The annual Ķekava cycling marathon is expected at the end of July
On 29 July, the popular Ķekava cycling marathon will take place in the vicinity of Riga for the fifth consecutive year. This time, unlike in previous years, it will start at the height of summer. The high-level cycling competition will once again bring together both professional cyclists and numerous other enthusiasts of the sport in various age and skill groups. Everyone interested is invited to test their abilities in one of the four distances, competing for valuable prizes and spending the weekend on an active and positive note.
In the context of Latvia’s sporting life, the Ķekava cycling marathon is a unique event. This year, too, its exciting Ķekava–Daugmale–Baldone–Ķekava route will be comparable to that of the legendary one-day cycle race Paris–Roubaix, as the competition’s longer distances will run both on paved roads and gravel surfaces, starting and finishing at “Bultas” in Ķekava Parish, near the local sports club. The aim of this annual event, which has become a tradition, is to promote cycling in Ķekava and throughout Latvia, raise the skill level of local cyclists, and encourage an active and healthy lifestyle among the municipality’s residents and visitors.
The most challenging event for cycling marathon participants will be the 80-kilometre Sport distance, in which licensed athletes aged 18 and over may participate. The popular 45-kilometre People’s distance will also be offered, allowing participants to compete either individually or as part of a team. The unifying Family distance parade (10 km) will traditionally bring together the most active and creative families from all regions of Latvia, while the Children’s distance (0.5–1 km) will welcome the youngest, though no less determined, cyclists at the start of the day. As usual, the highest-performing participants will receive cash prizes and other valuable awards from the organisers and supporters.
“The Ķekava cycling marathon is one of the most important events in the sporting life of Ķekava Municipality, attracting an ever-growing number of participants each year. The competition is open not only to professional athletes, but also to amateurs, families with children and advocates of an active lifestyle. It is therefore a real pleasure that more and more people are choosing to spend their free time in a healthy and active way. As the municipality develops sports infrastructure in Ķekava Municipality, residents are making very active use of the opportunities provided, and this encourages us to continue working to improve this area. I am confident that the Ķekava cycling marathon will be an excellent event where sporting excitement can be combined with discovering the municipality and enjoying the beautiful summer scenery,” comments Viktorija Baire, Chair of the Ķekava Municipality Council.
Throughout the day, visitors to the event venue will also be offered a variety of exciting entertainment during the cycling marathon: mobile food and merchandise stalls, competitions, fun activities for children, DJ performances, energetic music and other enjoyable activities. In addition, to ensure the well-being of the competitors, thirst-quenching mineral water will be available at several points along the route, while a bicycle service team will carefully monitor the technical condition of the bicycles. The lively event host Ivars Bācis will help create a good mood and an energetic sporting atmosphere during the competition.
Registration for the Ķekava cycling marathon is available by completing the form on the website www.maratoni.lv. For registrations completed by 14 July, the entry fee is EUR 40 for the Sport distance, EUR 25 for the People’s distance, EUR 12 for the Family distance, and EUR 6 for the Children’s ride for the youngest participants aged up to 12. From 15 July and on the day of the competition, the registration fee will increase for all distances. This year, as a new feature, participants can also opt for VIP registration at EUR 99 for the Sport, People’s and Family distances. This includes a personalised race number, separate toilets, VIP parking, professional consultations, a sports nutrition package, a preparatory training session with professional athletes and leading coaches, a place in the first starting corral, a commemorative race photograph, and the special “Ķekava Gravel” prize.
The competition is organised by SIA “Alpha Baltic Sport” in cooperation with Ķekava Municipality and the Latvian Cycling Federation. Supported by: Ķekava Poultry Farm, the Ķekava Municipality Sports Agency, Löfbergs coffee, SIS and Torley.
