Ahead of the 2026 race weekend on May 16–17, the Rimi Riga Marathon—which plans to welcome a record-breaking field of 40,000+ runners from at least 110 countries—has officially announced a bold goal: within the next four years, Riga aims to become one of the ten most desirable running destinations in Europe. The plan is built on a rare synergy of sport, culture, and city atmosphere—something difficult to replicate elsewhere.
A city investment with an impressive return
Riga Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs emphasized that the city’s co-financing—raised this year to EUR 300,000—is a targeted investment in the city’s international visibility and public health.
“From the City Council’s perspective, the Rimi Riga Marathon has two decisive trump cards: social impact and economic contribution. Calculations show that in the last three years alone, the total economic impact of the marathon is estimated at EUR 41 million, of which EUR 33.5 million entered Latvia’s and Riga’s economy from foreign funds. Every euro invested by the city has returned EUR 117 to the economy. That is a phenomenal return…”
“One third of participants are young people under 18. By investing in the marathon, we invest in a healthier tomorrow.”
Thanks to the city’s support, public transport will be free for all participants during marathon weekend upon showing a bib number.
Riga as a European running destination
Marathon founder and team lead Aigars Nords said that after the 35th anniversary year, the event is entering a new phase—focused on experience and quality points that major metropolises often can’t deliver.
“By the marathon’s 40th anniversary in 2030, Riga must become one of the TOP 10 most desirable running destinations in Europe. We won’t surprise the world with 50,000-crowd waves in a single race—but we can with a special experience.”
Nords highlighted that Riga offers four World Athletics-level races in one weekend, on courses where three world records have been set, combined with a distinctly Latvian mix of culture, art, and community—plus the region’s standout kids programme and one of the most numerous foreign runner delegations.
Four-year medal cycle: collect your “RĪGA”
One of the most anticipated new initiatives is a unique four-year medal cycle, created in cooperation with the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMM) and design studio KID Design. Over the next four years, each year’s medal will form one letter of the word “RĪGA”:
- 2026: R (art by Boriss Bērziņš)
- 2027: I
- 2028: G
- 2029: A
Director of Latvian National Museum of Art Māra Lāce explained the 2026 choice:
“Boriss Bērziņš was a master of form whose art celebrates the human body in its many expressions. It fits perfectly with the spirit of mass participation sport—at the marathon, everyone runs, not only elite athletes.”
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The chosen artwork will appear not only on all finishers’ medals, but also on official Nike and special Art Series shirts (produced in Latvia).
Partner highlights and new features
Rimi: focus on youth and team power
Rimi leaders pointed to the scale of youth participation: Kids’ Day has a 10,000 participant limit and is filling fast. This year also brings the largest-ever Schools Cup (7,000+ students from 100 schools) and the Rimi Team Cup, with 600+ companies expected.
Elektrum: energy and professional support
The marathon is supported year-round with training plans (with Jelena Prokopčuka and Anita Siliņa), Sunday community runs in Mežaparks, and a major focus on delivering an European-level finish at 11. novembra krastmala.
Spice: choir-powered atmosphere
“Spice Choir Alley” returns with hundreds of singers, and runners can also submit a favourite song they’d like to hear on course on May 17.
Signet Bank: relay format
A new relay option will be available in both the marathon and half-marathon distances. The 21 km relay will feature Latvian beach volleyball stars Tīna Graudiņa and Anastasija Samoilova, while the 42 km relay will include the Prokopčuks family. A special mini city concert on the route is also planned as a gift from Signet Bank together with Carnival Youth.
Race weekend programme
- Saturday, May 16: Kids’ Day races at 11. novembra krastmala, DPD Mile (Latvian Championship), baby crawling tracks, Toyota WESS sprint, and the “Inclusive Marathon” programme (with Mēness aptieka) for participants with special needs.
- Sunday, May 17: Marathon, half-marathon, Signet Bank relays, 10 km and 6 km races, plus “Inclusive Marathon” activities.
Registration
Registration is available for the marathon, half-marathon, Signet Bank 42 km relay, Signet Bank 21 km relay, 10 km, 5.7 km, and DPD Mile distances via the Rimi Riga Marathon website. Registration is also open for Kids’ Day and the Inclusive Marathon programme.
Media contact
Inese Ķīkule
inese.kikule@necom.lv
