Baltic bonanza

The record-breaking international sports event was in 2018, during the Centenary year of the Republic of Estonia, when in total 23,940 runners from 67 countries participated across all different distances. The organisation of the Tallinn Marathon received high praise from the AIMS Congress that was being held in Tallinn at the time.

Tallinn Marathon 2020 was held virtually and goes down in history as the largest virtual sports event in Estonia where nearly 12,000 participants registered for various events from 53 other countries. The ‘combined’ marathon turned out to be the most popular where the participants had to complete the full marathon distance in smaller parts anytime during the month of September.

Tallinn is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. The Marathon’s start and finish areas are within the UNESCO-declared Old Town and the course takes you through the modern city centre and past several well-known sights. The beach promenade of Pirita offers a classical view of the Old Town in silhouette. Since Estonia is a tech-crazy country, free public wifi allows you to share your experiences with friends.

Tallinn Marathon offers a whole weekend of runs with something to suit all ages and all abilities. Distances are 5km, 10km, half marathon and marathon. Children can take part in kids’ races.

Runner-friendly weather (14–17ºC) and our fast, flat course are important reasons why international runners run in Tallinn. The winner in 2017 ran a world-class time of 2:09.22.

Tallinn is a compact city – the start and finish are in the heart of the city and within walking distance of the biggest hotels. Public transport is free for race participants.

Marathon finishers are traditionally awarded a medal and a T-shirt with an Estonian national motif. Every year there are exciting new designs which make them unique.

Tallinn Marathon’s special area for finishers has proved popular. After finishing you get warm food and a selection of drinks, including beer. The finisher’s lounge is a great place to talk with other runners, relax and get a massage. All services are free of charge for marathon runners.

Estonian runner Marti Medar set a new Guinness World Record by bouncing two basketballs at a time at the Tallinn Marathon in 2017. His record still stands at 3:54:16.

Tallinn Marathon is popular all over the world. Thousands of people come from abroad every year to participate. Among the home runners President Ms Kersti Kaljulaid, several prime ministers and the mayor of Tallinn have all participated.

Tallinn Marathon holds a World Athletics Elite label for 2021 both in the Marathon and Half-Marathon. The label mandates organisers to provide a course, service and level of security that meet international requirements for both professional and mass runners. Tallinn Marathon is also a qualifying race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group World Rankings.

Marathon weekend is 10–12 September. ‘Marathon combo’ and other Tallinn Marathon virtual races will take place between 1–30 September.

Register at: www.tallinnmarathon.ee.

Note: If the regular event cannot take place you can participate virtually. The Virtual Run has no borders; you can run your chosen distance anywhere in the world.