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This year, Jelgava’s twin city Šiauliai (Lithuania) is celebrating its 790th anniversary, and on September 22, the city invites everyone to mark this special occasion actively – by running! Our neighbours from Lithuania are inviting Latvian runners, families, friends and sports enthusiasts to become part of the city’s biggest running celebration.

From the youngest participants to experienced runners, everyone will be able to find a distance that suits them. The biggest new feature this year is the half marathon (21.098 km)! For the first time, participants in the Šiauliai Run will have the opportunity to complete a half-marathon distance through the city streets. It is a great opportunity not only to test your strength, but also to visit a neighbouring city in Lithuania, enjoy its festive atmosphere and celebrate the historic anniversary of Šiauliai together.

Distances for Everyone

Participants can choose from several distances:

300 m run for the youngest participants – kindergarten children aged 5–6
700 m children’s run – for pupils in Grades 1–4 of general education schools
1,236 m “Šiauliai Mile” – for pupils in Grades 5–12 of general education schools
5 km community run “Let’s Move Together” – open to everyone
10 km run – open to everyone
21.098 km half marathon – open to everyone

Start Schedule

From 10:00 – 300 m run for the youngest participants

700 m children’s run:

12:00 – Grade 1
12:20 – Grade 2
12:40 – Grade 3
13:00 – Grade 4

“Šiauliai Mile” (1,236 m):

13:20 – Grade 5
13:40 – Grade 6
14:00 – Grade 7
14:20 – Grade 8
14:40 – Grade 9 (Grade I of gymnasium)
15:00 – Grade 10 (Grade II of gymnasium)
15:20 – Grade 11 (Grade III of gymnasium)
15:40 – Grade 12 (Grade IV of gymnasium)

Main races:

18:00 – 5 km
19:00 – 10 km
19:00 – half marathon

Impressive Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded to the overall winners of the half marathon – both men and women:

1st place – €300
2nd place – €220
3rd place – €170
4th place – €130
5th place – €100
6th place – €80
Age-group winners, the top finishers in the 10 km race, as well as the youngest and oldest participants will also receive awards.

Every participant who crosses the finish line will receive a special event medal. Compete for Your School or Team!

The Šiauliai Run is not only an opportunity to test your own strength, but also to compete for prizes awarded to the groups with the largest number of participants:

€500 – for the educational institution with the most participants (5 km)
€500 – for the team with the most participants (5 km)
€500 – for the organisation/sports club with the most participants in the half marathon
Gather your friends, family, colleagues or sports club members and become part of the celebrations marking the historic 790th anniversary of Šiauliai!

The running festival will take place in Šiauliai at 62 Vasario 16-osios Street. Registration is already open: http://www.begimotaure.lt/stages/206/registration

The project is funded by the Šiauliai City Municipality and organised by the Šiauliai Athletics and Health Promotion Centre. More information: https://lengvojiatletika.lt/

This article has been translated from Latvian to English using the help of ChatGPT AI.