6mai
Running stars from neighbouring countries are getting ready for Riga
On May 23, 2010, Nordea Riga marathon will not only experience a record number of foreign runners, it will also host some of the biggest running stars from our neighbouring countries and far-away lands.
There are already almost 9,000 participants registered from 40 countries. Nordea Riga Marathon expects to host around 1 500 - 2 000 foreign runners from 40 countries. The leading countries participating in Nordea Riga marathon are Finland, Germany, England, Italy, Norway, Poland, France and Baltic countries. For the 20th edition of the Race, Nordea Riga Marathon will welcome some of the biggest stars from our neighbours – Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland and Russia.
All time best Finland marathon runner Janne Holmen will participate in Nordea Riga marathon on May 23.
Although Janne formally finished his running career after Olympic Games in Beijing, multiple Finland champion and record-holder will run in Riga for fun. „Every year hundreds of runners from Scandinavia run in Riga, it is one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in the Nordic region, that is why I was happy to agree to run marathon in Riga. I have finished my active running career. That is why I thought that it would be interesting for me to try what it takes to be a simple “marathon tourist” for the first time and run Riga marathon together with many running enthusiasts” adds Janne Holmen.
Janne’s biggest achievements are European marathon champion title in year 2002 with result 2:12:04, and Finland marathon record with result 2:10:46, obtained in Rotterdam marathon in year 2008. Janne finished his active sports career in 2008 after Summer Olympics in Beijing, where he finished in 19th place with result 2:14:44. Since 1996 Janne lives in Uppsala, Sweden, where he turned to academic career. His doctor thesis in year 2006 was about the depiction of USSR and USA in Scandinavian school textbooks during the Cold War. Additional information about Janne Holmen’s achievements can be found in IAAF’s home page.
Janne will be joined by his country man Francis Kirwa, currently the fastest Finland’s runner, holder of many records as well as one of the potential winners of Nordea Riga Marathon 2010.
Francis’ personal best is 2:11:01 from his win in Padova Marathon. He is in very good shape, and who knows – maybe he can beat is PB in Riga? Together with more than 250 Finnish runners we will keep our fingers crossed for Francis on May 23.
The leading Polish marathon runner Malgorzata Sobanska has accepted the invitation to run in Nordea Riga marathon in Latvia on May 23.
Malgorzata Sobanska has consistently been among the leading marathon runners in Europe. She has won many of the leading races including Warsaw marathon (2009), London marathon (1995), Toronto marathon (2006), and Vancouver marathon (2006). She has also regularly ran in Top 10 positions in the world’s leading races including - London, Chicago, Tokyo, Singapore and others. Malgorzata’s PB 2:26 (Chicago).
All time best Estonian marathon runner Pavel Loskutov
will participate in Nordea Riga marathon on May 23. Pavel is multiple Estonian champion and record-holder.
„Every time I run in Riga I can say that I feel like home. This year is a special race for Nordea Riga Marathon – it’s celebrating its 20th edition, and that’s why I accepted the invitation to run the full marathon distance in Nordea Riga Marathon” adds Pavel Loskutov.
Pavel’s biggest achievements are silver medal in European marathon championship in 2002 with result 2:13:18, and Estonian marathon record with result 2:08:53, obtained in Paris marathon in year 2002. Pavel has also participated for team Estonia in several Olympic Games. Additional information about Pavel Loskutov’s achievements can be found in his IAAF’s profile.
The young Lithuanian talent Diana Lobacevske has decided to go for Half- marathon distance while her club members Tomas Matijosius and Aurimas Skinulis will be debuting in the marathon distance.
Diane’s latest achievement was 2:35:06 in Venice marathon, Italy. She will be one of the main pretenders for the half-marathon victory. Good luck to Diana in Riga!
We wish all the best for our leading neighbour runners! We know they will be cheered not only by their country men running the marathon, but also be warmly welcomed by Riga’s people. Cheers!
Overview of all the elite runners participating in Nordea Riga Marathon 2010 will come before the race.
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