Frequently Asked Questions

The World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, from September 30 and October 1, will feature three exciting courses for runners of all levels. The Half-marathon, 21km relay, 5 km, and mile races will not only serve as the showcase event for the world's elite road runners, but also for the first time will be open to the general public as a mass race. Run with the world, register now!

September 30, 2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Kids’ Day activities near Freedom Monument

October 1, 2023
10:00 AM - 5 km Mass Race starts (time limit: 1.5 hours)
11:30 AM - Road Mile Mass Race starts (time limit: 30 minutes)
11:50 AM - 5 km Women's Elite Race starts
12:15 PM - 5 km Men's Elite Race starts
1:00 PM - Road Mile Women's Elite Race starts
1:10 PM - Road Mile Men's Elite Race starts
1:30 PM - Half Marathon Women’s Elite Race starts
2:15 PM - Half Marathon Men's Elite + Mass Race starts (time limit: 3 hours)
2:15 PM - Half Marathon Mass Relay Race starts (time limit: 3 hours)

Any recreational runner who is ready for a challenge can register for any of the official mass races of the World Championships in Riga and earn a unique medal from the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

As organizers, we do not provide invitations or visas. Therefore, we encourage you to contact the responsible embassy or agency that deals with the processing of such documents.
Information regarding entry to Latvia: https://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/entry-latvia

Yes, it is possible to pay cash for registration at the EXPO. However, please note that for last-minute registrations, there will be an increase in prices.

Overall information about Riga: https://www.liveriga.com/en/visit
Public transportation in Riga: https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/en/
Transport from Riga Airport to city center: https://www.riga-airport.com/en/public-transport
Riga City Council: https://www.riga.lv/en
Emergency information: https://www.riga.lv/en/emergency-cases

If you cannot collect your race number during the EXPO working hours (September 29 - 30, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM), you have the alternative to avail an additional service through your registration profile - the last-minute number pick up. This service is priced at 5 euros (available for purchase until 10:00 AM on September 30th). Upon purchasing, you will need to retrieve your bib number at the Information Center located near the start and finish line at the 11th November Embankment.

EXPO is a place where you can collect your race number, purchase any last-minute essentials, and enjoy a great time with the running community.

World Athletics Road Running Championships EXPO:
When: Sep 29 – 30
Where: Hanzas Perons, Hanzas Street 16a, Riga
Opening hours: 10 am - 8 pm

Don't forget to bring a personal identification document and the registration confirmation letter with you - you will need to present them when picking up your start number.

To avoid unnecessary congestion and to ensure that the number pickup line moves quickly, we will only issue up to 5 numbers per person. If you want to pick up more (for example, for all your colleagues), sorry, but you'll have to queue again!

21km / 21km relay - 3 hours
5km - 1 hour and 30 minutes
Mile - 30 minutes

The race must be completed within the specified time limit in order to fully utilize the course and receive a medal. If you run longer than the allocated time, you will need to reach the finish line using the pedestrian sidewalk, and it should be noted that you may not receive a medal.

If the Road Mile and 5 km distances are too short for you, but the half-marathon distance is too long, the half-marathon relay is a great option. It allows two friends, colleagues, family members, or acquaintances to cover the full half-marathon distance by each running half or 10 km of it. For more information on the half-marathon relay race, click here.

During the 21 km mass race, you'll find energy points every 5 km. In total, there will be 4 energy points along the route. At these points, you'll be provided with water, isotonic water, and fruits such as bananas and oranges.

Just a note: The fruit options (bananas and oranges) will be available starting from the second energy point.

Yes, pacemakers will be running in the half-marathon distance and there will be four target times: 1h 30min, 1h 45min, 2h, 2h 15min.

Yes, you can! There is no entry fee for strollers.

No, in the World Road Running Championships all participants must be onsite to take part in the races.

Yes, the official World Road Running Championships Riga23 running t-shirts are available for purchase here. And you can retrieve the t-shirt from the EXPO.

You will be able to collect the T-shirt next to the race number pick-up area at the EXPO.

Please visit the Helpdesk at the EXPO with this question to understand if there are enough spare shirts and if you can exchange the size.

Yes, it is! In this situation please contact our client support via email: riga23@necom.lv.

After crossing a finish line in each mass race discipline, each participant will receive a medal given by a volunteer.

Yes, it is! In this situation please contact our client support via email: riga23@necom.lv.