The annual “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” will take place in Ķegums

Tomorrow, one of Latvia’s largest mass sporting events—the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens”—will take place for the ninth time at the world-renowned “Zelta Zirgs” track in Ķegums. Several thousand participants, both individually and in teams, will test their strength, perseverance, courage, determination and willpower by overcoming obstacles over distances of 5, 9 and 12 kilometres. 

The “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” is one of the best-known mass sporting events in the country, as last year the public recognised this first and only mass endurance race in the Baltics as the third most popular sporting event in Latvia. Thanks to its uniqueness, more and more people are ready to take on the racecourse, overcome dozens of obstacles and run through water and mud, thereby demonstrating the strength of solidarity, willpower, courage, energy and resilience. It is a positively emotional experience for every runner. 

As previously reported, the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” will take place over the entire weekend for the first time. On both Saturday and Sunday, participants will begin gathering at the motocross track from 9:00 a.m., when registration will take place. The ninth “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” will officially open on 27 May at 12:30 p.m. with everyone singing the national anthem together. Shortly before each group enters the course, a joint warm-up will take place. The barrier will fall, the starting gun will sound, and several thousand brave participants will set off towards adventure and their personal victory in the ninth “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens”.

On Saturday, the mud will be tackled by runners who have decided to test their strength on the new, five-kilometre course—the Scout Run. In the afternoon, at 3:00 p.m., the largest group of participants—the teams taking part in the traditional “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” distance (9 km)—will enter the course. On Sunday, the competition will begin at 11:00 a.m. and conclude with the final start at 2:30 p.m.

On the course, participants will once again have to face motocross-track jumps and hills of various sizes, overcome several bodies of water, and tackle more difficult sections through marshland, clearings and forest, especially the professional runners. The total distance for Elite-group runners is 12 kilometres, the medium course is 9 kilometres, and the shortest—the Scout Run—is 5 km. In total, 33 obstacles or combinations of obstacles must be overcome. These include the traditional “Glass Mountain”, while the most significant new feature is an impressive scaffolding structure. 

It is known that all previous years’ medallists and experienced participants will take part in the competition. A team from the National Armed Forces will also line up at the finish, together with almost 10 soldiers from Austria. Among the runners will also be several well-known public figures, including Dailes Theatre actors Gints Andžāns, Gints Grāvelis, Mārtiņš Počs and Ieva Florence, as well as Rio Olympic Games participant and swimmer Aļona Ribakova, among others. 

People from all over Latvia will compete in the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens”. Almost 20 municipalities have supported their residents’ desire to participate and represent their home regions. Students are also registering actively, with more than 20 team applications received. For the first time, young people competing in the Scout Run—the 5 km distance—will also be able to vie for the title of strongest school.

As everyone knows, this year the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” has become an OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) qualifying race for the first time, and almost 100 of this year’s best “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” participants aged 18 to 50 and over will be able to represent Latvia at the World Championships in Canada. The organisers have learned that the ASK PATRIA OCR team will also participate. It is the first professional team in this sport in our country, and its members have proven themselves in various OCR competitions both in Latvia and abroad. 

Special thought will be given to children. For the third year, the “Little Stipro skrējiens” will take place—an entertaining running competition for children up to 15 years old.  The course includes various interesting obstacles that must be climbed over, crawled under and crossed.  Taking part in the Little Stipro skrējiens will provide an opportunity for families to bond and for the children to test their strength.

For the first time, participants in the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” who complete the full distance will also receive a special commemorative medal this year. The winners will be presented with a trophy specially designed for the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens”. This year, the competition will not only be for the prize-winning places; the tradition established over the years will continue, with the strongest university, school, municipality and company teams being honoured, as well as the oldest participant. 

Forecasters predict sunny and warm weather for the weekend, so the organisers will also provide additional activities for spectators. Alongside watching and cheering on the race, visitors will be able to see the “People’s Strongman Championship” in person on Saturday, and Scottish Highland Games on Sunday, in which men will compete wearing Scottish kilts. Everyone will have the opportunity to eat and refresh themselves in the food area, as well as to discover the latest products and offers from the race’s supporters.

Registration for the “Betsafe Stipro skrējiens” is continuing. Teams can register until 6:00 p.m. today, 26 May, while individual participants can also register on the day of the competition. More information about the event is available at www.stiproskrejiens.lv. 

General sponsor: Betsafe. Supported by Sportland, Avesco, Nissan Norde,