The Rimi Riga marathon weekend has arrived – on Friday, Riga will kick off the Baltics’ biggest running celebration!
11 May 2026The Rimi Riga Marathon will take over the streets of Riga on May 16–17 for the 36th time, bringing together a record-breaking number of participants – more than 40,000 runners from at least 110 countries around the world.
The scale of the event, the growing number of participants, the active involvement of runners of all ages and abilities, and the wide international representation once again confirm the marathon’s rising importance and its place among Europe’s major running events. Step by step, the marathon continues moving toward its goal of becoming one of Europe’s most desirable running destinations within the next four years.
The marathon weekend will kick off already on Friday with the marathon EXPO at Rimi Olympic Centre, where runners will be able to collect their race bibs, soak in the race atmosphere, and discover the latest news from sports and healthy lifestyle brands.
On Friday, May 15 at 12:00 PM, the official press conference will also take place at the EXPO venue. Together with Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs, organizers, and partners, the conference will introduce this year’s marathon highlights, the city celebration programme, traffic changes, and safety measures.
Participants of the press conference will include Mayor of Riga Viesturs Kleinbergs, Emergency Medical Service Director Liene Cipule, as well as Latvian and international sports stars – Jeļena Prokopčuka, Latvia’s most decorated long-distance runner (competing in the Signet Bank relay), and beach volleyball world champions Anastasija Samoilova and Tīna Graudiņa (also competing in the Signet Bank relay).
Latvian national team runners: Artūrs Niklāvs Medveds and Nikita Bogdanovs, who will compete for records and Latvian Championship titles in the DPD Mile and 10 km races.
International elite athletes: Filips Kops alongside top favourites – Domenika Mayer (Germany’s record holder), Ejgayehu Taye, Gabriel Gerald Geay, and 2025 Rimi Riga Marathon champion Melikhaya Frans.
Participants of the “Inclusive Marathon” programme: Poļina Rožkova, Līga Laudiņa, and Nils Briedis.
Participants of the “My First Marathon” programme: Aija Andrejeva, Mārtiņš Spuris, Kristaps Zvejnieks, Reinis Nitišs, Krists Spruksts, Arta Uma Upmale, Lauris Karlušas, Signe Lamstere, Diāna Gavare, Inga Āboltiņa, Pāvels Jemeļjanovs, and Jana Pintāne.
After the official part, media representatives are invited to enjoy a special “Carb Loading” feast prepared by Balticovo together with nutrition specialist Madara Meiere.
