Tallinn Marathon to take place as planned, adhering to all currently valid restriction

Rules applied in the Republic of Estonia to public outdoor events enable organization of large-scale running events, provided that only individuals that have proven they are not infectious participate in the event. To be allowed to participate, you must present a certificate proving that you have been vaccinated or that you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection or that your COVID-19 test is negative and valid until the end of relevant competition day. Both the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and RAT (rapid antigen test) are accepted.

 

For the first time ever, Tallinn Marathon’s competition center and start area are located at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Tallinna Lauluväljak), enabling the event to be carried out safely and in adherence to all applicable requirements. Whether a participant is noninfective is verified upon issue of start materials as well as on competition day upon arrival to the Song Festival Grounds. Individuals less than 18 years of age do not need to prove noninfectiveness.

 

The competition program this year includes three main distances. On Saturday, September 11, the half marathon (21.1 km) starts at 9 AM, while the 10 km RIMI Autumn Run (RIMI Sügisjooks) kicks off at 5 PM. Full marathon (42.195 km) participants hit the track at 9 AM on Sunday, September 12. Participants in Tallinn Marathon also compete for the Estonian and Tallinn marathon champion titles.

 

The organizers provide a guarantee to all participants. If it becomes impossible to hold the event in its normal format or if additional restrictions unsuited to the participants are imposed, you may request a refund of your participation fee, transfer your participation to next year, or take part in Tallinn Marathon’s Virtual Run September 1 through September 30 instead.

 

As of this week, large-scale sports events may be organized in adherence to rules applied to public events valid as from August 9. Application of concrete rules allows for a better arrangement of sports events as rules related to participation in the running competition change minimally for all those that have been vaccinated and individuals that prove that they are not infectious.

 

Tallinn Marathon’s Chief Organizer Mati Lilliallik said the aim is to hold a safe running event for participants, organizers, and Tallinnites alike and that no excessive risks will be taken. The seaside running track and the location of the competition center at the Song Festival Grounds have been selected based on their distance from the hustle and bustle of the city, enabling possible contact between participants and residents and road users of the city to be minimized if required. This also helps ensure as seamless as possible pre-competition verification of noninfectiveness for participants and members of the organization team.

 

As recommended by the Republic of Estonia Health Board, so as to manage health risks, the number of participants has been restricted for all distances included in Tallinn Marathon and RIMI Autumn Run. Regardless of the fact that outdoor events subject to health check are permitted to host up to 12,000 visitors, 1,500 participants are allowed to the marathon start, 2,500 to the half marathon start, and up to 5,00 to the 10 km race start. According to Mati Lilliallik, there are currently ample free spots and registration is open; however, it cannot be conclusively ruled out that, if the virus threat escalates, more restrictions will be applied, the number of participants must be reduced further, or the event must be cancelled. The organizers will not go against the current here and will adhere to rules imposed on public events by the Government of the Republic and the City of Tallinn as well as recommendations by the Health Board, explained Tallinn Marathon’s Chief Organizer.