On July 26, Piltene will host the Latvian Championship in the 10 km road race, as well as the Ventspils Region Open Championship in the 10 km, 5 km, and mile (1609 m) road races, along with a 5 km Nordic walking event. These sporting activities will take place on the same day that Piltene – the only city in the Ventspils region – celebrates its 730th anniversary.
Children will also take part in the race, with their event starting at 12:00 PM. 12.00. Adults will have three starting times – the mile race will begin at 11:30 AM, the 5 km race at 1:50 PM, and the 10 km race along with the 5 km Nordic walking event will start at 2:00 PM. 14.00.
This will be the 10th Piltene Run, with its main supporter being the Ventspils Municipality, alongside several businesses and individuals who help ensure that participants receive prizes.
“The Piltene Run,” says event organizer Aigars Matisons, “is one of the public running events in the Ventspils region, and we’re eager to involve as many local residents as possible. This year, it’s also an anniversary run! The event coincides with Piltene’s 730th birthday celebration, and in honor of that, a new distance has been added – the mile, or 1609 meters. A special finisher’s medal will be created, featuring two significant numbers: 10 for the 10th Piltene Run and 730 for Piltene’s anniversary.”
The Latvian Athletics Association has entrusted the organizers with hosting the Latvian Championship 10 km road race. The course will wind through the center of Piltene, with a single lap measuring five kilometers and a vertical drop of five meters, making it a very fast course with the potential for excellent results.
An estimated 700 participants are expected to line up at the start on Saturday, July 26, and many of Latvia’s top runners are anticipated to compete in the 10 km race for national championship medals.
The top 100 fastest runners in the 10 km distance will receive large medals, while the remaining finishers will be awarded smaller ones. Additionally, the top 6 finishers in the 10 km race will be rewarded with cash prizes. There is also a cash prize for setting a new course record – €100 for men and €100 for women.
In all age groups, 1st to 3rd place winners will receive Ventspils Region Championship trophies and prizes from sponsors.
The names of the overall winners will be engraved on a special trophy donated to the event in 2016 by members of the Ventspils Regional Council.
In the 5 km race, the top 3 male and female finishers will be awarded cash prizes, while those placing 4th to 6th will receive sponsor gifts.
Nordic walkers (5 km) will also compete for Ventspils Region Championship trophies, with 1st to 3rd place awarded in both men’s and women’s categories.
A €50 cash prize is offered for setting a new course record – one for the men’s and one for the women’s competition.
In the mile race, 1st to 3rd place finishers in both men’s and women’s categories will be awarded.
Children’s race winners in 1st to 3rd place will receive Ventspils Region trophies and sponsor gift packs.
After the race, all participants will be treated to a meal of sausages and cabbage.
To conclude the event, runners will have the chance to take part in a raffle with valuable prizes up for grabs.
The organizers invite local entrepreneurs to come to Piltene and offer their products to runners and guests attending this festive celebration of running.
The rules of the event, registration and more information about the event and the participation fee are available on the website: www.sportlat.lv.
