Over 20 000 recreational enthusiasts have registered to SEB Tallinn Marathon 2014, which takes place on September 14th. This year the number of people running the marathon is outstanding – over 2100 people have registered, which means that Tallinn Marathon 2014 will be the biggest marathon in the Baltics yet.
The favourites include Ethiopian runner and SEB Tallinn Marathon 2013 winner Tesfaye Dadi Beyene, running his first ever marathon in Tallinn, Kenyan runner Ibrahim Mukunga Wachira, who is also the leader of Selver City Runs. Running for the Estonian Championship title are Kaupo Sasmin, Sergei Tšerepannikov and Ilja Nikolajev. Among females, a potential winner is Evelin Talts, who is also a favourite for the national title. Talts also won the SEB Tallinn Marathon in 2012.
The main favourite on the half marathon track is Jacob Kiplagat Yator from Kenya. Among Estonians, Roman Fosti will be the main competitor for Yator. The potential winners among females are two-time New York marathon winner Jeļena Prokopčuka from Latvia, Natalja Sokolova from Russia and Jekaterina Patjuk from Estonia. Many Estonian well-known persons will also run the half marathon, including politician Rainer Vakra and CEO of Eesti Energia Sandor Liive.
SEB Tallinn Marathon 10-kilometre distance also features some well-known names, including discus thrower Aleksander Tammert, and TV-journalists Piret Järvis and Indrek Treufeldt. Among the favourites on the 10-kilometre track are sister Liina and Lily Luik. Male favourites on the distance are Tiidrek Nurme, Priit Aus and Allar Lamp.
Mati Lilliallik, the main organizer of SEB Tallinn Marathon, said that this year people are showing great interest against marathon and half marathon distances. However all the organizers stress that it is important to choose the appropriate running tempo – one that takes into consideration each individuals running abilities. “If you have even the smallest doubt about your physical form, you should contact your GP or sports doctor. During the run, you should also listen to your body, definitely take something to drink from the water stops on the running route, if necessary, slow down the tempo and also do not hesitate to ask help from professional medics, who observe the entire running track. Every runner should get a good sleep before the big day, since our bodies need to be rested for the track,” said Lilliallik.
14th of September, the day of SEB Tallinn Marathon, is preceded with entertainment programme, sports market, and children and youth races on Saturday. Sports market EXPO, where people can check their health, look at new sports equipment, purchase sporting goods and ask for advice from professionals, is open at Vabaduse Square between 12-19. Everyone is also welcomed to register to next year’s SEB Tallinn Marathon, which takes place on September 13th 2015. It is also possible to register for many Estonian and foreign sports events. At 1 o’clock, the start for Mesikäpa children’s race is given and at 5, for the first time all youngsters can run the Nike youth race.
At 17.30 on Saturday, Estonian singers Koit Toome and Getter Jaani will take the stage at Vabaduse Square and premise the opening ceremony of SEB Tallinn Marathon 2014. At 6 o’clock, the favourites are given their numbers and this year’s marathon is announced open. After that, Estonian singers Ott Lepland, Liis Lemsalu and Voldemar Kuslap will take the stage.