The Riga Marathon is an annual road marathon, held in Riga, Latvia. The main sponsor of the marathon is Nordea. It was established in 1991, but has only been a member of AIMS since 2007. It currently holds IAAF Bronze Label status.
Riga Marathon is one of the fastest growing marathons in Northern Europe. By 2013 the number of participants reached 20 020 people from 65 countries, of whom 1278 competed in the marathon distance. In 2010, however, there were 11 457 participants over five different distances, which already by then was an increase of 25% compared to 2009.
As of 2013, the prize money received by the winner of the marathon is 3000 euros, with the winner of the half marathon distance receiving 1000 euros. Money prizes are received also by the second and third place finishers, with additional 850 euros awarded to the highest placed Latvian runners in each of the distances.
The start and finish line of the marathon is traditionally set next to Riga Castle, and part of the track runs through the cobble-stoned streets of Old Riga as well as across Daugava river over both Vanšu and Southern Bridge.
Read more about Riga Marathon: Victories By Country
Famous quotes containing the word marathon:
“In their eyes I have seen
the pin men of madness in marathon trim
race round the track of the stadium pupil.”
—Patricia K. Page (b. 1916)