The inaugural World Athletics Championships, which will take place on September 30 and October 1, 2023 in Riga, will be the most important public sports and athletics event in the history of the Baltic States.
Tens of thousands of amateur runners from at least 100 countries will compete alongside elite runners in this unique global running festival that will crown the champions of the 5.5 kilometer marathon.
With 365 days left, Any recreational runner who is up for the challenge can sign up for any of the official grassroots races From the world championship in Riga and earn a unique medal from the world championship in athletics road races.
On the left: Riga Mayor Mārts Steis, two-time winner of the New York Marathon, Jeļena Prokopčukas, Director of World Athletics Competitions and Events Džeikobs Larsens, Secretary General of the Latvian Athletics Federation Dmitris Mikijs, head of the organizing team. WRRC Riga 23 Aigars Nords, WRRC Riga 23 executive advisor Pols Hardys.
World Athletics nominated the Rimi Riga Marathon and the Latvian Athletics Federation to host the tournament in July 2021. The organizers are sure that the tournaments will improve athletics and general physical fitness, as well as serve as an important basis for the international recognition of Latvia and Riga. . The tournament is supported by the Riga City Council, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Investment and Development Agency, as well as the Rémi Riga Marathon.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe commented: “Our goal is to create the first world championship in athletics road running in Riga as an excellent road running experience for both elite and recreational runners. The new format of the championships will help our sport by demonstrating the power of road running and the involvement of teams, inspiring the younger generation and driving sports tourism. We expect a record-breaking international presence and very much hope to welcome running enthusiasts to the capital of Latvia, Riga, in 2023.
Not only the biggest running stars, but also amateur running enthusiasts from Latvia, the Baltics and the world will participate in the World Championship. The organizers are preparing to welcome up to 30,000 tourists from at least 100 countries to Riga, and also hope for a very active participation of Latvians in all group trips.
“The fact that the new championship format allows any running enthusiast to win a real medal at the world championships seems almost unbelievable. In what other sport would that be possible? Only in running! That is why the first World Championship in athletics in road races this year. Riga is the fulfillment of the LOK’s dream – such tournaments will play an important role in popularizing athletics and will give Riga the opportunity to shine on the world running stage, strengthening its reputation as the main running destination. Igers Nords, head of the organizing team of the World Road Athletics Championship, Rīga 23, adds.
The organizers have already launched an extended campaign and slogan – “Riga: Running Capital of the World” – in the most important tourist market of Riga to attract marathon tourists and ensure that the first World Championships in Athletics in October in Riga attract a record number of runners from abroad. .
Registration for the World Championship in road running in Riga
Applicants can register for group races in Riga in mile, 5 km and half marathon races, which start today at Register section. As usual, the fee will be lower for early registrants, while the participation fee will increase closer to the event.
A festive atmosphere will be created throughout the city by participating in the General Latvian Song and Dance Festival, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2023. Tournament organizers have successfully cooperated with the festival in the past, with the participation of hundreds of choristers. At the song and dance festival, singers and dancers, runners will be welcomed again at the World Championships.
