One pace, one goal – Swedbank Tallinn Marathon pacers are ready to run

Meet the pacers and their target times:

 

Marathon (42 km)
3:00 – Margus Pirksaar
3:15 – Ülo Niinemets
3:30 – Anton Kaletin
3:45 – Andrus Rüütelmaa
4:00 – Silver Eensaar
4:15 – Janno Kaljuvee
4:30 – Liina Kesamaa
5:00 – Meelis Koskaru
5:30 – Alar Siemann
6:00 – Mart Einasto & Marika Roopärg (walking pace leaders)

 

Half Marathon (21 km)
1:30 – Tarmo Reitsnik
1:45 – Timur Fazõlov
2:00 – Siiri Leskov
2:15 – Jelena Melnikova

 

What do pacers think about while they run?

 

Ülo Niinemets, pacing the 3:15 marathon group, follows a well-structured strategy:
"I use the PacePro plan on my Garmin watch and stick to it. I take the climbs slower, pick up on the downhills — just like the plan says. But you can't always rely on the watch alone — you need to listen to your body, especially when it’s windy.”
He started running during a snowless winter when skiing became impossible:
"I put the skis away and went for a run. It was tough at first, but now I can’t imagine life without running."

 

Liina Kesamaa, leading the 4:30 marathon group, will be running her 41st marathon. Her tips are simple and powerful:
"I run steady and take my time at drink stations — fueling properly is key. When it gets tough, I try to stay positive, chat with other runners, or listen to music. And always have a plan — it can really help when your motivation dips.”
Her most memorable moment?
"Once a dog started running with me — I had to take it home and then sprint away so it wouldn’t follow!"

 

Siiri Leskov, the 2:00 pacer for the half marathon, believes in keeping the effort consistent:
"My goal is to run at an even pace so the group can stay together without the rubber-band effect."
Her love for running goes back to childhood:
"Driving with my dad, I once saw someone running and asked who they were. He said, ‘Probably a marathoner.’ I didn’t even know what that meant, but I never forgot it. Years later, I ran my first marathon — and I knew I’d found what I love to do.”
Funniest experience?
"At the Vienna Marathon, one runner was doing intervals — sprinting one kilometer, then jogging the next. He kept passing me, and then I’d catch him again. We ended up finishing together!"

 

Run with a pacer – and register by August 31 to save!

Want to stay on pace and feel supported every step of the way? Add your estimated finish time during registration to help us match you with the right starting group.
On race day, you’ll find the pacers in the start area — just look for their balloons marked with target finish times. Say hi, find your spot, and let the rhythm carry you to the finish.

 

Discounted entry fees are available for all Swedbank Tallinn Marathon distances until August 31 — pick your distance, set your goal, and make it happen!