A Presidential start to Estonia’s biggest running event ever
Welcome to Tallinn, the European Capital of Sport! This weekend, the city hosts Estonia’s largest international sporting event, the Swedbank Tallinn Marathon, with over 20,000 participants from more than 90 countries.
On Friday, September 12, at Kadriorg Park, runners will begin their journey in the grand opening of this massive event. We are honored to announce that President Alar Karis will give the official start salute for the Welcome Run—the opening event of Estonia’s greatest athletic gathering to date.
Something for every distance and athlete
The weekend’s program includes a range of distances and runners:
- Marathon: 42.195 km
- Half Marathon: 21.1 km
- Tallinn Fall Race: 10 km (run or walk)
- Nike Youth Run: 5 km
- Limpa Kids’ Races
- Relay Marathon and a Welcome Run
- Virtual Run through the entire month of September
Heartbeat of the event: race center, expo & live music
The race center and expo is located at Freedom Square (Vabaduse väljak), where finishers are celebrated and local musicians perform—entertainment that’s completely free for participants and visitors.
Friday, September 12 – Welcome Run
- Time: 18:30, Kadriorg Park
- A casual 2.6 km lap of jog or stroll—no timing.
- Performances by artist Cätlin Mägi before the start and a free concert by Meisterjaan at the finish line. The Honorable President, Alar Karis, will act as event starter.
Saturday, September 13
- 09:00 – Half Marathon: A record-breaking field. Favorites include TV host Taavi Libe, ex-minister Vladimir Svet, and popular amateur athlete Rait Pallo. Starter: Ede Raagmets from Swedbank.
- 11:00–14:00 – Limpa Kids’ Races: Held at Snelli Stadium with thousands of budding young runners already signed up.
- 14:00 – Tallinn Fall Race (10 km): Runners include commentator Juhan Kivirähk and vice mayors Aleksei Jašinski and Margot Roose. The starter: Minister of Culture Heidy Purga.
- 18:30 – Nike Youth Run (5 km): Free concerts by top Estonian artists Tintura, An-Marlen, and a finale performance by NOËP.
Sunday, September 14
- 09:00 – Marathon and Relay Marathon: Starting at Toompea’s foot on Falgi Street with views of Pikk Hermann Tower and the Estonian flag.
- Starter: Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski of Europe’s Capital of Sport, Tallinn.
- Local celebrities, including singer Mikk Jürjens and actor Tiit Palu, will run along with teams from the Olympic Committee, Rail Baltic, Merko, and other organizations.
- Post-race celebrations include a DJ performance by Raul Ojamaa and a performance by I Wear* Experiment.
Global reach + local spirit
With over 20,000 participants, including international runners from 90 countries—from Albania to Zimbabwe—Swedbank Tallinn Marathon 2025 is bigger than ever.
Registration is still open!
Don’t miss out—sign up now for any of the distances or visit the registration booth at the race center on Freedom Square during the event days.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend where sport meets spirit in the heart of Tallinn!
