owner of Buono Buono pizza

I applied to the program because I wanted to return to a training rhythm and do it properly – under the supervision of professional coaches. It’s an opportunity to prepare for something big in my life and test myself again.

Lauris Karlušas

Physical education teacher at Talsi State Gymnasium and coach at Talsi Basketball School

First of all, I signed up because last year it didn’t work out – I decided that this year I have to try again. Secondly, I know that on my own I wouldn’t run 42 km, so I’m hoping the coaches will motivate me enough and push me forward so that I can do it.

Signe Lamstere

Communications specialist & psychology student

It seems to me that ordinary people don’t often have the opportunity in everyday life to prepare for such a big challenge at a professional level. This program gives the chance to train with coaches, feel like a professional, and at the same time challenge yourself. That’s exactly why I applied.

Diāna Gavare

Choreographer, dance teacher

The world belongs to the crazy and the active. These are people who aren’t afraid to move, to try, and to do more. I also want to be one of them – and I want someone to train and guide me professionally as well.

Inga Āboltiņa

B2B growth leader, student, and sports enthusiast

Everything is quite simple – I want to challenge myself. I want to feel and understand from the inside what it’s like to be a runner, how the training process works, and what it’s like to be part of a team where people support and root for each other.

Pāvels Jemeļjanovs

Real estate consultant

This will be a good opportunity to test myself, be active, enjoy movement, meet new people, and set a goal that I can be proud of.

Jana Mahņova

Rimi team ambassador
“My First Marathon” Program

 

Coaches:

Ilona Marhele

Running coach and Olympian

Multiple-time Latvian champion in long-distance running with extensive international experience, including competing in the marathon at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Anita Siliņa-Kažemāka

Running coach

Multiple-time Latvian champion in the marathon, half marathon, and other distances.

Nils Briedis

“Stalts Training” fitness coach

Nils has been involved in sports since childhood. He aims to encourage others to achieve more. As he says: ‘New challenges help you discover yourself anew.

 

 

Training will be led by experienced coaches – Olympian and one of Latvia’s top long-distance runners Ilona Marhele, track and field athlete Anita Siliņa Kažemāka, and coach Nils Briedis. Each participant will receive a personalized training plan from their coaches, along with the necessary support and guidance throughout the entire program.

Participation in the program provides runners with

  • A personalized training plan and support from the “My First Marathon” coaches: Anita Siliņa Kažemāka, Ilona Marhele, and Nils Briedis
  • The opportunity to take a fitness test and receive health consultations from a sports doctor at the Sports Laboratory
  • The chance to train in Nike running gear provided by Sportland
  • A Garmin smartwatch to serve as an essential companion during training and on race day
  • Custom product baskets from a Rimi nutritionist, along with additional perks from the Program’s partners
  • The opportunity to inspire runners across Latvia with their story, motivation, and energy
  • The chance to make new friends and gain a great experience by training and racing alongside teammates

Participant contribution

  • Commitment to train diligently and follow the coach’s advice
  • Actively sharing training experiences on personal social media accounts, as well as on the Rimi Riga Marathon and our partners’ channels, in the media, and in podcasts
  • Supporting and motivating fellow program participants and teammates

 

 

“My First Marathon” Program