The Tallinn Marathon has won a sure place in the competition calendar of runners and has become an attractive destination for running tourists looking for new experiences. About 20 000 running enthusiasts from 56 different countries participated in the 2017 event.

As a tradition, the marathon will take place in every second Sunday of September, this year 9^th of September, and the participants will have a choice to run either a marathon or half-marathon. 10 km and Mesikäpp Children races will take place a day eariler, on Saturday 9th of September. All walkers and Nordic walkers are also welcome to attend the 10 km race. Make sure to attend or come support We Run Tallinn for youth, which will take place a Friday evening, 7^th of September.

Similarly to most well-known international running events, the route of the Tallinn Marathon will run in city centre, passing through both the Old Town and the modern centre and by several well-known sights. The route conforms to international standards and is relatively fast; the weather of the region in September should also be favourable to running. This attracts fast runners from countries with strong running traditions and allows hobby runners to attempt breaking their own records as well. But the main benefit is the joy of moving together with thousands of great runners.

We wish you pleasant running experiences in the capital of Estonia!

And Brendan, who launched the Great North Run in 1981 when 12,000 ran from Newcastle to South Shields, is confident that although the next stage in the event's development is an ambitious plan, it will make the weekend all the more spectacular.

"It's the biggest event in the world. What we're saying is that it's the world's favorite run, because we've had more runners than anywhere else in the world. Now we want the world to come and join us," said Brendan, at the event's launch held at Newcastle's Center for Life on Wednesday.

Starting in Newcastle upon Tyne the 13.1 mile route takes runners through the city center towards the River Tyne where thousands of people will cross over the iconic Tyne Bridge, where if you're lucky, you might get a glimpse of the Red Arrows passing overhead.

From there runners will travel through Gateshead while being entertained many bands on the run. The route, lined by thousands of supporters, leads runners to South Shields where at the top of Prince Edward Road the view of the sea is one of the most welcoming sights along the whole course.

From that point there is just over a mile to go and the crowds get louder as runners make their way down the final straight towards the finish gantry.

The flat and fast course runs along the banks of Brush Creek and goes through the heart of the Country Club Plaza! The Plaza 10K benefits Kids TLC, a local organization whose mission is to provide opportunities that transforms kids and families in crisis while ensuring a safe environment. Enjoy live music, great food, a high quality technical shirt and a great finisher's medal after you set a new PR at the Plaza 10K! Participants in the Plaza 10K will enjoy a variety of great food and beverage options provided by Kansas City area restaurants, together with live music, in the post event area just north of Brush Creek at Central Street and Ward Parkway.

Participating in the half marathon is essentially a running sightseeing tour of the beautiful Budapest. The course leads through the center of the city, down the famous Andrassy Boulevard and across the Chain Bridge. Admire the view of the Buda Castle from the Danubebanks and marvel in the panorama of Pest as well as Europe´s third largest Parliament building!

There are over 15.00' participants on all the distances, with more than 10.000 half marathon runners and 1500 teams. However, no need to worry about crowding and overtaking as the start is done in waves so everyone has plenty of space to run.