Welcome to Riga
The 20th Nordea Riga marathon will take place on May 23, 2010 (Sunday). Please find all you should know about the event in this section!
If you have never been to Riga then marathon or half-marathon could be a good reason to visit one of the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea coast. Marathon running has long history in Riga. First Riga marathon organized by Riga City Council took place 20 years ago – in 1991. Since 2007 Riga Marathon Course is officially measured according to AIMS standards. At this time the marathon gained international recognition and previous marathon on May 2009 gathered more than 8 600 runners from 35 countries. Riga marathon is the fastest growing Northern Europe's running event.
Translations
In addition to English, German and Russian we are pleased to offer information on Nordea Riga marathon in Finish (suomeksi), Italian (italiano), Spanish (Español), French (français) and Lithuanian (lietuvių). 
The weather
Latvia's weather is governed by a moderate oceanic climate. In May average air temperature is between +13C …+ 17C degrees. The probability of rainfalls in May is low. On average there are 21-25 sunny days in May thus allowing enjoying day light for 10 hours.
The start
Nordea Riga Marathon will take place on May 23, 2010 (Sunday). The start area is located in the very center on 11.novembra krastmala (next to President's Palace). Starting hour for the marathon and half marathon distances usually is on the morning ~9:00 (might be adjusted due to media broadcasting). Marathon and Half-marathon starts on the same time.
Scenic Course
The course lies in the very center of Riga City and runners can enjoy the charm of the old Hanseatic Town. The course is allowing visiting both sides of river Daugava, the largest river in Latvia. Course of the marathon and half-marathon cross the river with the help of Vansu Bridge thus allowing participants to enjoy some of the most beautiful spots in Riga – Art Nouveau buildings in the silent centre, the amazing panorama of Pardaugava and the Old Riga, as well as the paved streets and wooden architecture of Kipsala island. It is traffic-free. Riga city is rather flat without hills and ascents therefore the only challenge is getting on the bridge.
Distances
Simultaneously there is marathon and half-marathon runs. For beginners and supporters there is 5K distance. There is Marathon Team Relay distance as well. Team must consist of 4 participants and each should run one leg - 8km+14km+10km+10km as the results the team will cover the full marathon distance.
Maximum running time
The maximum running time for marathon is 6 hours.
The maximum running time for half-marathon is 3 hours.
Minimum age
Minimum age limit is set for marathon and it is 18 years (born 1992 or earlier). There are no minimum age requirements for other distances, including 5K and Marathon Team Relay.
Post Race Service
All runners who finish will receive an exclusive memorial medal. After the race all runners are offered fruit, snacks and soft drinks. There will be small surprises from organizers to make the event pleasant – like, a rose for each female marathon and half-marathon finisher and many more. Post Race services will be explained in detail in the Last Information before the race that will be published online and made available with the number pick-up.
Number pick-up
Number pick-up will take place from May 20 to 22, 2010. The numbers and the timing chips will not be sent by post. In the case if international participants are arriving just on Marathon day with the prior notice there will be exceptional number pick-up before the start.
Pasta party
Nordea Riga marathon Pasta party differs from regular Pasta party. Participants of previous Marathon Pasta dinners claimed this to be the best Pasta party they ever had! On the marathon eve on May 22, pasta party will give opportunity for the participants a chance to meet, ask questions to leading runners or just soak in energy for the next day. Every runner can purchase the ticket for the pasta party, including for his/ her supporters during the registration. Number of places is limited. Further info on laction will be given in EXPO.
The official 2010 T-shirt
The official Nordea Riga Marathon 2010 adidas T-shirt is for sale to all runners who enter the race. The offered adidas T-shirt is designed for running, produced using high-quality materials and a special design of “Nordea Riga Marathon 2010” will be printed on it. It is already tradition that each year the design is prepared by famous Latvian artist. The T-shirt costs 20,00 LVL (approx. 28 EUR).
The T-shirt is available in the following men’s sizes: small, medium, large, X-large and the following women’s sizes: 36, 38, 40, 42. [ T-shirt ]
Entry Fees
Entry fee depends on time of entering for race. [ Entry fees ]
- Marathon entry fee starts from approx. 17,00 EUR (by 31.12.2009.) up to 35,00 EUR (by 19.05.2010).
- Half - Marathon entry fee starts from approx. 11,00 EUR (by 31.12.2009.) up to 21,00 EUR (by 19.05.2010).
- 5K entry fee starts form 7,50 EUR (by 31.12.2009.) up to 14,00 EUR (by 19.05.2010.)
- Marathon Team Relay entry fee starts from 29,00 EUR for team (by 31.12.2009.) up to 51,50 EUR (by 19.05.2010.)
Entry fee is non-refundable. Participants are allowed to change their distance to smaller one (last date May 22) and if necessary bring it forward for next year (health certificate & additional fee of 7,00 EUR).
Entry
Online registration service is available 24/7. You can pay by credit card (Visa, Visa Electron, Maestro, EuroCard/ MasterCard or American Express). [ On-line registration ]
Deadline for entries: 19 May 2010.
Last minute registration will be available during number pick-up on May 20-22, 2010.
Confirmation
Confirmation letter will be sent by e-mail immediately after registration. Keep the confirmation letter to exchange it for number bib and additional merchandises. Race information will be send electronically by e-mail to all runners and published on the official website by April 2010.
Check your entry
You can check in the entry list that your entry has been accepted. Your name will be posted in this list immediately after filling in the form and transferring full payment. [ Entrant Database ]
Travel
Look for detailed information on web site on our partners to plan Your journey to Riga. There are several official travel partners providing their services, including official airlines airBaltic, official hotels Reval Hotels and official travel agencies in Latvia, Finland, Germany, UK and other countries. [ Travel Info ]
Help
If you need further information please contact us by E-mail marathon@necom.lv
Follow us!