Photo of Kunnar Karu at the finish line. Author: Liisa-Lotta Veiken.

According to the preliminary results 3506 runners and walkers took part in the virtual run of the 39th Tartu Forest Marathon. The race was held between April 1st to May 16th and people could choose between virtual and individual run.

"In addition to the virtual run, we wanted to offer something new and interesting this year, and now we can confirm that the idea of an individual race was great. Participants said that the SI timekeeping solution was exciting and it was good to see other people on the track for a change,” explained Indrek Kelk, the chief organizer of the forest marathon.

Forest Marathon began on April 1st and ended on May 16th. People could choose between a marathon, a half marathon and distances of 10 and 5 km. In addition, sports fans could participate in the marathon combo and run 42 km in parts. A total of 1310 people participated in the virtual race. There were also four distances in the individual race and 608 people took part in it. 1588 small sports fans did the virtual children's race, which is 643 more than the last year.

"In difficult times, it’s the best solution because people haven’t been able to compete with others and I think we can all agree that we miss that. In the race morning there was excitement and it felt more special than with the virtual race. Also the trail is marked and you will meet others, which may not happen at all during the virtual run, “ told Mart Einasto, who completed 42 km individual run.

As the third stage of the Tartu Marathon Cube season, a virtual cycling race of Tartu Rattaralli is planned, in which you can participate until June 6th. The autumn events – Tartu Inline Skating Marathon, Tartu MTB Marathon and Tartu City Marathon – the organizers hope to carry out according to the regular event program.