Ambition to become one of Europe’s 10 most desirable running destinations!
10 April 2026The ambitious plan is based on a unique blend of sport, culture and urban experience rarely found elsewhere in the world.
A city investment with impressive returns
The Riga City Council sees the Rimi Riga Marathon as having two key strengths: social impact and economic contribution. Calculations show that the total economic impact of the Rimi Riga Marathon in the last three years alone is estimated at EUR 41 million, of which EUR 33.5 million has flowed into the national economy and that of Riga from foreign funds.
Every euro invested has generated EUR 117 in economic return. This represents an exceptional return on investment, so I think that not only Riga, but the whole of Latvia can be justifiably proud that the Baltic's most ambitious national sporting event takes place every year in our home country
Viesturs Kleinbergs
Mayor of Riga
The mayor also added that the marathon helps to foster a healthier society, especially among the younger generation: “One third of the participants in the Rimi Riga Marathon are young people under 18. By investing in the marathon, we are investing in a healthy tomorrow.”
Thanks to the city’s support, public transport will be free for all participants during the marathon weekend upon presentation of their participant number.
Riga as one of Europe’s leading running destinations
Our goal is clear: by the 40th anniversary of the marathon in 2030, Riga should become one of the top 10 most desirable running destinations in Europe. We may not compete on the sheer scale of 50,000 runners in a single distance, but we stand out through the quality of the overall experience.
We have four World Athletics level competitions in one weekend on tracks where three world records have been broken. We present mass participation. Running in a uniquely Latvian cultural and artistic context, we have the world's largest Children's Day and already one of the largest delegations of foreign runners.
Aigars Nords
Head of the Organising Team of the Rimi Riga Marathon
Quadrennial medal cycle: collect your "RIGA"
One of the most anticipated novelties is a unique series of medals in collaboration with the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA) and the design studio KID Design. For the next four years, each year’s medal will be one letter of the word “RIGA”.
In 2026: R (art by Boris Bērziņš)
In 2027: I
In 2028: G
In 2029: A
We decided that in the next quadrennial cycle, the medals will be another tribute to the city. Each year, the participants will receive the next Riga letter, which will be decorated with the work of an artist curated by the Latvian National Museum of Art. This will be an additional incentive for the runners to return to Riga to create a Latvian art collection under the name of the city by 2030!
Aigars Nords
Head of the Organising Team of the Rimi Riga Marathon
It has already been announced that the work of Boris Bērziņš “In the Waves” has been selected as the artwork of the Rimi Riga Marathon for this year.
Māra Lāce, the Director of the Latvian National Museum of Art, explained: “Boris Bērziņš was a master of form whose art celebrates the human body in all its diversity. This is perfectly in line with the spirit of national sport – the marathon is for everyone, not just elite athletes.”
The masterpiece of Bērziņš will adorn not only the finishers’ medals for all distances, but also the official Nike and special shirts of Art Series (made in Latvia).
Rimi: Focus on the younger generation and team capacity
Together with the Rimi Riga Marathon, we have introduced thousands of children to running. Rimi Children's Day has grown from a small event on the Esplanade to a global movement. This year we have set a limit of 10,000 participants and places are running out fast!
Everita Bičkova
Head of External Communications of Rimi
This year will also see the largest School Cup in the event’s history (over 7,000 students from 100 schools) and the Rimi Team Cup, in which over 600 companies will compete.
Elektrum: Energy and professional support
The marathon has long been a year-round event, not just a weekend. To support the runners during the long season with the right energy, we have prepared training plans together with Jelena Prokopčuka and Anita Siliņa, and on Sundays we meet in Mežaparks, where the traditional training sessions are getting bigger and bigger. Our most responsible task is to arrange a European-level finish on 11. novembra krastmala so that everyone feels a powerful finish experience in the final metres!
Mārtiņš Čakste
Representative of Elektrum, the Chairman of the Board of Latvenergo AS
TC "Spice": The power of song and atmosphere on the track
Hundreds of choir singers will once again welcome participants in the "Spice Song Alley" from Meierovics Boulevard to the Monument of Freedom. In addition, this year everyone can submit their favourite song they would like to hear on the track on 17 May!
Iveta Priedīte
Manager of TC "Spice" and TC "Spice Life"
Signet Bank: New format – relay race
Not everyone is ready to go the full distance alone, and it's often easier to achieve goals in a team. That is why, together with the organisers, we have introduced a relay race for the marathon and half-marathon distances that can be shared with someone. Beach volleyball stars Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova will take part in the 21 km relay race, while the Prokopčuks family will compete in the 42 km race.
Runners and fans will be entertained by a special live on-course concert at one of the distance points, which is a gift from Signet Bank and Carnival Youth to the city, runners, residents!
Ineta Done
Member of the Board of the Signet Bank
