The Rimi Riga Marathon, which is expected to attract a record-breaking 40,000+ runners from over 110 countries to the streets of Riga on 16-17 May 2026, today officially announced its ambition to become one of Europe’s 10 most desirable running destinations within the next four years. The ambitious plan is based on a unique blend of sport, culture and urban experience rarely found elsewhere in the world.
A city investment with impressive returns
Viesturs Kleinbergs, the Mayor of Riga, stressed that the city's co-financing, increased to EUR 300,000 this year, is a targeted investment in the city's export capacity and public health.
"The Riga City Council sees the Rimi Riga Marathon as having two key strengths: social impact and economic contribution. Calculations show that the total economic impact of the Rimi Riga Marathon in the last three years alone is estimated at EUR 41 million, of which EUR 33.5 million has flowed into the national economy and that of Riga from foreign funds. Every euro invested has generated EUR 117 in economic return. This represents an exceptional return on investment, so I think that not only Riga, but the whole of Latvia can be justifiably proud that the Baltic's most ambitious national sporting event takes place every year in our home country," said Viesturs Kleinbergs.
The mayor also added that the marathon helps to foster a healthier society, especially among the younger generation: "One third of the participants in the Rimi Riga Marathon are young people under 18. By investing in the marathon, we are investing in a healthy tomorrow." Thanks to the city's support, public transport will be free for all participants during the marathon weekend upon presentation of their participant number.
Riga as one of Europe’s leading running destinations
Aigars Nords, the Head of the Organising Team of the Rimi Riga Marathon, emphasised that after 35 years the event is entering a new phase, focusing on aspects of quality and participant experience that large metropolises cannot provide.
"Our goal is clear: by the 40th anniversary of the marathon in 2030, Riga should become one of the top 10 most desirable running destinations in Europe. We may not compete on the sheer scale of 50,000 runners in a single distance, but we stand out through the quality of the overall experience. We have four World Athletics level competitions in one weekend on tracks where three world records have been broken. We present mass participation
running in a uniquely Latvian cultural and artistic context, we have the world's largest Children's Day and already one of the largest delegations of foreign runners," explained Aigars Nords.
Quadrennial medal cycle: Collect your "RIGA"
One of the most anticipated novelties is a unique series of medals in collaboration with the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA) and the design studio KID Design. For the next four years, each year's medal will be one letter of the word "RIGA".
In 2026: R (art by Boris Bērziņš)
In 2027: I
In 2028: G
In 2029: A
"We decided that in the next quadrennial cycle, the medals will be another tribute to the city. Each year, the participants will receive the next Riga letter, which will be decorated with the work of an artist curated by the Latvian National Museum of Art (LNMA). This will be an additional incentive for the runners to return to Riga to create a Latvian art collection under the name of the city by 2030," said Aigars Nords.
It has already been announced that the work of Boris Bērziņš "In the Waves" has been selected as the artwork of the Rimi Riga Marathon for this year. Māra Lāce, the Director of the LNMA, explained: "Boris Bērziņš was a master of form whose art celebrates the human body in all its diversity. This is perfectly in line with the spirit of national sport - the marathon is for everyone, not just elite athletes."
The masterpiece of Bērziņš will adorn not only the finishers' medals for all distances, but also the official Nike and special shirts of Art Series (made in Latvia).
Partner activities and news
Rimi: Focus on the younger generation and team capacity
"Together with the Rimi Riga Marathon, we have introduced thousands of children to running. Rimi Children's Day has grown from a small event on the Esplanade to a global movement. This year we have set a limit of 10,000 participants and places are running out fast," said Everita Bičkova, the Head of External Communications of Rimi. This year will also see the largest School Cup in the event's history (over 7,000 students from 100 schools) and the Rimi Team Cup, in which over 600 companies will compete.
Elektrum: Energy and professional support
"The marathon has long been a year-round event, not just a weekend. To support the runners during the long season with the right energy, we have prepared training plans together with Jelena Prokopčuka and Anita Siliņa, and on Sundays we meet in Mežaparks, where the traditional training sessions are getting bigger and bigger. Our most responsible task is to arrange a European-level finish on 11. novembra krastmala so that everyone feels a powerful finish experience in the final metres," emphasised Mārtiņš Čakste, the representative of Elektrum, the Chairman of the Board of Latvenergo AS.
TC "Spice": The power of song and atmosphere on the track
"Hundreds of choir singers will once again welcome participants in the "Spice Song Alley" from Meierovics Boulevard to the Monument of Freedom. In addition, this year everyone can submit their favourite song they would like to hear on the track on 17 May," said Iveta Priedīte, the Manager of TC "Spice" and TC "Spice Life", inviting everyone to shop in TC "Spice" during the traditional Medal Week right after the Rimi Riga Marathon (with a medal around their neck, of course).
Signet Bank: New format - relay race
"Not everyone is ready to go the full distance alone, and it's often easier to achieve goals in a team. That is why, together with the organisers, we have introduced a relay race for the marathon and half-marathon distances that can be shared with someone. Beach volleyball stars Tina Graudina and Anastasija Samoilova will take part in the 21 km relay race, while the Prokopčuks family will compete in the 42 km race. Runners and fans will be entertained by a special live on-course concert at one of the distance points, which is a gift from Signet Bank and Carnival Youth to the city, runners, residents," explained Ineta Done, the Member of the Board of the Signet Bank.
Programme of the Rimi Riga Marathon
On Saturday 16 May: The distances of Rimi Children's Day on the 11. novembra krastmala, DPD mile (Latvian championship), Happy toddler crawl, Toyota WESS Grand Sprint, as well as the programme "Inclusive Marathon" (in cooperation with the pharmacy Mēness aptieka for the participants with special needs).
On Sunday 17 May: Marathon, half-marathon, Signet Bank relay race, 10 km, 6 km, as well as "Inclusive Marathon" (in cooperation with the pharmacy Mēness aptieka for the participants with special needs).
Registration for the Rimi Riga Marathon 2026
The registration for the Rimi Riga Marathon is open for the marathon, half-marathon, Signet Bank 42 km relay race, Signet Bank 21 km relay race, 10 km, 5.7 km and DPD mile on the website of the Rimi Riga Marathon. Registration for the Children's Day and the programme Inclusive Marathon is open. The Latvian School Cup is down to the last registration places before the participant limit is reached.
About the Rimi Riga Marathon
The marathon has been held in Riga since 1991. The Rimi Riga Marathon is the largest national sports event in the Baltic States, attracting tens of thousands of runners from all over the world to the Latvian capital every year. In 2026, the Rimi Riga Marathon will take place on 16-17 May, when it will be possible to run in the marathon and Signet Banka 42 km relay race, half-marathon and Signet Banka 21 km relay race, as well as 10 km, 5.7 km, DPD mile (1,609 m) and Children's Day distances. All Rimi Riga Marathon distances have been awarded the World Athletics Road Race Label, while the marathon and mile distances also have the Latvian championship status.
The Rimi Riga Marathon, in cooperation with the Children's Hospital Foundation, Rimi and Latvian Television, is implementing a charity campaign "Movement for movement", which has already donated a total of EUR 150 000 to children with physical disabilities since its launch in 2019. The Rimi Riga Marathon has also launched the "Run for Future" sustainability programme, the most important event in the Baltics, which not only calculates and compensates the carbon footprint of the event, but also encourages all participants to act responsibly.
The marathon has been organised by the agency NECom (SIA Nords Event Communications) in cooperation with Riga City Council since 2007. Main cooperation partner – Rimi, cooperation partners – TC Spice, Elektrum, Signet Banka, sponsors – DPD Latvija, WESS Motors Toyota, Sportland, Nike. Cooperation partners – Balticovo, Children's Hospital Foundation, CIDO, natural mineral water Mangaļi, Garmin, Happy, Mēness aptieka, Science in Sport, Klotiņi & Serģis, LVS, LTSA, VSK Noskrien, Rīgas meži , Rīgas ūdens and others.