Event Guide
EVENT DATE, LOCATION AND DISTANCES
• Midsummer Challenge - Võsu 2026 takes place on 5 July 2026 in Võsu, Lääne-Virumaa
• Event centre, start and finish: End of Vabaduse Street, Võsu Beach
• NEW! Family Run (1 km) start at 11:10
• Children's run starts (200–300 m) at 11:30
• 4 km and Neptunas 10 km starts at 12:30
• Virtual participation available from 1 June to 2 July 2026
COURSE AND AID STATIONS
• The course mainly follows the roadway towards Käsmu and returns via the light-traffic road towards Võsu. The final kilometre runs through Võsu town and a seaside light-traffic road
• The course may be completed by running, brisk walking, walking or Nordic walking
• The 4 km and Neptunas 10 km distances use electronic timing – the course is open for 2 hours from the first start (until 14:30)
• On the 10 km course, there are 3 aid stations (at 3 km, 6.5 km and 9 km). On the 4 km course, one aid station (at 3 km). All finishers receive Neptunas bottled water. Aid stations offer Neptunas water and Coca-Cola
• The course is signposted. Officials in reflective vests assist at turns
• The event takes place in a regular Sunday environment where non-participating people may also be on the route – safe passing is the participant’s responsibility
• The Neptunas 10 km course is measured using a combination of different GPS systems. No course certificate is provided (the 4 km course is approx. 4.4 km)
START PROCEDURE
• Starts take place in waves: 10 participants start every 8 seconds
• Neptunas 10 km participants start first, followed by 4 km participants
REGISTRATION
• Registration available at eestimaraton.ee until the event or until spots run out (limited capacity). Stebby payment available through the organiser’s website
• Registration follows the principle that each distance has a set number of places in various price tiers – the earlier you register, the cheaper ("early bird")
ENTRY FEES
• Children’s run: €3–6
• 4 km: €15–25
• Neptunas 10 km: €15–29
• Family Run (2–4 members, non-competitive): €5 per family
• VIRTUAL 4/10 km: €21
• VIRTUAL children’s run: €9
Note: A €1 payment system fee is added. VAT included. Virtual race fee includes results handling and medal postage.
START PACK COLLECTION
• Start materials issued on 5 July 2026 from 10:00–12:10 at the event centre, seaside side of Vabaduse Street
• Start pack includes at minimum a bib number with an electronic timing chip and safety pins
• To receive the start pack, you must know your bib number – available on eestimaraton.ee (Registered participants list) the day before the event
• Please bring an ID document
• Children’s bibs are issued based on name
EVENT CENTRE SERVICES & PAID PARKING
• At the event centre: separate changing tents for men and women, info desk, medical first aid, event host providing information
• Bag drop is paid – €2 (please bring coins)
• Portable toilets located 50 m from the event centre on Vabaduse Street
• No organised warm shower facilities – paid showers available at Võsu Sports Hall (approx. 800 m from the finish). Please call ahead: haljalarahvamaja.ee/kontaktid
• Parking in Võsu is paid from Eha Street to Simona Bridge on Rakvere Road. Mobile payment possible. More info: haljala.ee/tasuline-parkimine
TIMING AND RESULTS
• Timing provided by Nelson Timing OÜ
• Timing results may be contested up to 30 minutes after the event ends by submitting a written request at the info desk
• Final results confirmed within 7 days
• Direct link to results available via QR code on bib, at eestimaraton.ee and on organiser’s Facebook page
CHILDREN’S RUNS
• Children’s runs start at 11:30 near the event centre (end of Vabaduse Street, Võsu Beach)
• Pre-registered bibs issued based on name
• Children aged under 1 year up to 13 years may participate (incl.). Running hand-in-hand with parents is allowed
• Distances approx. 200–300 m on asphalt and forest paths
• Each child receives a bib number, energy recovery gift bag from sponsors and a midsummer medal
• All registered children wearing a bib may participate regardless of the specific age-group start time (the schedule is approximate)
• Exact age group schedule announced on-site
FAMILY RUN
• 2–4 members (no age limits)
• Non-competitive 1 km route: Võsu beach light-traffic road (start) – Vambola St – Mere St – Laine St – Võsu beach light-traffic road (finish)
• Aim: to move together and create shared memories. Families where adults run main distances and children do kids’ runs may complete it together
• No timing, no bib, no medal. One gift bag per family at the finish
• Organiser supports and secures the whole 1 km loop – photographer on the course
• Participation fee per family: €5
AWARDS AND SOUVENIRS
• Children’s run – medal and energy recovery gift bag
• 4 km and Neptunas 10 km – medal and energy recovery gift bag
• E-diploma and Viking Line bonus card for a trip to Finland
• Top 3 men and women in 4 km and Neptunas 10 km receive trophies; additional sponsor gifts possible (no cash prizes)
• Award ceremony at 13:50 at the event centre. Prize draw at 14:00 (3 × Ööjooks Fan Shop gift bags)
PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY
• Participants are responsible for their own health condition when starting
• By starting, the participant confirms adequate physical ability and agrees to seek help from volunteers or medical staff if needed (medical aid located at mid-course aid station and at start/finish area)
ORGANISER
Organised by MTÜ Rakvere Maraton in cooperation with Haljala Municipality and sponsors.
Official information channels: eestimaraton.ee and Facebook
Legal address & details: MTÜ Rakvere Maraton, Tähe 5, Rakvere 44314
Registry code: 80311257; VAT: EE101458865; SEB EE911010220117720014
Email: info@eestimaraton.ee
Organiser’s Rights
• If the event cannot be safely held on-site due to health risks, the event will be held as a virtual run. All participants will be moved to the virtual start list (no refunds)
• Organiser may cancel the event if increased health risks arise or national/local restrictions are imposed. In such cases, no entry fees or other costs will be refunded
• Organiser may adjust the event guide if needed
• Organiser may refuse entry to disruptive individuals
• Organiser may disqualify participants who do not follow the rules
• Organiser may use photos and videos taken at the event for marketing
• Organiser is not responsible for cancellation due to Force Majeure; entry fees are not refunded for reasons beyond organiser’s control
• Organiser is not liable for participant injuries during the event, preparation or departure
• Organiser is not responsible for the timing service provider’s work
• Only official written protests are accepted until 5 July 2026 at 15:00. Protest fee €20. Response time up to 7 days. Fee returned only if the protest is approved
What are wave starts?
Wave starts, introduced at the Midsummer Challenge - Võsu in 2018, won the Running Innovation Award in 2019.
The aim is to reduce bottlenecks in the start corridor. From the very beginning, all runners can develop their own pace. Elite athletes and hobby runners may stand together at the start – without interfering with each other. Still, relaxed runners should avoid the earliest waves. Timing begins when crossing the start mats.
Interval starts enable running without disturbing local pedestrians. Participants can calmly pass parents with strollers or couples walking hand-in-hand.
