Rimi Riga Marathon Reaches New Record, Bringing Nearly 17 Million Euros to the National Economy This Year
15 August 2025The Rimi Riga Marathon, which in May 2025 brought together a record number of runners from 109 countries in the Latvian capital, has contributed nearly 17 million euros to Riga’s economy this year. Foreign visitors, whose numbers for the 35th anniversary race of the Baltic region’s most popular mass sports event grew by 40% compared to last year, stayed and spent an average of four days. This brought 7.46 million euros to Latvia’s accommodation and catering sectors and generated up to 2.48 million euros in tax revenue for the state.
The success in attracting marathon tourists once again demonstrates Riga’s international competitiveness and its potential to be Europe’s Running Capital, as well as the Rimi Riga Marathon’s place among Europe’s elite running events.
A study on the economic impact of the Rimi Riga Marathon, conducted according to the methodology of the Ministry of Education and Science by surveying race participants, estimated that the event attracted foreign funds totaling 16,759,900 euros to the Latvian economy – significantly more than in 2024, when the economic impact was estimated at 10.5 million euros.
Tax revenue from foreign visitor spending has also increased significantly – from 1.5 million euros last year to 2.48 million euros this year. The study also found that for every euro allocated by the Riga City Council (total co-funding for the marathon in 2025 was 191,060 euros), the event generated 88 euros for the economy of Riga and its surrounding areas.
We are pleased that the targeted work of the Rimi Riga Marathon organizers and the Riga City Council, carried out over many years to attract marathon tourists to Riga, has resulted in such impressive outcomes. Growth in all indicators - both in the number of participants and in economic contribution - proves the international competitiveness and huge potential of Riga’s largest annual sporting event.
Viesturs Kleinbergs
Mayor of Riga
Significant Growth in Marathon Tourism in Riga
The notable increase in the Rimi Riga Marathon’s economic impact is directly linked to the rise in the number of foreign participants and their travel companions, solidifying the marathon’s status as one of the most important sports tourism events in the region.
In May, the marathon attracted a record 40,122 participants (compared to 33,033 last year), including 6,017 foreign runners – a significant increase from 4,305 in 2024. The study also revealed that 69% of foreign participants traveled to Riga with family or friends, bringing the total number of foreign visitors to 12,346 from 109 countries. Visitors stayed in Latvia for an average of 3.9 days, spending an average of 333 euros per day, staying for a total of 48,095 nights in Riga accommodations, and contributing 7.46 million euros to Latvia’s accommodation and catering sectors.
Foreign Participants
(+40% from 2024)
Companions
(1.5 companions per participant)
Overnight Stays by Foreign Visitors
48 095
Economic Activity
16,759,900 €
Funds for Accommodation and Catering Sectors
7,460,700 €
Tax Revenue from Abroad
2,481,800 €
Most foreign participants came from Germany, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Finland, and Estonia – the same countries that topped the list last year. International participants most often chose the longer distances: marathon, half marathon, and the 10 km race.
The significant growth in foreign runner numbers is attributed to targeted campaigns in key markets, successful cooperation with well-known running influencers, active promotion of Riga abroad, the legacy of hosting the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, and the highest quality race courses.
These figures show that the Rimi Riga Marathon is not only a celebration of mass sports and the city, but also an important driver of tourism for Riga and Latvia.
Aigars Nords
Head of the Rimi Riga Marathon Organizing Team
Next Year: May 16-17
Plans for next year aim to further boost the Rimi Riga Marathon’s international recognition.
With nine months before the 36th edition of Rimi Riga Marathon, runners from 41 countries have already registered for various distances.
We recommend not delaying registration and taking advantage of the early bird entry fees, which will be available until the end of September.
Registration for all distances is already open. Registration for Kids’ Day, as usual, will open in the spring.
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