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 Riga suburbs for the fifth consecutive year; this time, unlike in previous years, it will start in the height of summer. The high-level cycling competition will once again bring together both professional cyclists and a host of other enthusiasts of the sport in various age and qualification groups. Everyone interested is invited to test their strength in one of 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 cycling race Paris–Roubaix, as the longer competition distances will run both along paved roads and on gravel surfaces, starting and finishing at “Bultas” in Ķekava Parish, next to the local sports club. The aim of this event, which has become an annual 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 residents and visitors to the municipality.
The 80-kilometre, action-packed Sport distance will be offered to marathon participants as the most challenging stage of the competition. It will be open to licensed athletes aged 18 and over. The widely popular 45-kilometre Public distance will also be available, 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 gather 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 competition 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 every year. The competition is attended not only by professional athletes, but also by amateurs, families with children and supporters 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, encouraging 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 beautiful summer landscapes,” comments Viktorija Baire, Chair of the Ķekava Municipal Council.
Throughout the day, visitors to the event venue will also be offered a variety of exciting entertainment options during the cycling marathon: mobile vendors’ stalls, competitions, fun attractions for children, DJ performances, energetic music and other entertaining 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 will carefully monitor the technical condition of the bikes. The event’s charismatic host, Ivars Bācis, will be responsible for maintaining a good mood and an invigorating sporting atmosphere during the competition.
You can register for the Ķekava cycling marathon by filling in 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 Public distance, EUR 12 for the Family distance, and EUR 6 for the Children’s race 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 option, competition participants are also offered VIP registration for EUR 99 in the Sport, Public and Family distances. This includes a personalised number, separate toilet facilities, 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 photograph from the competition, 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 Municipal Sports Agency, Löfbergs coffee, SIS and Torley.
