1. The trail section through Tartu Dendropark is excluded

This year, changes have been made to the 42 km and 21 km courses, removing the softer trail section that previously passed through Tartu Dendropark.

The new route involves a little more winding around Tähtvere Sports Park and the Song Festival Grounds, but the former off-road section has been replaced with a hard-surfaced road. This makes the course more weatherproof and gives it a more consistent surface – just as you would expect from a true city marathon. Runners will still be able to enjoy Tartu city centre, the banks of the Emajõgi River and all the other familiar highlights of the City Marathon course.

 

2. The 42 km and 21 km courses are officially certified

The updated 42 km and 21 km courses have once again been officially measured and certified, meeting international standards.

What does this mean for runners? Most importantly, it gives you the confidence that the half marathon and marathon distances have been measured accurately. An officially certified course also allows runners to reliably compare their results with previous races and with performances achieved on other certified courses. This is especially important for those coming to Tartu City Marathon in pursuit of a personal best or another time-based goal.

Results achieved on a certified course may also be used to qualify for major international city marathons.

The course certificate is valid for five years, provided the route remains unchanged. Unfortunately, roadworks in Tartu have required us to make course adjustments several times in recent years.

 

3. The 42 km marathon runners’ lounge is back!

Following last year’s successful debut, a special lounge will once again welcome all 42 km finishers.

At the entrance, every marathon finisher will receive their well-earned FINISHER t-shirt, which also serves as their pass to the lounge area. After completing 42 kilometres, runners can take a moment to recover, enjoy snacks and refreshments, and share their fresh marathon memories with fellow runners. 

The treats in the marathon lounge are provided by Tartu Maraton partners A. Le Coq, Salvest, Eesti Pagar, Bambona and Võrumaa Catering.

 

4. A varied recovery area and finish drinks await you

Crossing the finish line does not mean the day is over – after the effort, it is important to give your body time to recover.

This year, popular Estonian beverage producer A. Le Coq will offer every finisher two drinks. Unlike in previous years, finishers can choose both a 0.0% beer and water to support their post-race recovery.

As at the Tartu Forest Marathon in spring, students from Tartu Health Care College will offer participants free massages. CrossFit KÕU coaches will also be there to guide runners through post-race stretching and mobility exercises.

Massage appointments are limited, so make sure to book your time early.

 

5. Capture this year’s achievement and look back at 10 years of Friday Night Run

A new photo wall created especially for Tartu City Marathon will welcome participants in the finish area. Its design is the work of Tartu artist Kristel Sergo, whose artwork also features on the shirts of the 15th Tartu City Marathon. Together, the shirt and photo wall form a unique visual whole.

The photo wall will also feature an LED screen that recognises participants through the chip on their race bib and displays their finish time. This gives every runner the chance to capture a memorable post-race photo together with their result.

There will be even more memories to revisit this year, as it has now been 10 years since the first Friday Night Run. To celebrate the occasion, we are putting together a small retrospective exhibition in the race centre tent, featuring posters, stickers and specially designed souvenirs from previous editions of Friday Night Run.

Come and take a look – you may spot a poster, sticker or shirt that brings back some of your own Friday Night Run memories.

 

You can still register for Tartu City Marathon at the current price until midnight on Monday!

• 10 km – €40
• 21 km – €50
• 42 km – €65

You can also register for Friday Night Run at the best price until midnight on 28 September.

 

See you very soon!

 

Register HERE