Alongside thousands of recreational runners, some of Estonia’s top long-distance athletes and elite international guests from renowned running nations will also be lining up at the Swedbank Tallinn Marathon.
On Saturday at 9 AM, the 21.1 km Half Marathon will see fierce competition with elite runners such as Teresa Nyakola Gela from Ethiopia (PB 1:00:12) and Kenyan men Asabel Kiplimo Naiboi (1:01:49) and David Korichei Cheserek expected to push the pace. Among Estonia’s top men are Morten Siht, Olavi Allase, Margus Hanni, and others.
The Estonian men’s course record for the half marathon stands at 1:00:23 and belongs to Kenyan Collins Kipkirui Kipkorir from last year.
Among the women, the favorite is Ethiopia’s Nigsti Haftu (PB 1:06:17), who will also challenge the course record. Her biggest challengers include Kenya’s Vivian Jepkogei Cheruiyot (1:08:16) and Gladys Jepkemoi Kwambai (1:08:53). Among the Estonians, Liis‑Grete Hussar, Helen Bell, and Pille Hinn are expected to be among the top contenders.
Kenya’s marathon athlete Beatrice Cheserek has a top competitive time of 1:08:22 from her 2023 races.
10 km Fall Race: speed, challenge, and local heroes
At 14:00 on Saturday, the 10 km will be started off by Culture Minister Heidy Purga. Among the men vying for the win are Deniss Šalkauskas and Deniss Salmijanov from Estonia, Latvia’s record‑holder Dmitrijs Serjogins, as well as Kaspars Briska and other strong international challengers.
The 10 km course record of 29:02 was set by Kenya’s David Kogei in 2013. In the women’s race, medal positions are expected to be hotly contested by Liis‑Grete Hussar, Bret Schär, Mirjam Vint, Sintija Grishule from Latvia, and several others. The current women’s course record of 32:09 was set last year by Agate Caune from Latvia.
Marathon & relay showdown Sunday morning
The marquee 42.195 km Marathon and relay event take off Sunday at 9:00 from the foot of Toompea on Falgi Street. Mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski of Tallinn will give the start signal. Among the favorites are Kenya’s Julius Muriuki Wahome (PB 2:09:08, 2011 Tallinn Marathon winner) along with Wesley Ledama (2:09:41), Silas Kiprotich Kurui (2:12:23), Kenneth Kiprop Omulo (2:12:38) and debut marathoner Fanny Kiprotich Bungei.
Estonia’s hopes include Karel Hussar, Aleksandr Kulešov, Janar Juhkov, Ülari Kais, Marti Medar, Jaanus Kallaste, Riho Kirsipuu, and other top domestic talents.
The men’s course record was set in 2017 by Kenya’s Kiprotich Kirui at 2:09:22.
In the women’s ranks, Kenya’s Euliter Jepchirchir Tanui (PB 2:28:20) leads the field. Other contenders include Harriet Jepchumba Chebore (2:38:25) and first‑time marathon runner Faith Jerotich Kimutai.
The current women’s marathon record for Tallinn, at 2:31:09, was set by Mercy Kwambai last year.
There is still time to join the run
Register now for any of the distances via www.jooks.ee and be part of something unforgettable.
