“Mežciema skrējiens 2026”

On September 26, the Mežciems Run will take place in Daugavpils for the 61st time. The start and finish location of the competition will be Vienības laukums, where activities for children, runs in various distances, and Nordic walking will also take place during the day.

The Mežciems Run in Daugavpils has been organized since 1966 and is one of the city's oldest mass sports events. This year, both experienced runners and active lifestyle enthusiasts, families with children, and Nordic walkers are invited to participate.

The competition program will begin at 10.00 with a children's morning in Vienības laukums. The youngest participants up to four years of age will have the opportunity to participate in baby crawling competitions and an obstacle course.

At 10.00, the start will also be given to the 700-meter children's run, which children aged 5 to 9 can participate in. Meanwhile, at 10.20, the 2-kilometer run will begin for participants aged 10 to 15.

Participants aged 16 and older can participate in the 5 and 10-kilometer runs. Runners will be evaluated in separate age groups for women and men, whereas age group division is not provided for the Nordic walking distance.

Both adult distances will consist of a single lap. The route will lead through the streets of Daugavpils, and its surface will mainly consist of asphalt and concrete paving stones. A gravel surface is also possible in a short section. The route will be mostly flat, with a few small and gentle ascents.

A 45-minute time limit is set for completing the 5-kilometer distance, while the ten-kilometer distance must be completed in no more than one hour and 30 minutes.

The three fastest runners in the overall standings of the 5 and 10-kilometer distances will receive cash prizes. 200 euros are provided for first place, 150 euros for second place, and 100 euros for third place. Participants of the children's runs, baby crawling, and obstacle course will also receive prizes.

The entry fee for children's runs is 2.00 euros. Participation in the 5-kilometer run and Nordic walking costs 5.00 euros, and in the 10-kilometer distance 10.00 euros. Trainees of the Daugavpils Sports School are exempt from the entry fee if they register for the competition by September 20.

Advance registration will take place until September 23 on the website daugavpilsmezciems.lv. Registration will no longer be possible on the day of the competition.

Participants who have not reached 18 years of age must arrive at the competition venue accompanied by a responsible person who will sign the application form. Each participant is personally responsible for the compliance of their health condition to complete the chosen distance.

The competition is organized by the Daugavpils city municipality institution “Daugavpils pilsētas Izglītības, jaunatnes un sporta pārvalde”, while the recording and compilation of results will be provided by SIA “MANI APĻI”.

The organizers invite the residents of Daugavpils and guests of the city to register in time, choose the most suitable distance for themselves, and spend September 26 actively together with family, friends, and other running enthusiasts.