Running News Daily

2022 Rīga marathon to support Ukraine

The Riga marathon will return in mid-May and show support for Ukraine, organizer of the marathon Aigars Nords told Latvian Television on March 23.

Nords said that the marathon would be dedicated to Ukraine, and the six-kilometer distance would be decorated in Ukrainian flag colors.

"The Riga marathon has always been a business card for Riga, and as one of the great international events of Riga, it is a clear signal that we support Ukraine,” Nords said.

All Ukrainian war refugees and citizens are invited to take part in the six-kilometer distance free of charge. All revenues generated by the participation in the 6-km run will be donated to Ukraine.

This year, runners from Russia and Belarus will not be allowed to participate in the Riga marathon. Nords hopes that marathons elsewhere in the world will do the same.

The marathon will take place on May 14 and 15, also becoming an important step in preparing for the world championship in Rīga in autumn 2023. The organizers plan that running events will be similar to those prior to the pandemic without splitting into any groups.