Tartu City Marathon 2026

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Visit Estonia / Klubi Tartu Maraton, Mikk Otsar

Tartu is a city known internationally for its various marathons. February has the Tartu Ski Marathon, which mostly takes place near Otepää. September has the Tartu Bicycle Marathon, which also mostly takes place near Otepää. And October has the Tartu City Marathon, where cities from around Estonia somehow sprout legs and run. But actually in Tartu this time. Thankfully, the truth about that last statement is that this is a classic road race—meaning humans running on their own legs—of three distances taking place in Tartu on 3 October.

The full 42 km marathon will start that Saturday at 9:30 on Vabaduse Street, in English Freedom Street. The 21 km race will also start there, but at 11:00, and the 10K will begin there at 14:00. The full course for the marathon will be almost entirely within Tartu’s city limits, with a brief excursion into the countryside northeast of the city.

Why have such a long distance inside a city? The answer is simple: because it’s Tartu! This gorgeous city in Southern Estonia is full of deciduous trees, offering visitors and residents alike a spectacular view of the colours of autumn exactly when these races take place. This is why it’s also a great opportunity to see the city just by coming to watch the Tartu City Marathon.

In addition to the three main races, there will be a Friday Night Fun Run of only four kilometers for a small fee. Just before the race begins, there will be a concert on Tartu’s Town Hall Square at 20:00 by two of Estonia’s most popular artists: An-Marlen, and Clicherik & Mäx. The race itself is at 21:00.

Also on 3 October, from 10:00 for about an hour, there will be several children’s races, each based on age, ranging from 450 meters to 600 meters. And because this is Estonia, there is also a virtual race in which participants around the world can take part, using the honour system of course.

To find out more information about the routes and where to view the race, or even how to register as a runner, look here.

Getting to Tartu is very easy by bus and train. The city is so modern there’s even a highway so you can drive to it in your own car if you don’t feel like jogging there. Good luck!

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