It’s about time you tested your endurance
Attention endurance athletes and active travelers! Whether you paddle, ski, run, swim, or bike, there is a marathon for you in Estonia. Plus, there is an event for every season—grab your gear and start training for your next trip to Estonia.
Skiing in Estonia’s winter capital
Known as the Song Festival of Winter, the Tartu Marathon is the oldest grassroots sporting event in Estonia—February 2024 will mark the 50th time the race has been held! The first marathon was held in 1960, though some years it has been canceled due to unfavorable weather. The 63k ski marathon goes from Otepää, Estonia’s winter capital, to Elva. There’s also a shorter track of 31k from Arula to Elva, plus a varied program of events, including children’s races and a ski relay. The 2024 Tartu Marathon will be particularly special as Tartu will have begun its program as the European Capital of Culture, making it an exciting time to visit Estonia’s second city.
Springtime on the waterways of South Estonia
The Võhandu Marathon covers 100km of the serpentine Võhandu River in South Estonia. The race begins on the shores of Lake Tamula in Võru and finishes in Võõpsu in Põlva County. Rowers will enjoy a privileged viewpoint of the Estonian countryside from the seat of their kayak, canoe, or raft. The distance isn’t the only challenging aspect of this marathon—along the river, there were once seven mills. Rowers are bound to get wet as they navigate the ruins of the dams.
The ultimate summertime endurance challenge
Feel the need to push yourself to the limit? If a simple marathon isn’t enough, sign up for Ironman Tallinn in late August. Swim in Tallinn’s Harku Lake, bike through the tranquil countryside of Harju County, and run through Old Town’s medieval streets. It’s the perfect opportunity to tick off two bucket list items—complete an Ironman and spend a weekend in Estonia’s charming capital.
An autumn race through Tallinn
The Tallinn Marathon is the largest international running event in Estonia. In early September, thousands of runners flood the streets of Tallinn. Three distances—a 10k, half marathon, and full marathon—mean runners of all skill levels can find a suitable race. The marathon starts and ends in Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town. Runners will experience some of the best scenery in the capital as they run along Stroomi Beach and around the streets bordering Kalamaja and Tallinn Bay.
