Event Guide

• Lammasmäe Eesti Ööjooks - Rakvere takes place on June 12, 2026 in the city of Rakvere
• The start and finish are located next to Rakvere Sports Center (Kastani 12), on Kastani Street
• The event center (race materials, changing rooms, paid baggage storage, washing facilities and expo area) is located inside Rakvere Sports Center
• Sportland Half Marathon start at 21:00; Stebby 5 km and Costume Run start at 21:05; Neptunas 10 km start at 21:15
• Ville Viking children’s race starts begin at 19:00

 

 

• 15:00–20:30 Race kit distribution (Kastani 12)
• 19:00 Opening of paid baggage storage (2€ - bring coin)
• 19:00 Ville Viking children’s races (on Kastani Street)
• 20:30 End of race kit distribution (Ville Viking race kit distribution ends at 18:30)
• 21:00 ROYAL START: Sportland 21.1 km
• 21:05 FUN RUN START: Stebby 5 km and Costume Run
• 21:15 SPORT CHALLENGE START: Neptunas 10 km
• 22:50 Award ceremony inside the event center
• 00:00 Official closing of the finish (half marathon participants are welcomed at the finish and awarded a medal until 00:30)

 

• Participation is allowed only with a bib number worn on the chest and wearing a BLACK shirt (except children’s races, Costume Run participants, and white-shirt pacers in the half marathon). Participants may purchase a black sports shirt from the organizer during registration (paid additional product) or participate wearing any fully black shirt (including previous Eesti Ööjooks shirts, personal shirts, or newly purchased black shirts)
• CHECK shirt sizes before purchase – no exchanges later (same shirt model as in 2025)
• It is prohibited to complete the course and/or finish in a way that obstructs faster participants (especially holding hands or forming human chains at the finish). We strongly recommend avoiding participation with headphones – participants using headphones may not hear instructions from marshals and may deviate from the course. Participants using headphones are not eligible to submit protests. We apologize for these restrictions – they are implemented for participant safety
• In case the event is cancelled due to reasons beyond the organizer’s control, or if the participant withdraws (regardless of reason), the participation fee will not be refunded. Pre-purchased T-shirts, promotional items and gift cards are distributed only on-site at the event center until June 12, 2026 at 23:30. No later distribution or shipping will take place
• Virtual participation and result submission is possible from May 1 to June 8, 2026. The medal will be delivered to a Smartpost parcel locker (included in the participation fee). Shipping only within Estonia

 

TIMING AND RESULTS

• Electronic timing is provided for Sportland Half Marathon, Neptunas 10 km, Stebby 5 km and Costume Run
• Walking and Nordic walking are allowed on all distances (walkers and Nordic walkers must start from the last starting corral regardless of bib number). The finish closes officially at 00:00 (half marathon participants are welcomed until 00:30). Suggestions and remarks regarding timing, including protests, are accepted only until June 12, 2026 at 24:00
• Protests must be submitted in written form to the event center information desk. Protest fee is €20. Processing time is up to 7 calendar days. The fee is refunded only in case of a positive decision

 

REGISTRATION

• Registration follows the principle that each distance has a fixed number of entries with different price levels – the earlier you register, the cheaper the participation (“early bird” principle)
• Online registration is open until the event and while places are available: eestimaraton.ee
• Name changes, distance changes or participation type changes are possible until June 7, 2026. Changes are made via self-service and are a paid additional service: reg.ööjooks.ee
• Payment can be made using STEBBY funds. Various participation options are available for Sports Club and Telia SK members
• The Ööjooks shirt can be purchased as an additional product (€10)

 

ENTRY FEES

• Sportland Half Marathon: €19–35
• Neptunas 10 km: €17–35
• Stebby 5 km: €17–29
• Costume Run: €12–16
• Ville Viking children’s race: €3–6

• VIRTUAL 21.1/10/5 km: €19
• VIRTUAL children’s race: €9

NB! A €1 payment service fee is added. Participation fees include 24% VAT. The virtual race fee includes result management and medal delivery cost. Participation fees do not include the 2026 Ööjooks sports shirt (can be purchased as an additional product for €10)

 

RACE KIT DISTRIBUTION

• Race kit distribution (including sports shirt purchased as an additional product) is based on bib number (ID required): June 12, 2026 from 14:00–20:30
• Bib numbers will be published at eestimaraton.ee on June 10, 2026
• Ville Viking children’s race kits are distributed based on name (yellow children’s race tent in the event center) until 18:30
• Another participant’s race kit can be collected with a written authorization or by presenting their ID card or a copy of it and knowing the bib number
• IMPORTANT: The organizer ends race kit distribution for all distances at 20:30. Please arrive with sufficient time to feel comfortable before the start. Keep in mind that thousands of participants may arrive just before closing time – avoid queues and come earlier!
• Residents of Rakvere and nearby areas are kindly asked to collect race kits earlier and avoid evening queues

 

START AND COURSE ORGANIZATION

• Access to your start group is based on your bib number – follow signage in the corridor
• Participants are asked to be in the start corridor at least 10 minutes before their start
• Neptunas 10 km, Stebby 5 km and Costume Run participants complete one lap. Sportland Half Marathon participants complete 2 laps (10 km loop plus an additional marked section at the beginning of the first lap)
• Courses are illuminated by street lighting
• Sportland Half Marathon kilometer markers have a red background (every 5 km)
• Neptunas 10 km kilometer markers have a black background
• There are no separate kilometer markers on the Stebby 5 km and Costume Run distances
• On the 10 km loop there are 2 refreshment stations (approx. at 3 km and 7.5 km), and 5 km participants pass one of them (Tammiku Street). Sportland Half Marathon participants pass a total of 4 service points, plus an additional water point when starting the second lap (Kastani Street). All participants receive Neptunas bottled water at the finish
• The organizer asks all participants to maintain cleanliness at refreshment stations and use designated containers for cups

 

EXACT DISTANCE LENGTHS

• The Sportland Half Marathon course was measured in May 2025 and a course certificate has been issued (measurer and certifier: Karen Aau)
• The Neptunas 10 km course was precisely measured in May 2025. The course does not have a certificate (exact length 10.022 km. Measurer: Karen Aau)
• The Stebby 5 km and Costume Run course has been measured using GPS and is approximately 5.4 km

 

GOAL: ESTONIA’S BEST FIRST HALF MARATHON & PACERS

Pacers will once again assist participants in the half marathon. Experienced runners maintaining a steady finishing time allow participants to join them if they aim for a specific finish time and find it difficult to maintain a consistent pace alone
At the start you will find pacers for the following finish times: 1:30; 1:45; 2:00; 2:15; 2:30; 2:45 and 3:00. Pacers wear white shirts

NB! The finish is officially closed at 00:00 (3 hours after the half marathon start), but organizers will welcome later finishers until 00:30. Late finishers will also receive a medal, a warm hug and an official finish time. Come and complete your first half marathon in Rakvere!

 

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

• Participants are responsible for their own health condition when entering the course
• By starting, participants confirm they have sufficient physical ability to complete the course and will contact volunteers or medical staff in case of health issues (medical assistance is located at the event center and service points – additional mobile medical staff are on the course)

Keep right! If you wish to move at a slower pace, stay on the right side of the course so faster participants can pass on the left
Pets! Participation with pets is prohibited
Please note! Choose a suitable pace to ensure a good feeling during and after the race and to avoid health issues. Completing the course is entirely at the participant’s own responsibility

 

AWARDS, PRIZES, E-DIPLOMA, MEDAL, SHIRT

• Downloadable e-diploma
• Energy-restoring gift bag
• Medal (including Ville Viking children’s race)
• It is possible to purchase a technical, quick-drying Eesti Ööjooks sports shirt in addition to the registration fee (size must be selected during registration). The shirt will be available at the event center on June 12, 2026. The selected size cannot be changed upon collection. Shirts are distributed only until June 12, 2026 at 23:30. No shipping is provided. After this time, the participant loses the right to claim the shirt
• Viking Line rewards participants with a bonus card for a trip for two from Tallinn to Helsinki and back (passenger fee applies)
• The top 3 women and men in the Sportland Half Marathon and Neptunas 10 km overall standings are awarded trophies and monetary prizes
• The top 3 women and men in the Stebby 5 km are awarded a Stebby gift card and a trophy
• Award ceremony takes place at 22:50 in the event center. Come and support!

 

MEDAL ENGRAVING

• After finishing, it is possible to engrave your result on the back of the medal at the event center. Fee: €7. Engraving takes a couple of minutes

 

SHOWERS, BAG STORAGE, CHANGING, PARKING

• Paid baggage storage (€2) is open from 19:00 until the end of the event. All stored bags and clothing not collected by participants after the event will be disposed of by the organizer. BRING A COIN!
• The organizer is not responsible for valuables left in the baggage storage. Use of the storage is at the participant’s own responsibility
• Toilets are located inside Rakvere Sports Center. Outdoor toilets are located in the Sports Center parking area
• Changing rooms for men and women are available inside the Sports Center
• Shower facilities are available after the event at the Sports Center for a fee (€3, tickets from the administrator)
• Parking takes place in the city according to valid parking regulations. Participants must consider the duration of the event and the fact that during the race it is not allowed to leave a parking spot by vehicle if it is located on an active course section (see course map)
• Parking is prohibited on Kastani and Spordi streets

 

VILLE VIKING CHILDREN’S RACES

• Ville Viking children’s races take place next to Rakvere Sports Center on Kastani Street on June 12, 2026. Starts begin at 19:00 under the red Sportland arch
• Registration is open online at ööjooks.ee until the event or until places are filled (1200 spots)
• Pre-registered participants receive bibs at the event center (yellow children’s race tent) based on name – residents of Rakvere and nearby areas are encouraged to collect earlier to avoid queues
• Children from under 1 year old up to 13 years old may participate (can run hand-in-hand with parents)
• Distance is approximately 300 m. The race runs on asphalt and in the Kastani Street park area
• Participants receive a bib sticker, sponsor gift bag, medal, and Ööjooks experience
• Exact age group schedule will be announced on-site. Start from 19:00

• IMPORTANT: Children’s race kits are distributed only until 18:30!
All registered participants wearing a bib may participate regardless of arrival time. The schedule is approximate and races may finish earlier than planned. One registration – one race!

 

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

• Due to the Eesti Ööjooks event, traffic changes will take place in Rakvere on June 11–12
• Roads along the course will be closed to general traffic on June 12, 2026 from 20:30–24:00: Kastani–Karja–Kunderi–Tammiku–Pikk–Posti–Vene–Saue–Võidu–Karja–Kastani–Olevi–Mäe–Seene–Maasika–Kooli–Spordi
• From June 11, 2026 at 18:00 until June 12 at 24:00, Kastani Street between Silla Street and F. G. Adoffi Street is closed (both directions – parking prohibited)
• The event is based on a permit issued by Rakvere City Government on March 9, 2026 (permit no. 2-3/26/122)
• It is prohibited to leave parking areas located along the race course during the event if it endangers participants

 

BLACK SHIRT RULE

Since 2014, Eesti Ööjooks starts in Rakvere have taken place in sports shirts provided by the organizer, with a design and color changing each year. This requirement has been implemented to create a sense of unity and enhance the experience from start to finish
The rule has applied to all distances (except Costume Run, children’s races, and half marathon pacers). Participants not complying will be disqualified and no finish time will be recorded. No medal will be awarded

From 2025, to celebrate the 15th edition and allow more participants to join, it is possible to participate more affordably – in your own shirt, provided it is completely BLACK

 

By participating with your own shirt, you receive a €10 discount (the cost of the organizer’s shirt). This also helps reduce environmental impact
NB! If you later decide to purchase the 2026 shirt, it can be bought at the event center (Rakvere Sports Center, Kastani 12) for €10. Availability of sizes is not guaranteed

What is considered black?

Participants are asked to respectfully choose appropriate shirts and avoid borderline colors (patterned or questionable shades). If we say black, we mean BLACK. Not grey, not brown, not dark blue

Can shirts have prints and different cuts?

Yes. Sleeveless, long-sleeve, or T-shirts are allowed. Supportive or team-related prints are also allowed (e.g., Fazer Team, Rakvere Private Gymnasium, Tammed family). Messages must comply with laws and respect all groups

Who is exempt?

Costume Run participants, children’s races, and half marathon pacers

In summary

Wearing your own black shirt is optional. If you prefer the official event shirt, select it during registration (€10)
CHECK SHIRT SIZES BEFORE SELECTING ON THE ORGANIZER’S WEBSITE (same model as 2025). No exchanges on-site

 

COSTUME RUN

Why participate in costume?

To bring joy to yourself and others. To turn a sports event into a fun and joyful movement celebration. Speed is not important – experience is key

How to participate?

Arrive in a self-made or borrowed costume and complete the entire course in it. Pigs, Pippi, bees, wizards – anything you can imagine. Bib must be worn on the chest

What qualifies as a costume?

A wig alone is not a costume. The costume must be complete and clearly different from everyday or sportswear. Participants registered for the Costume Run but not wearing a costume will be disqualified – no time or medal

 

BIGGEST FAN SHOP

High-quality products from previous seasons at big discounts or “half-price” (hoodies, sweatshirts, mugs, reflectors, pens, sunglasses, sauna towels, race shirts, caps, bathrobes, etc.). Attractive new products at good prices for fans: backpacks, wind jackets, socks, sauna towels, belt bags, special edition jubilee shirts, children’s shirts, etc.

On-site you can buy both the 2026 #FULL OF POWER black sports shirt and the special edition black and dark blue race shirt (with bib). Shirts are made of moisture-wicking material and cost only €10

Reward yourself, refresh your wardrobe, or choose gifts for loved ones. Payment by cash or card. Shop open June 12, 2026, 15:00–00:00 at the event center (Kastani 12)

 

USE STEBBY FUNDS WHEN REGISTERING FOR ÖÖJOOKS

Employers’ Stebby funds can be fully used by employees. Show that you value the contribution provided by your employer. Payment via Stebby is convenient directly on the organizer’s website after filling out the registration form
• Stebby payment can only be made for yourself (Stebby account required)
• Only one Stebby payment per order (cannot use Stebby again for the same order after returning to the organizer’s website)
• Personal ID country must be Estonia

 

ÜLEMISTE ÖÖJOOKS MEGA OFFER IN RAKVERE

Register for the 7th Ülemiste Ööjooks on June 12, 2026 at the Rakvere event center and receive:
• Free children’s race shirt when registering for the Ülemiste children’s race (value €5)
• Free Ööjooks special edition black or dark blue race shirt (with bib) for other on-site distances (August 14 or 15, 2026) (value €10)
Come and register the whole family on-site – such an offer is hard to find elsewhere!

 

VOLUNTEER – THANK YOU WITH SHIRT AND MEDAL

Want great emotions and to help make Rakvere’s big event a success?
Join the Ööjooks team and organize the best Ööjooks together

Tasks: refreshment points on the course, race kit distribution and baggage storage at the event center, gift bag preparation and distribution, start and finish support, etc. All on June 11–12, 2026

Need a report for school volunteer activity? We can provide a signed confirmation. Email: info@eestimaraton.ee
Volunteers are recognized with a shirt, medal, and the energy of all participants. See the result of your contribution: happy Ööjooks participants at the finish!

 

EXPERIENCE POINTS ALONG THE COURSE

On the 10 km loop there are 20+ experience points of varying density. The highest concentration is in the first 5 km, which all participants pass
You will find city orchestras, Virumaa Boys’ Choir, Esthetics and Dance School supporters, ELKE, Tarva fan club, Vallo Vildak and Olga Sard drumming, DJs, Amici, JJ Street and Alima dance troupe dancers, Hele-Riin Uib and Taiko drumming, Narva fire artists, Teno Kong on keyboards, Police Museum, Selja-Jaama JAM Group, and more

 

Don’t forget to wave to the musicians and dancers who bring joy and make the day memorable

 

ORGANIZER CONTACT AND RIGHTS

• Eesti Ööjooks is organized by MTÜ Rakvere Maraton in cooperation with the city of Rakvere and other sponsors
• Official info channels: ööjooks.ee and Facebook page: Ööjooks
• Legal address and details: MTÜ Rakvere Maraton, Tähe 5, Rakvere 44314. Registry code: 80311257; VAT: EE101458865; SEB EE911010220117720014, info@eestimaraton.ee
• The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the guide as needed
• The organizer reserves the right to prohibit entry to the race area or start for participants disturbing others
• The organizer reserves the right to disqualify participants at the finish who do not follow the rules, including the black shirt requirement
• The organizer may use all photos and videos taken during the event for marketing purposes
• The organizer is not responsible for event cancellation due to Force Majeure (e.g., virus outbreaks, pandemics, natural disasters, military action). No refund will be given for cancellation due to reasons beyond the organizer’s control
• The organizer is not responsible for the work of the company providing timing services
• Only officially submitted written protests will be accepted at the secretariat (information desk). Protest fee €20. Processing time up to 7 days. Fee refunded only if protest is upheld