Tartu is a city known internationally for its various marathons. February has the Tartu Ski Marathon, which mostly takes place near Otep\u00e4\u00e4. September has the Tartu Bicycle Marathon, which also mostly takes place near Otep\u00e4\u00e4. 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\u2014meaning humans running on their own legs\u2014of three distances taking place in Tartu on 3 October.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s city limits, with a brief excursion into the countryside northeast of the city.<\/p>\n
Why have such a long distance inside a city? The answer is simple: because it\u2019s 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\u2019s also a great opportunity to see the city just by coming to watch the Tartu City Marathon.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Town Hall Square at 20:00 by two of Estonia\u2019s most popular artists: An-Marlen, and Clicherik & M\u00e4x. The race itself is at 21:00.<\/p>\n
Also on 3 October, from 10:00 for about an hour, there will be several children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n