Running News Daily

Kenyan runner Judy Jelagat Kemboi set a new course record for the women’s half marathon at the Riga Marathon

On Sunday, May 19th, Kenyan runner Judy Jelagat Kemboi set a new course record for the women’s half marathon at the Rimi Riga Marathon, finishing in one hour, seven minutes, and 13 seconds (1:07:13). Kemboi improved the previous record set last year by her compatriot, Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, by 12 seconds (1:07:25).

With her victory in Riga, Kemboi confirmed her status as the pre-race favorite, having the best personal record among the participants. Kemboi’s result in Riga is the 26th best in the world for 2024.

Ethiopian Dibabe Beyene Debela finished second with a time of 1:09:53, while Kenyan Agnes Keino claimed the bronze medal, finishing in 1:10:33.

In the men’s competition, Kenyan Samwel Nyamai Mailu took first place, finishing in one hour and 21 seconds (1:00:21). Mailu, who won a bronze medal at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga last year, achieved the 39th-best result in the world this year for the half marathon distance.

He was followed by fellow Kenyan Collins Kipkurui Kipkorir, who finished in 1:00:47, while another Kenyan, Titus Kimutai Kipkosgei, took third place with a time of 1:01:57.

(05/20/2024) Views: 531 ⚡AMP

Strong world class elite field competing in Riga marathon this weekend

This weekend, the Rimi Riga Marathon will host world-class running stars who have stood atop the podium at prestigious marathons in Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Doha, Vienna, Hamburg, Dubai, Seville, and other prestigious events. The biggest competition for a spot on the podium this year is expected in the half marathon, where an especially strong field of runners will compete on the same course where world champions in the half marathon were crowned last October.

An intense battle is also anticipated among Latvia’s leading runners, who will compete not only for the Latvian championship medals in the road mile and the marathon, but also for high-quality results in the 5km and 10km distances. Because of the strong lineup of participants, we anticipate that in several distances we’ll see the Rimi Riga Marathon course records, and possibly even Latvian records, broken.

The Rimi Riga Marathon, the Baltic’s most magnificent mass sports event, on May 18 and 19, will not only bring together over 30,000 running enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries worldwide but also top elite runners from Latvia and around the globe.

FOREIGN FAVORITES IN THE HALF MARATHON WILL AIM TO BREAK THE RIMI RIGA MARATHON COURSE RECORDS

The most intense competition is expected in the half marathon at the Rimi Riga Marathon, where participants will attempt to surpass the time of 59:10 set by Sebastian Sawe, the winner of the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga last October. In the men’s elite competition, several accomplished Kenyan runners will compete this year, including last year’s World Athletics Road Running Championships bronze medalist Samwel Nyamai Mailu, Solomon Kipchoge, who ran under one hour – 59:37 in 2023, and Titus Kimutai Kipkosgei who triumphed in the Milan Marathon in April this year and holds a half marathon personal best of 59:44 set back in 2022.

Among the international elite women in the half marathon, there are also several representatives from Kenya and Ethiopia. Among them, Judy Jelagat Kemboi, a Kenyan runner who set an impressive personal best in the half marathon on May 5 this year – 65:45, clinching victory in the Geneva Half Marathon. She will face competition from her compatriots – Valary Jemeli (personal best of 66:14 set in 2019), who triumphed in the Doha Marathon this February, and Gladys Jemaiyo, who set her best time of 68:18 in 2022. On the course, we’ll also have the opportunity to see Ethiopian Gebru Azmera Hagos, whose personal record in the half marathon from 2017 stands at 70:40.

To break the records of the half marathon course, which belong to the Kenyan Sebastian Sawe (59:10) and the acclaimed Kenyan runner and the reigning Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir (67:25) since the World Athletics Road Running Championships 2023 in Riga, organizers encourage Riga residents and visitors to actively support the leaders on the streets of Riga on the morning of May 19.

ON THE MARATHON COURSE, THE LATVIAN CHAMPIONS WILL BE DETERMINED

Determined to become the Latvian marathon champion this year is Dmitrijs Serjogins, the national record holder in the half marathon and the holder of the highest marathon personal best among Latvians. Also lining up at the starting line will be the podium finishers of the Latvian Marathon championship 2023 – the reigning champion Aleksandrs Raščevskis, vice-champion Renārs Roze, and bronze medalist Kristaps Vējš-Āboliņš.

In the marathon course, several strong foreign runners have also registered, including the Kenyan Rodgers Maiyo, who boasts an impressive personal record in the half marathon – 61:56 (2015), and multiple-time Georgian champion and holder of the national record Davit Kharzishvili (2:11:46, 2023), both of whom will be aiming to be the first to cross the finish line in Riga.

In the women’s competition, for the Latvian championship medals will compete last year’s medalists – Amanda Krūmiņa, who won the gold medal, Anna Kļučņika, who secured the silver, and one of the holders of the all-time highest marathon results and the 2023 bronze medalist, Anita Siliņa (PB 2:39:57, 2014).

Worth remembering is that the Rimi Riga Marathon record holder for men is the Ethiopian Andualem Belay Shiferaw, who won in 2019 with a time of 2:08:51. However, in the women’s marathon Ethiopian Birke Debele Beyene’s time remains unbeaten from 2019 – 2:26:22. Meanwhile, the fastest Latvian runner results in the Rimi Riga Marathon are the Latvian record set by Valērijs Žolnerovičs in 2017 with a time of 2:14:24, and the 2:40:23 result set by Ariana Hilborn in 2015.

(05/15/2024) Views: 613 ⚡AMP

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.

(03/23/2022) Views: 1,017 ⚡AMP

2021 RÄ«ga marathon Rescheduled to take place in August

For the first time in history, the 2021 Rimi RÄ«ga marathon will be held in August instead of May, but the running season will be extended throughout the year, organizers said December 10.

The 31st Rimi RÄ«ga marathon is scheduled for 28 and 29 August. It is planned that there will be a half-marathon, full marathon, 5 and 10 kilometer distances, as well as the children's run. the organizers informed on Thursday. Participants will be able to participate in children's days, 5 km and 10 km, as well as a half-marathon and marathon run.

On 15 and 16 May, when the Riga marathon was originally scheduled, a new hybrid running event will take place. It will take place on certified routes in the city, but will be without a common start and finish, and will stand out with other unusual features of future running events. In addition, the marathon Virtual Running Club will organize competitions and challenges throughout the year.

Aigars Nords, director of the Rimi marathon, said that even the most optimistic forecasts exclude the possibility of preparing for the marathon in May.

The participants registered for the Riga marathon in May 2021 will automatically be transferred to the marathon on August 28 and 29.

On the other hand, registration for the hybrid event on May 15 and 16, as well as the Riga marathon on August 28 and 29, will be disclosed in the spring, or as soon as the possible restrictions are clearer.

(12/11/2020) Views: 1,192 ⚡AMP

Bucharest and Riga Marathons suffer last-minute cancellation

Both the Riga and Bucharest marathons were cancelled at the last moment at the weekend.

The Riga organizers stated: “Due to a sudden spike of covid-19 cases in Latvia and Government regulations, the 30th Rimi Riga Marathon was not be able to take place in person on 11 October, but virtually. That means you either have to register at our Virtual Club and run the distance of your choice, or, if virtual running is too much of a hassle for you, just run a distance of your choice during marathon weekend.”

In Bucharest, the race organization announced: “At the request of the authorities, the marathon race of professional runners within Raiffeisen Bank Bucharest Marathon will no longer be held, given the current situation [the number of cases of COVID-19 in Bucharest has reached 2.28/1000 inhabitants]. This decision does not affect runners registered for the virtual races who will participate individually, under the conditions initially announced, between 11-18 October on the route and in the time slot they choose.”

“Public health experts have alerted authorities about the real risk to athletes coming to Bucharest to participate in the Marathon. We particularly regret that this decision must be taken so soon before the date announced for the event. However, we consider that it is an absolutely necessary decision.”

“We, the Bucharest Running Club team, together with the event partners, did everything possible for the physical event to take place in complete safety for professional runners. We hope that those qualities specific to the marathon runner: determination, endurance, planning – will help those who had prepared to compete to overcome this moment. It is a difficult moment, especially since the runners are right now in Bucharest, some of them from other continents”, said Valeria van Groningen, President of Bucharest Running Club.

(10/12/2020) Views: 1,217 ⚡AMP

RÄ«ga marathon is taking place this weekend

On October 10 and 11, the Rimi RÄ«ga marathon events are taking place, while taking into account various precautionary measures, organizers said Wednesday.

Although approximately 15,000 participants will participate in the RÄ«ga marathon weekend, the distance start times are staggered so that no more than 2,500 runners come together.

The organizers invite all participants to come to the start by the Freedom Monument in face masks. All participants are also invited to download the “Stop COVID” app and assess their health on marathon day.

All activities along the route and at the finish will be aimed at ensuring that the participants are dispersed and not crowded together. Hand disinfectants will also be available everywhere.

The RÄ«ga marathon will take place this year without extensive participation of elite runners typical of the international Athletics Gold Label marathons, and without the participation of foreign runners who will participate elsewhere using an online platform. 

The Rimi RÄ«ga marathon was originally scheduled for May 16 and 17, but it was moved to October 10 and 11 due to the pandemic.

On marathon days, traffic on 11. novembra krastmala will be suspended from Akmens bridge to Muitas street. Parking will be prohibited on Doma square, so motorists and other road users are advised to use alternative routes.

(10/08/2020) Views: 1,287 ⚡AMP

This year 30th annual Rimi Riga Marathon’s will take place physically and in person October 11 with some restrictions

This year, the Rimi Riga Marathon’s 30th anniversary race on October 10-11 will take place in person, while adhering to government restrictions regarding COVID-19.

The restrictions allow us to organize a real race, at the same time placing strict restrictions on all who travel to Latvia from countries with high infection rates.

We have thought about those of you who will be unable to come to Riga this year and take part in the Rimi Riga Marathon in person, but who really want to run, finish and receive a 30th anniversary medal.

In May, we already stated with certainty that the marathon will happen - adapted to the new reality or virtually - and everyone who completes it will receive a unique anniversary medal. This year’s medal designer is Junichi Kawanishi, who also designed the medals for the Tokyo Olympics.

Please follow the instructions to ensure you participation in Rimi Riga Marathon 2020!

Option #1.

Participants who are currently in Latvia and wishing to run in person: please visit your User profile on our website and select DPD Pickup Point to receive your race number and check whether your mobile phone is correct (find settings and choose edit if necessary). To reduce crowding and the risk of COVID-19, the Rimi Riga Marathon EXPO will not happen, and we will send everything necessary using the Rimi Riga Marathon’s official courier, DPD.

Option #2.

Participants arriving from abroad to run in person: please bear in mind that, if your country is on the Covid-19 red or yellow list,  you will have to self-isolate for 10 days after entering Latvia and before picking up your race number.

If you still want to take part in the 2020 Rimi Riga Marathon in person (which means that either you are from a country with low infection rates or you are willing to self-isolate for 10 days to take part in the 2020 Rimi Riga Marathon in person).

Option #3.

Participants wishing to run, but unable to come to Riga or self-isolate for 10 days: you can still take part in our VIRTUAL RACE and receive the 30 th anniversary medal by post. All the necessary information about the Virtual race you will find on our website.

If you are not registered yet, and would like to run Rimi Riga Marathon anywhere in the world and receive the official 30th anniversary medal by post, please register now, and we’ll let you know about the next steps. Our virtual platform allows runners to compete anywhere and register the results by the most popular running apps and time-keeping watches. 

Option #4.

Participants wishing to postpone their entry until May 15-16, 2021.

We do hope that one of the above options will fit you, and we are looking forward to welcoming you to Riga in October 2020 and May 2021!

(09/29/2020) Views: 1,352 ⚡AMP

The Riga Marathon could be a virtual run for 2020

The Riga Marathon, has appealed to runners to take part in a virtual race on the date of its postponed event.

“Just like you, we are very eager to celebrate running and keep the spirit of marathon alive, even it is not possible together in person,” said the organisers.

Runners are invited to go for a family run on May 16, or to run their chosen distance of marathon, half marathon or anything else on May 17.

Depending on the restrictions set in the country, the participants will run, adapting to the new reality, or virtually if Covid-19 restrictions remain in place, the organizers of the event indicate.

"It is not possible to predict the development of the pandemic and the restrictions that will be in place in the autumn, however, we have decided to run this year on October 10-11," comments Aigars Nords, the director of the Riga Marathon.

"If the restrictions are completely lifted, the Riga Marathon will take place with a scope appropriate to an anniversary edition. If the restrictions remain in force, we will adapt by introducing creative innovations that will allow the anniversary marathon to run smoothly, following the instructions of epidemiologists.

For the first time in the history of the event, the marathon could also take place virtually, offering participants the opportunity to run the distance individually, recording the distance and time in a specially created application," he points out.

The Riga Marathon has been held annually since 1991.

(05/10/2020) Views: 1,873 ⚡AMP

Beatie Deutsch became the first Haredi woman to win an international half marathon competition

Beatie Deutsch, 29, won Sunday’s Riga Half Marathon race in Latvia clocking 1:17:34 making her the first haredia to win an international competition.

The New Jersey native always runs in modest attire which includes a head covering, skirt and long sleeves.

“It felt truly incredible to be running through the streets as a proud Jewish woman,” Deutsch wrote on her Facebook page.

Deutsch won the 2018 Jerusalem Marathon and the Tiberias Marathon in January. She ran the Tel Aviv Marathon in 2017 while seven months pregnant.

“I began running in October 2015. I made my decision to train for my first marathon in desperation to get back into shape. I was always athletic and enjoyed sports, but having four children in six years, I just couldn’t find time to consistently exercise.”

Deutsch came in second the Jerusalem Half Marathon and is a candidate to train for the Olympics in Tokyo next year.

“I’m working with my own coach now that Israel is partially funding my training. I was accepted as a candidate to train for the Olympics. I would have to meet certain criteria to make it to the games in Tokyo 2020. It's a process and I have to take it step by step."

Juggling her family, running, work and religion is definitely a challenge, says Deutsch but it's one that she is up for.

"My whole life I wanted to do something for the Jewish people.  I work at OLAMI, an organization that brings college students closer to religion as well as helping professionals get in touch with their roots by coming to Israel.  It's amazing that I was able to combine my passions with the goal of bringing more unity to the Jewish people."

Beatie created more headlines when she won the Tiberias Marathon, known as the Israeli Championship; on January 4 with a time of 2:452.  This put her squarely on center stage as a potential Olympic athlete. 

 

(05/21/2019) Views: 2,739 ⚡AMP

Both the men's and women's course records were broken at the Lattelecom Riga Marathon

Ayana Tsedat of Ethiopia broke away from Kenyan's Silas Kiprono Too over the final two kilometers en route to his 2:11:00 victory.  The previous men's record of 2:11:45 was set in 2016.  The men's race was a three-man battle between Tsedat, Too and Joseph Kyengo Munyoki, who were all well within race record pace at the halfway point, reached in 1:05:09. They ran together for nearly 14 more kilometers when Munyoki began to drift back as they approached kilometer 35. At that point the leaders forged on nearly stride-for-stride until the 22-year-old Tsedat made his move. Too couldn't respond but held on for second, clocking 2:11:13. Rono, the pre-race favorite on the women's side, had just her pacesetter for company for most of the race, eventually winning in 2:28:22. The previous women's mark, 2:31:22, was set last year by Bekelech Bedada Daba of Ethiopia.Rono, 34, was the clear class of the women's field, building a two-second lead by five kilometers, and extending it to 11 at 10, reached in 33:47. She clocked 1:11:31 at the midway point, nearly a minute-and-a-half clear of her nearest competitor. When she reached the line, she was more than four minutes ahead of runner-up Ethiopian Tigist Teshome. It was Rono's fastest performance since 2014 and the fourth fastest of her career. Teshome clocked 2:32:46 with Pauline Nujeri Kahenya of Kenya third in 2:34:41. (05/21/2018) Views: 1,730 ⚡AMP

Lusapho of South Africa and Kenyan Jepkirui Rono will lead the Lattelecom Riga Marathon

Lusapho April, who has a 2:08:32 lifetime marathon best, is one of the most-titled runners in the field, having climbed the podium at races throughout the world during his career. A three-time Hannover Marathon winner, April’s greatest achievement was a third place finish at the New York City Marathon in 2013 clocking 2:09:45. Several runners are prepared to pull off surprises, including Kenyan Joseph Kyengo Munywoki, the 2017 winner in Riga in 2:12:14. His compatriot Silas Too has also illustrated fine form, clocking a 2:08:26 personal best for second in Barcelona in March. Duncan Cheruiyot Koech has the credential to make an impact, bringing a 2:07:53 lifetime best to the start line. The 36-year-old ran that six years ago but has recently threatened the 2:10 barrier with a third place finish at last month's Hannover Marathon where he clocked 2:10:19. Meanwhile, Jepkirui Rono, the favorite in the women's race, has a pair of high profile podium finishes to her name, second place in Frankfurt in 2012 where she clocked her 2:21:39 career best, and a third place finish in Boston earlier that year. She can also boast of victories in Eindhoven and Hannover. More recently, she was third at the Dongying Marathon in 2017 clocking 2:28:52. Among the opposition in Riga is last year's runner-up Kikuyo Tsuzaki of Japan, whose 2:31:32 career best came on this course in 2017. Two-time Warsaw Marathon winner Nastassia Ivanova from Belarus should also be a factor. (05/18/2018) Views: 1,821 ⚡AMP

The most famous long-distance runner of Latvia, Jelena Prokopchuk, is going to hit the road again

Last September Jelena became the mother of her second son, but now a 41-year-old has decided to return to the road. Prokopchuk won the Riga Half Marathon five times in a row from 2012 to 2016, but last year, due to her pregnancy, she did not run.  She holds six outdoor and one indoor Latvian record, ranging from 3000 meters to the marathon.  She was the top-performing European at the 2012 Lisbon Half Marathon, coming fifth overall.  She was tenth at the 2012 London Marathon and won the Riga Half Marathon. She surprised the elite field at the Great North Run, leading the women from the start, and although she fell to fourth she ran a national record of 68:09 minutes. Her final outing of the year came at the Yokohama Marathon, where her season's best time of 2:26:55 hours brought her fourth place.  She is now ready to hit the road again.  (05/08/2018) Views: 2,289 ⚡AMP