Riga welcomes the largest Rimi Riga Marathon ever
16 May 2026The Rimi Riga Marathon continues to grow as one of Europe’s leading running destinations, as this weekend, May 16–17, the streets of Riga will welcome more than 45,000 runners from nearly 120 countries for the very first time.
In the presence of Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs, head of the organising team Aigars Nords, Emergency medical service director Liene Cipule, major partners Rimi, Spice, Elektrum and Signet Bank, as well as elite athletes and race ambassadors, the marathon was officially opened today at the Rimi Olympic Centre.
In its 36th edition, the marathon has reached record-breaking registration numbers and an unprecedented level of international representation, proving that its ambition to become one of Europe’s most desirable running destinations is becoming a reality.
This is our 36th marathon, and we are no longer playing in the minor leagues. We are the only marathon in the world with four World Athletics Label races. We are also among the very few – and possibly the only one – with such a large-scale Kid’s Day programme. Representatives of 120 nations are visiting us in a single weekend.
This year also brings a record number of participants and, of course, the unique synergy of art and sport that only Riga can offer. Together with the Latvian National Museum of Art, we are launching the medal series ‘RĪGA’, and every finisher on Saturday and Sunday will receive a medal featuring the first letter ‘R’ and artwork by the legendary Boriss Bērziņš. The original artwork is currently on display at the Latvian National Museum of Art.
Aigars Nords
Head of the Rimi Riga Marathon Organizing Team
Supporting the marathon’s ambitions to strengthen its place on the global running scene and increase international marathon tourism to Riga, the Riga City Council continues this year to position the Baltic region’s largest running event as one of the city’s priorities.
Riga is a city in motion, and the marathon is our greatest mover. This year, the Rimi Riga Marathon is not only a celebration for nearly 120 nations and a city-wide festival for everyone – from toddlers still in strollers to adults and participants of the Inclusive Marathon – but also a major benefit for the city. The influx of tourists and the projected economic impact will amount to millions of euros. Young and old alike will run, and Riga will be ready!
Viesturs Kleinbergs
Mayor of Riga
