Organizators urge runners to prioritize their health

14 May 2026

This weekend, on May 16 and 17, more than 40,000 runners from at least 100 countries will gather for the largest running event in the Baltics.

 

As preparations for the race continue, the organizers together with the Emergency Medical Service of Latvia are urging participants to act responsibly towards their health, listen to their bodies, and stop the race if necessary.

First aid providers will be stationed along all race courses

Regardless of the chosen distance, medical staff will be present throughout the entire route, while mobile assistance teams – medics and medical students on bicycles – will also accompany runners within the participant flow.

First aid providers will be stationed every one to two kilometers along all race courses. Mobile bicycle medic teams will also operate on the course, while a fully equipped medical tent will be available in the finish area. Participants are encouraged to complete the medical information section on the back of their bib number before the start, as well as take the “Morning Test” on race day to assess their physical condition.

Our priority is to provide professional and immediate assistance. We are fully prepared for the Rimi Riga Marathon – from bicycle medics in the crowd to resuscitation teams – but in critical moments, the actions of the runner and fellow participants are just as important. Completed medical information on the back of the bib number and an immediate call to 113 using the password ‘MARATHON’ are the tools that help our medics respond as quickly as possible. We are your support team on the way to the finish line, but I encourage everyone to pay attention to how they feel and wish all runners a safe and powerful race.

Liene Cipule

Director of the emergency medical service

Before the start: medical questionnaire and morning test

To ensure prompt medical assistance if needed, all runners must complete the medical questionnaire located on the back of their bib number before the start. This is not a formality – if something unexpected happens on the course, this information may be critically important for medics.

Organizers also encourage runners to complete the “Morning Test” available in the Event Guide on race morning.


View Event Guide
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If you cannot answer “yes” to any of the questions in the test, participation in the race is not recommended.

Running is a celebration, and we want the positive atmosphere of the marathon to stay with everyone even after the finish line. Enjoy the city and the event atmosphere, but please be wise – if you feel something unusual, do not try to be a hero and stop running. Knowing when to withdraw is not weakness, it is a sign of maturity. Remember – a slower finish or withdrawing from the race is always better than serious health problems. The marathon will return to Riga next year, but we only have one health.

Aigars Nords

Head of the Rimi Riga Marathon Organizing Team

Warning signs that must not be ignored

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Organizers and medical professionals remind runners that if they experience anything unusual, they should immediately stop running.

Special attention should be paid to the following symptoms:

pain, pressure, or heaviness in the chest;

irregular heartbeat or strong heart palpitations;

dizziness, weakness, or blurred vision;

sudden shortness of breath or nausea;

sudden stop of sweating (especially in hot weather) or tingling in the limbs.

What to do in critical situations?

113

If you notice that another runner is feeling unwell – stumbling, becoming disoriented, or collapsing – do not run past them.

Call 113.

Use the password “MARATHON”.

Provide the runner’s bib number and the most accurate possible location on the course.

If you do not have a phone with you, loudly call for help and attract the attention of a volunteer or the MEDICAL HELP team.

Organizers have been preparing for runners’ safety throughout the entire season by offering group training sessions, training plans, and educational materials about health, nutrition, and safe race preparation.

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