📍 About Running Races
Running races are the most popular category of sports events in Lithuania. More than 50 official running events are held in the country each year, with tens of thousands of runners participating. From 5 km to ultramarathons — everyone will find their distance.
This calendar presents the main 2026 running races in Lithuania.
🏆 Marathons and Half Marathons
| Event | Date (2026) | Rank | Distance | No. of Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vilnius Marathon | September | Vilnius | 42/21/10/5 km | 15000+ |
| Kaunas Marathon | May | Kaunas | 42/21/10 km | 5000+ |
| Vilnius Half Marathon | April | Vilnius | 21/10/5 km | 5000+ |
| Klaipėda Marathon | October | Klaipėda | 42/21/10/5 km | 3000+ |
| Panevėžys Half Marathon | June | Panevėžys | 21/10/5 km | 2000+ |
| Šiauliai Half Marathon | August | Šiauliai | 21/10/5 km | 2000+ |
🏔️ Trail and Nature Runs
| Event | Date | Rank | Distance | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curonian Spit Trail | May | Neringa | 42/21/10 km | Dunes, forest |
| Aukštaitija Trail | June | Ignalina | 50/25/12 km | Forest trails |
| Žemaitija Trail | July | Plateliai | 50/25/12 km | Forest trails |
| Vilnius Trail | October | Vilnius | 30/15/7 km | Forest trails, parks |
| Neris Loops Trail | September | Kernavė | 21/10 km | Coastal trails |
🎯 Specialized Runs
Night Runs
Vilnius Night Run (June), Kaunas Night Run (August). Routes are illuminated, unique atmosphere.
Christmas Runs
In December in all major cities. Runners often dress up in Christmas costumes.
Business Runs
Lithuanian Business Run — team competitions for companies (June, Vilnius).
Obstacle Courses
OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) — “Kariuomenė kviečia” and other obstacle course races across Lithuania.
💪 Preparation for Running Races
How to prepare for your first run:
- Start training 8–12 weeks in advance (depending on the distance)
- Follow a training plan — combine long, tempo, and interval runs
- Test nutrition before running — nothing new on race day!
- Get enough sleep before the race — 7–8 hours of sleep are essential
- On race morning: light breakfast 2–3 hours before, water before the start
🙋 FAQ
Biggest running races in Lithuania?
Vilnius Marathon (September) — over 15,000 participants, 4 distances.
How much does it cost to participate in a run?
5 km — €10–20, half marathon — €20–35, marathon — €30–50. Early registration is cheaper.
Can you run without a license?
Yes, all amateur races do not require an athlete's license.