The strongest elite field in history will compete in the 21 km distance this year
11 April 2026Very soon, the Rimi Riga Marathon will bring together not only a record number of participants, but also the strongest elite lineup ever in the half marathon distance.
Fast and exciting races are expected on the streets of Riga this year in both the women’s and men’s competitions.
At the start line in Riga will be one of today’s biggest running stars, two-time Boston Marathon winner Sharon Lokedi, who will be challenged by runners already familiar with Riga’s course and hospitality – last year’s Rimi Riga Marathon champion and German marathon record holder Domenika Mayer, as well as World Championship bronze medalist Ejgayehu Taye.
Meanwhile, in the men’s competition, the main favorites in the half marathon are runners with personal bests well below the magical one-hour mark – Gabriel Gerald Geay and James Kipkogei.
Attracting strong world-class elite athletes is one of the most important steps we are taking to position Riga among Europe’s most desirable running destinations!
Top-level runners are drawn to Riga by several factors: first, the event’s reputation – proven not only by four World Athletics-certified distances, but also by our experience hosting top-tier events such as the World Athletics Championships in road running. Second, elite athletes value the substantial prize fund of the Rimi Riga Marathon, and third – our fast courses that enable world-class results. Finally, the opportunity to run through Riga alongside world stars is an attractive draw for marathon tourists and running enthusiasts, who increasingly choose Riga to achieve their personal bests!
Aigars Nords
Head of the Rimi Riga Marathon Organizing Team
Exciting competition in both women’s and men’s races
The most intriguing battle in the half marathon is expected in the women’s field. Although Sharon Lokedi recently confirmed her class by winning the Boston Marathon for the second time in a row, she will face serious competition in Riga from runners who feel at home here. Domenika Mayer, who triumphed in last year’s Riga half marathon, returns this year as Germany’s marathon record holder. Meanwhile, Ejgayehu Taye boasts an impressive personal best of 1:04:14 in the half marathon, as well as a bronze medal won in Riga at the 2023 World Championships in the 5 km distance.
In the men’s competition, the main favorites are Gabriel Gerald Geay with a personal best of 59:18 and James Kipkogei with 59:31. Close behind them will be Charles Mbatha, Aklilu Gebremariam Asfaw, and Robert Kiprop Koech, all ready to compete for top positions and possibly break the one-hour barrier right here in Riga.
TOP 6 skrējējas sieviešu konkurencē
| Name | Nationality | Personal Best | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Ejgayehu Taye | Nationality Ethiopia | Personal Best 1:04:14 | Event Valencia Half Marathon 2024 |
| Name Sharon Lokedi | Nationality Kenya | Personal Best 1:05:00 | Event Copenhagen Half Marathon 2025 |
| Name Diniya Abaraya | Nationality Ethiopia | Personal Best 1:06:28 | Event Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 |
| Name Bertukan Welde | Nationality Ethiopia | Personal Best 1:07:15 | Event Montferland Half Marathon 2026 |
| Name Stella Chesang | Nationality Uganda | Personal Best 1:07:59 | Event Gifu Half Marathon 2024 |
| Name Domenika Mayer | Nationality Germany | Personal Best 1:08:08 | Event Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 |
TOP 6 skrējēji vīriešu konkurencē
| Name | Nationality | Personal Best | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Gabriel Gerald Geay | Nationality Tanzania | Personal Best 59:18 | Event Houston Half Marathon 2025 |
| Name James Kipkogei | Nationality Kenya | Personal Best 59:31 | Event Rome Half Marathon 2026 |
| Name Charles Mbatha | Nationality Kenya | Personal Best 1:00:05 | Event New Delhi Half Marathon 2023 |
| Name Aklilu Gebremariam Asfaw | Nationality Ethiopia | Personal Best 1:00:27 | Event Burj2Burj Half Marathon 2026 |
| Name Robert Kiprop Koech | Nationality Kenya | Personal Best 1:00:56 | Event Nairobi Half Marathon 2024 |
| Name Dejene Hailu Bikila | Nationality Ethiopia | Personal Best 1:01:16 | Event Seville Marathon 2026 |
